For Hanover True Value Hardware, this has meant a different kind of essential business, according to co-owner Sonya Campbell who shares the management of the store with her husband and co-owner, Michael.

“A lot of people haven’t been working,” said Sonya. “So, the projects ordinarily done in May and June have already been completed. And, spending has happened, too. It’s just not going to be business as usual for a long time. We’ve had many more hoops to go through.”

Adhering to Sununu’s Stay at Home 2.0 guidelines, the hardware store, located at 7 South Street just south of Dartmouth College requires all employers to require employees who are sick or not feeling well to stay at home, to develop a process for screening all employees, to promote the use of hand hygiene and alcohol-based hand sanitizer, to implement workplace cleaning and disinfection practices, to mitigate exposure by using face masks, and to practice social distancing.

The store offers curbside pickup as well as full inside shopping. Customers may call ahead (603-643-2308) to place an order and pay by credit card. Employers will prepare the items and wait for a phone call from the customer when he/she arrives at the store.

Regular hours continue: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p. m.

In West Lebanon LaValley Building Supply offers a full complement of home improvement and building products for individuals and businesses. The essential business also offers curbside pickup should customers feel uncomfortable coming into the open store. The same process of calling ahead of time, giving a credit card number, and driving to the store to pick up an item applies.

The business also complies with NH Stay at Home 2.0 guidelines.

“Business has picked up a lot since the Pandemic began,” said Store Manager Lucas Seaver. “Everyone has been home doing projects which has enticed them to shop with us. We’re seeing new and familiar faces, and our deliveries have been very, very busy. We’ve got three full-time drivers who work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We’ve had less staff which has been challenging but I’m very proud of how we’ve all pulled it together and put it in front.”

Hours at LaValley’s have been modified to: Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Down the road along Airport Road, Home Depot also adheres to the state’s new guidelines. Customers may call in for a curbside order with a credit card and pickup the item at the store which is open Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We’re open like we’ve always been but with shortened hours,” said the spokesperson Margaret Smith. “We’re designated as an essential retailer so we’re open as we always are during times of crisis and natural disaster. Homeowners and businesses depend on us for essential needs.”

Smith said Home Depot stores have been closing stores early for additional cleaning and sanitizing and have canceled spring promotions to avoid driving traffic to stores, limiting the number of customers allowed in at one time and reinforcing social and physical distancing.