Winter storm 2026 triggers sales surge at Ace Hardware, Rural King, and Harbor Freight

This week, the e-commerce landscape has been particularly dynamic, with Rural King, Harbor Freight, Ace Hardware, and Jackery seeing strong sales driven by extreme winter weather. The January 21–25 Winter Storm “Fern”, which affected much of the United States and as estimated 140 million people and 17 states declared state of emergency, created urgent demand for hardware, power, and emergency supplies as consumers prepared for severe conditions and power outages. Several states were recommending people to get everything they need in advance of the storm and have a plan in case their power goes out. Here’s a closer look at the resulting ecommerce activity across 4 stores that helped people prepare for the storm.

This report draws on Grips Intelligence’s daily monitoring of SKU-level sales across leading brands, marketplaces, and retailers, providing a data-backed perspective on the latest eCommerce trends.

acehardware.com — January 23, 2026

Ace Hardware experienced a notable lift in sales on January 22 and 23, 2026, driven by widespread storm preparedness ahead of Winter Storm Fern. As warnings escalated and states urged residents to plan ahead, consumers increased spending on items needed to manage winter conditions and potential outages. This behavior highlights Ace Hardware’s role as a go-to destination during weather-driven demand spikes.

ruralking.com — January 23, 2026

Rural King saw a significant increase in revenue between January 22 and 24, 2026, as rural households and agricultural customers prepared for severe winter conditions. With extreme weather approaching, consumers turned to Rural King to ensure they had what they needed ahead of potential disruptions. The surge underscores the retailer’s importance as a trusted destination for rural and agricultural preparedness during major weather events.

jackery.com — January 22, 2026

Jackery reported a notable increase in revenue on January 22 and 23, 2026, as consumers prepared for potential power disruptions ahead of the winter storm. With outages and infrastructure strain anticipated, shoppers turned to Jackery for reliable backup power solutions. The surge highlights the growing importance of power preparedness during extreme weather events.

harborfreight.com — January 23, 2026

Harbor Freight experienced a significant sales spike on January 23, 2026 in revenue. This surge can be attributed to the recent winter storm that hit the US, prompting consumers to purchase tools and equipment necessary for emergency repairs and preparation. The demand for portable heaters and generators likely soared as individuals sought to safeguard their homes against the severe weather conditions.