FLORISSANT, Mo. – As February’s first snowfall approaches, St. Louis residents are making sure they’re prepared and learning from last month’s sudden winter storms that left many scrambling for supplies.
Local hardware stores, including Handyman Hardware in Florissant, are seeing an influx of customers stocking up on essential winter gear. Store owner Dave Otto says his team anticipated the rush and ensured their inventory was well stocked.
“We always strive to have what the customer needs when they need it,” Otto told FOX 2. “Luckily, with our inventory level, we don’t run out. We had what they needed for the last storm all the way to the end, whether it be (snow) melt or snow shovels.”
As customers clear shelves of ice melt, shovels, and other winter necessities, store employees are working hard to keep up with demand. Despite the extra workload, Otto says the team embraces the challenge.
“It really energizes (us) because it becomes a group effort,” he said.
For longtime residents, the rush to prepare for snowfall has become an annual tradition, despite lighter averages the past few years. With the region’s unpredictable winter weather, many are choosing to stock up early rather than risk being caught off guard.
“Have some on hand,” Otto advises. “Don’t wait until it’s snowing out to go get it.”