South Jersey Residents Face Salt Shortages Ahead of Weekend Snowstorm
Residents across South Jersey are bracing for another winter storm, but finding essential supplies like rock salt and ice melt is proving difficult as stores grapple with shortages. The anticipated snowfall, potentially reaching up to a foot in some areas of the Philadelphia region, has spurred a surge in demand, leaving shelves bare and customers scrambling.
Supply Chain Issues and Depleted Stock
Hardware stores throughout South Jersey are reporting dwindling supplies of rock salt and ice melt. Cartun Hardware in Camden has already completely run out of salt, with owner David Garrison attributing the shortage to ongoing supply chain problems. “Early January, we got notice that 22 of the 25 different brands of salt were out for the season,” Garrison stated. “Right now, there’s no calcium, no blends, no pet safe available from the suppliers.”
Westmont Ace Hardware in Haddon Township is also experiencing significant shortages, with only one pallet of ice melt remaining as of Friday night. Owner Bill Getzinger noted a noticeable increase in customer anxiety. “People are starting to panic a little bit. The people that got shut out during the last storm, making sure they have their shovel, they have their salt, and are ready to go,” he said. By Friday night, Westmont Ace Hardware was completely sold out of salt.
Residents Prepare for Impact
The approaching storm has prompted residents to stock up on supplies whereas they can. Deanna Francesconi of Haddon Township visited Westmont Ace Hardware specifically to secure salt before it’s gone. “I said to him, ‘We’re gonna go today because the closer it gets to Sunday, the more they won’t have any more salt,’” she recounted.
Eric Davies of Cherry Hill expressed his frustration with the recurring winter weather. “Highly sick of it, ready for spring, that first nice day of being able to open the windows and get some fresh air in the house,” Davies said.
Increased Demand for Winter Tools
The demand isn’t limited to salt; stores are also seeing increased sales of winter tools. Garrison reported a complete sell-out of garden shovels. “We’ve sold out of our entire spring order of garden shovels in order to get through the ice and bricks that are out there,” he explained. Cartun Hardware has seen a significant increase in salt sales this winter, moving approximately 19 tons compared to 6 tons last year and just two bags the year prior.
Looking Ahead
As the region prepares for potentially heavy snowfall, residents are urged to take precautions and secure necessary supplies if possible. The combination of increased demand and supply chain issues presents a challenge for those hoping to stay ahead of the storm.