Lowes, Home Depot and every Ace Hardware store in the city is booming. Long lines at checkout, higher prices for common products and increased security is common. There are some bargains in paint and a few other products but it is easier to shop on the internet than it is to go to a local store.

Why is a 4x8 panel of sheetrock (drywall) priced at $8-11.50?

Why is there a 1-3 hour wait to buy drywall? Pull up in your pickup and wait.

Why does Home Depot still employ a bunch of Securitas guards? The looters were driven out in September but the guards are still there!

By mid 2006 things were settling back to normal. The guards are gone or moved back behind the scenes a bit. The long lines and waits are over. The prices are still outrageous.