WOODINVILLE, Wash. — As snow falls throughout Western Washington, hardware stores are reporting a substantial increase in the sales of weather-related supplies.
“In Western Washington, it snows, then it rains, and there’s ice and the powerlines come down. You have to be ready,” said hardware store shopper Shelly Mottaz.
In the last few days alone, sales of winter supplies at McLendon Hardware in Woodinville have increased 30%.
“We were basically out (of shovels) this morning. Then, 10 a.m. hit and deliverers came and we loaded it up,” he told KIRO 7.
As a result, managers like Adam Andrews are making a serious effort to stay stocked.
In years past, Andrews says shoppers would start stocking up on supplies in October.
This fall, though, October weather was remarkably warm, meaning many people put off winter preparations until the last minute.
“It’s the quick reactions. As soon as you hear (of snow), people say, ‘Let’s go down and get it right now,’” Andrews noted.
In the process, shoppers not only prepped for cold conditions, but also for Christmas.
“The snow came out and we’re like, ‘Let’s go get lights and a tree today! Let’s do it,” said shopper Crystal Ager.
“Holiday lights and heat. That’s what I live for this time of year,” added Mottaz.
From here on out, Andrews told KIRO 7 he expects to restock the shelves every couple of days these next few months.