Residents in South Jersey are gearing up for another snowstorm, and many are finding it tough to get the supplies they need. After recent storms, stores have seen shelves run low on essentials like rock salt and ice melt.
Eric Davies from Cherry Hill shared his frustration. “I’m so ready for spring,” he said, reflecting the sentiment of many who just want to open their windows and enjoy some fresh air.
As the snow approaches, people are stocking up. Deanna Francesconi went to Westmont Ace Hardware, concerned about the dwindling supplies. “I told my family we should go now because it’s only going to get worse,” she explained.
Bill Getzinger, the owner of Westmont Ace, noted a big spike in demand. “People are starting to panic a little bit,” he said. His shop had one pallet of ice melt left on Friday night before selling out completely.
In Camden, Cartun Hardware has faced even tougher challenges. Owner David Garrison revealed that they had completely run out of salt. “Our suppliers can’t keep up with this winter’s unusually high demand,” he said. He received notice that 22 out of 25 salt brands were out of stock early in January.
Garrison pointed out how this year’s salt usage has exploded. They’ve sold around 19 tons this winter, compared to just 6 tons last year. “Last year, we barely touched our supply,” he added. Even recent shipments meant to arrive didn’t make it, leaving shoppers looking for alternatives.
This season’s supply challenges bring back memories of harsh winters from the past. During winter 2014, for example, many faced similar shortages. The situation today, however, feels even more pressing due to supply chain issues that many businesses continue to grapple with.
As people brace for the storms, they’re also getting creative. Garrison mentioned that garden shovels have become a hot item too. “We’re selling out of our entire spring order just to help people manage the ice,” he said.
Amid all this, the community is responding on social media. People are sharing tips, venting frustrations, and even swapping finds as they try to prepare for what’s ahead.
For more insights, you can check the National Weather Service for the latest forecasts and safety tips.
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