Montvale, New Jersey – Stuart Nixon, owner of Montvale Hardware, has been in the hardware business for over 20 years. Throughout his years as a businessman, he has seen many trends come and go. However, there is one trend that has caught him completely by surprise. According to Nixon, he has never seen a demand for salt like this ever before.
Located just a few miles from the bustling city of New York, Montvale Hardware has always been a go-to for locals when it comes to their hardware needs. From tools and equipment to plumbing and electrical supplies, Nixon’s store has it all. But one product seems to have taken center stage recently – salt.
Nixon recalls the days when a truckload of salt would last him an entire season. However, this winter, that truckload was gone in just one week. “I couldn’t believe it. People were coming in and buying salt in bulk. I had never seen anything like it,” Nixon says with a smile.
The demand for salt has been steadily increasing over the past few years due to the harsh winters that the Northeast region of the United States experiences. But this year, it seems to have reached an all-time high. With record-breaking snowfall and below-freezing temperatures, residents of Montvale and its surrounding areas have been stocking up on salt to keep their driveways and sidewalks safe.
As a hardware store owner, Nixon has always been prepared for the winter rush. But this year, he had to think outside the box to keep up with the unprecedented demand. “I had to call in additional shipments of salt from my suppliers. I even had to hire extra staff to help with restocking and managing the influx of customers,” Nixon shares.
But despite the sudden surge in demand, Nixon and his team have managed to keep up with the needs of their customers. “We want to make sure our customers are taken care of. We understand the importance of salt during these winter months, and we want to ensure that everyone has access to it,” Nixon says with a sense of pride.
The demand for salt has not only affected hardware stores but also grocery stores and supermarkets in the area. Residents have been stocking up on salt for both their homes and businesses. “We have seen a significant increase in the purchase of salt, especially from our commercial customers. They need salt not only for their driveways but also for their parking lots and sidewalks,” Nixon explains.
The sudden demand for salt has also led to an increase in price. However, Nixon has made sure to keep the prices at a reasonable level for his customers. “We don’t want to take advantage of the situation. Our goal is to provide quality products at fair prices,” he says.
Apart from the usual salt that is used for de-icing, Nixon has also seen a rise in the purchase of rock salt, which is typically used for melting ice on roads and highways. “I have never sold this much rock salt in my entire career. It’s a bit overwhelming, but it’s also exciting to see the demand for our products,” Nixon shares.
As winter continues to take its toll on the Northeast, Nixon is confident that the demand for salt will continue. He is also grateful for the support and loyalty of his customers, who have trusted him for their salt needs. “I couldn’t have imagined this kind of demand, but it’s been a great experience. I am grateful for the support of our customers, and I am proud of my team for their hard work in meeting this demand,” Nixon concludes.
As the winter season continues, the demand for salt in Montvale and its surrounding areas is expected to remain high. And with Nixon and his team at Montvale Hardware working tirelessly to meet this demand, residents can rest assured that they will have access to the salt they need to keep their homes and businesses safe.