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Hardware Stores Busy as People Make Last-Minute Storm Preparations

A third Nor'easter is barreling towards New England, promising to drop a foot of snow on some of the hardest hit areas by previous storms in recent weeks.

Small business hardware stores in Southeastern New Hampshire, including Nashua and Manchester, say people tend to wait to the last minute to prepare, mainly because they are used to these repeat storms.

"I'm just tired of it," said one shopper at LeBlanc True Value Hardware store in Manchester.

The weariness is one reason why people wait to prepare.

"Just like people running to grocery store for bread and milk," Belletetes Manager Mike Asel said. "Some people might call and need large quantities of salt or calcium, seeing what we have left for shovels or snow blowers."

Adele said those same people come looking for whatever's left in the heat of the storm.

After this recent string of storms, Belletetes inventory for items like generators, shovels, and snow blowers is thin.

Phil Leblanc in Manchester at Leblanc True Value Hardware said he plans to be ready for those who prepare at the last minute.

"We've got ice melters, we sell propane and flashlights," Leblanc said.

People that do think agreed said after three storms most of their preparation is minor.

"We want to put ice down in the driveway so you don't slip and fall."

Asel said this storm is just plain karma from Mother Nature.

"March is a very cruel month," Donna Bushee said. "You never know what you're going to get."

Belletetes plans to be open for normal business hours and will only close if the weather becomes too dangerous.

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