The winter storm that dumped mounds of snow on State College yesterday and Sunday, shutting down area streets an d even the university, but several area businesses braved the conditions and kept their doors open.

"We never [close]," said Grace Mehalick, manager at McLanahan's Student Store, 414 E. College Ave. "The students need some place to buy supplies." Mehalick said McLanahan's proximity to campus gives the store an advantage over many other businesses.

"It's hard for students to drive in [the snow]," she said. Mehalick added that most of the store's employees live within walking distance, making messy road conditions a non-factor.

Despite the weather, Wal-Mart, 1665 N. Atherton St., saw its usual large crowd of customers yesterday, manager Wei Ming said. "Right now, it's pretty busy," she said. "People dig out their cars and come in."

Prior to the storm's onset, Ming said the store saw an influx of customers looking to stock up on the usual blizzard necessities, such as eggs, milk and water. Panera Bread, 148 S. Allen St., closed three hours early Sunday night because of slow business and the threat of heavy snow, said Sara Fingeret, shift supervisor. Yesterday, the eatery resumed normal operating hours.

"We're not doing the normal Monday business, but it's better than we expected," Fingeret said. Not all area businesses were open yesterday though.

"Due to the inclement weather, the Nittany Mall is closed today," said a recorded message for the mall.

The mall plans to re-open tomorrow.