HARRISBURG, Pa. — Amid the ring of the phone and register, Hornungs Hardware owner Patricia Davis had plenty of business coming through her door. She's welcomed customers, as 2024 welcomed the area with multiple rounds of winter weather.
"I sold out. I had to get some from my other store," Davis said standing in an aisle with snow shovels. "We had shovels down in the basement, brand new shovels in there for two years because we haven’t had any weather, haven’t had any snow."
That changed quickly, with snow rolling in Monday. It's the second snowstorm of the year, with another on the way later in the week.
Fully stocked, she says business is heating up. People are buying essentials for inside and outside.
"It’s a good idea to have some flashlights," Davis said. "Batteries are always a good thing."
From small items like gloves to larger and more expensive purchases like an electric snow blower, things that were hard to find a buyer for last year are becoming hot ticket items.
"We’ve sold quite a few of these," Davis said, demonstrating how the snow blower worked. "This is the snow blower everybody wants."
Pat says she’s going to make the most of it, even if the weather is unfavorable.
"I know the cold is uncomfortable, but I’m grateful for the snow," she said. "It’s good for hardware stores."
Davis says it's important to keep your car stocked up with simple items. Food, blankets, and water can all come in a pinch if you're stuck.
Many of Harrisburg's homeless have gotten items too, mostly things to keep them warm.