NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio — Dale Smith, the manager at the North Olmsted Ace Hardware, says stores are seeing a surge in painting supplies as people are using the added time at home to get those home improvement projects done.
Smith says they’re taking added safety measures inside the store to keep their customers safe and help prevent the spread of any germs.
Store employees are required to wipe down all counter tops and common areas at least three times a day. Other stores we talked to are even going so far as restrict customers to stay at the counter.
Since Governor Mike DeWine ordered all non-essential businesses to close earlier this month; hardware stores are one of the “essential businesses” people are allowed to go.
Keeping things in stock has become a challenge for business owners.
“Our buyers are sourcing other companies to see if they can get it somewhere else,” Smith said. “But as far as inventory in our warehouse, it’s pretty much depleted. We’re staying on top of it trying to get whatever we can.”
Painting supplies have been the priority right now, Smith said, but shoppers are also stocking up on fertilizer. People are still trying to get their yards ready for the spring and summer months.
