Shoppers prepare for snowstorm

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — As our weather team has told you, we have lots of snow headed our way.

News10NBC saw people stocking up on food and equipment earlier today. Local store managers told News10NBC Stephanie Duprey they prepare for storms months in advance, so they have enough inventory to meet demand.

“I’m buying salt for my property and my parent’s property because of the snow that’s coming,” said Marlynn Butler, a shopper preparing for the snow.

“We did our winter planning in September every year in Rochester, so this should not surprise anyone,” said Jim Seitz, another shopper preparing for the storm.

Gloves, hats, snow shovels, salt – you name it – people were out snagging anything they could off the shelves, prepping for the snowstorm headed our way.


“We expect this every year, so we’re making sure we have the shelves stocked with snow shovels, ice melter and all the winter related products,” said Dennis McCarthy, manager at Mayer Hardware.

News10NBC asked people about any advice they have for others.

“Don’t wait until Sunday night to go to the grocery store, pick up supplies now and make sure you’re stocked,” Butler said.

The store manager of a TOPS food market on Mount Read Boulevard says he was surprised at how very few people were out doing their snow prep grocery shopping.

“There are a couple of things at play here,” said Dave Williams, manager at TOPS. “Number one is the Bills game in Western New York. It’s huge… there’s a lot of Bills fans. I think a lot of people are hunkering down having some house parties, also because of the bitter cold, and I think some people are just choosing to stay away.”

If you end up having to brave the storm to get supplies, our local stores say they’re prepared to meet the demand.

“Ordering extra product, especially the staples that people look for when there’s a storm: milk, bread, eggs, rock salt, windshield washer fluid – those types of things that are super high in demand when we’re looking at a major storm like this,” Williams said.