WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Black Friday looked a little bit different for shoppers this year, as many filled their local hardware stores to prep for the first major snowfall of the year in the Milwaukee area.

"I'm doing snow prep," said shopper, Brian Earnster. "I've got both snow blowers gassed up ready to go and the final thing is getting some ice melt for after I clear the snow."

The Wauwatosa Ace Hardware store was filled with shoppers gearing up with all of the snow essentials.

"Being that it's Black Friday and the day before a big snowfall, we were not anticipating this much traffic," said Tommy Davis, the assistant manager at the Wauwatosa Ace Hardware store. "Our parking lot has been full the entire day."

Davis says Friday alone they served around 1,000 customers loading up on salt, snowblowers, and shovels.

"Snow shovels, you think you have enough, then you start digging into your back and then we have a little small warehouse," said Davis. "We are adapting. We have multiple stores, three stores. We are shuffling merchandise making sure everybody's got enough to last through when the storm starts.

After several years in the business, Davis's word of advice when it comes to the heavy snow is to always have an emergency kit ready in your car.

"Be ready and prepared for emergency situations with a blanket, some kind of water bottle, something to jump start your car," said Davis. "Something to make sure in an emergency situation and you are stranded somewhere you are able to survive until someone can get to you."

Shoppers say they are ready for what Mother Nature has to offer, eager to enjoy a snow day.

"I love it of course," said shopper, John Olsen. "We are in Wisconsin, why not."