For Flashlight Seekers, Light at Tunnel's End

The Wantagh 5 & 10 on Wantagh Avenue is filling a void left by big box stores in Nassau County; flashlights.

The local strip mall shop is carrying single and two-packs of handheld flashlights, complete with necessary D batteries. One is selling for $4.99, while the two-pack goes for $8.99.

According to store manager, Paul, they've probably sold close to 400 flashlights already on Friday.

"But I couldn't even give you a count on batteries," he added.

While they still had AA and AAA batteries in stock, they were expecting a shipment from Pennsylvania of size C and D, as well as more flashlights, later in the day.

"You can't find any in New York or New Jersey," Paul said.

Another hot ticket item was masking tape, which is priced at $1.19.

"I was trying to think of a place that might still be selling flashlights," one Bellmore resident said while standing on the checkout line.

The store will remain open until 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. As for Sunday - "who knows what's going to happen," Paul said.