NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – Hardware stores across the North and Grand Strand are struggling to keep winter weather supplies in stock as back-to-back weeks of winter weather drive residents to search for snow removal equipment.
Local retailers are working with limited inventory designed for a region that rarely sees snow conditions. Stores are selling garden shovels, sand and pool salt as alternatives to traditional winter gear.
Stores turn to summer supplies
Hardware stores have started selling pool salt as a replacement for ice melt because it works effectively against ice and snow. The sand provides traction on ice that can be swept up after the ice melts.
Steve Isbell, store manager at Ace Hardware in North Myrtle Beach, said demand quickly outpaced supply…