Impending Storm Means Increased Traffic for Local Hardware Store

It was the lull before the storm around 9 a.m. Thursday when customers started trickling three and four at a time into Schauer's Hardware Store.

"Once the rain stopped folks decided to make a break for it and come in. We expect a flood of traffic this afternoon," said Corinna Jantz, manager at Schauer's, 7449 W Madison St.

What was on their shopping list that hour? Certainly not Wellies.

No, salt and shovels.

With the National Weather Service issuing a winter storm warning for later this afternoon and anywhere from 2 to 6 inches of snow predicted to fall, folks want to get ready. The storm will end a record stretch of 290 days without snow in the Chicago area, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Traffic is likely to be busy until closing at 7 p.m.

The salt that could be a big seller is the best salt is Safe Step. It's an ice melter, Jantz said. It doesn't damage the concrete, works better in colder temperatures and not as much is needed. 

"It's good for pets; it doesn't burn their paws," she said.

People are also going to come in to buy sand. It works better on new concrete, and a 60-pound bag or two in a trunk can provide better traction for cars.

Schauer doesn't rent snow blowers, but they are for sale. Folks don't seem to make the investment "until the first snow flakes start to fall," she said.