Certain snow blowers are hard to find this winter.

SALT LAKE CITY — As Utahns prepared for a second snowstorm in just under a week, hardware stores were busy stocking shelves emptied by the last round of snow.  

While most items are out and ready to buy, there is one specific item that people may have a hard time tracking down. 

Waves of customers showed up at the Harris Ace Hardware at Brighton Pointe Tuesday afternoon, in search of winter supplies. 

Some came for shovels, while others needed snow scrapers. A woman looked over ice melt options, and a husband and wife asked a store associate about snowblowers.  

Meanwhile, a set of employees moved in and out of the back storage room, to restock bags of ice melt on a center aisle display and hang ice scrapers up on hooks.  

They carted around supplies and wheeled out snowblowers that just arrived Monday. Owner John Harris explained that they were wiped out of snow shovels and snow melt within a 48-hour period last week.  

Many came into the store to purchase what was on the shelves, while others made orders online to pick up. 

“My team and myself are diligently working to restock and be prepared for what’s to come over the next few days,” Harris said. “We are fully back in stock on snow shovels, snow melt, snow scrapers, windshield washer fluid, and even heaters for the cold snap of weather that’s coming.”  

He added that they are also making sure to carry enough hand warmers, emergency roadside assistance kits, jumper cables, chains, kerosene, fire starters, and firewood for people to purchase.  

While they’re all good on those essentials, he explained why buying a snow blower may be a little difficult– depending on the model customers want.  

“There is some stock issues that we have faced,” he said. Harris described that some snow blowers are on backorder until the end of January.  

“Manufacturers are still getting caught up from the pandemic,” Harris said. “Certain components, it may not be the entire snow blower, but may be a component or part that they need to finalize the assembly of that snow blower, and so they’re all backed up.”  

Some customers are willing to wait for the specific model they want, but Harris indicated that they won’t be left in the cold.  

“We do have other choices here at the store to fill that need if it’s an emergency or a must-have today,” Harris said.  

That’s why he recommended people stock up early and buy extra supplies, so they aren’t scrambling when it snows. 

“I think preparation is key,” Harris said. “The more diligent you are about being prepared, the easier it’ll be, and you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays.”