By Tim Jimenez

WEST CHESTER, Pa. (CBS) — With snow in our forecast, hardware stores across the Delaware Valley are hoping to put a dent into their inventories of the winter weather items already sagging their shelves.

The blizzards of a few years back feels like ages ago for Frank Eckley, who owns Parkway Hardware in West Chester.

“The snows that we’ve had have been very minimal, just dustings,” he says wistfully.  “We need a good snowstorm to sell shovels, salt, and winter goods.”

Along with his surplus in salt, shovels, and scrapers, he’s got a hundred sleds sitting in the back room.

Customers who came into the store today said they were getting prepared, too.

“Yeah, I have salt,” said Will from Oxford, Chester County.  “I have a snow blower ready to go if I need it.  I’ve got a driveway maybe 500 foot long or so.  So, I’m ready to go.”

Rather than a shovel, Sandy from West Chester was looking for a paintbrush.

“I’m painting, so I just want some sponge painters for corners!  And I’m going to make cookies this afternoon.  That’ll keep me busy if it snows,” she said.