(WXYZ) — The stay-at-home order has forced people to find new ways to stay busy and caused a surge in the popularity of puzzles.
In the midst of the epidemic, David Leschinsky has never been busier.
Stepping into the basement of Eureka Puzzles is like stepping back in time.
As the owner of a puzzle store, this 65-year-old never imagined he'd need a delivery driver to keep up with orders.
But like a wing joint the day of the Superbowl, his merchandise is hot.
When the country locked down, Americans rediscovered their love of puzzles, essentially overnight.
David had to transform his 850-square-foot store front into a make shift Amazon factory
"Jig saw puzzles, before any of this, had a real appeal to people spending time together," he said.
While putting a puzzle together might be fun, having something to focus on during these times is good for your mental health
"Now, a lot of families are spending enforced time together and we need to find learn how to manage that," Vanderbilt University Psychologist Craig Smith said. "It is that notion of control and understanding and knowing there's a solution. Because there are so many question marks in all our lives right now."
And it's not just puzzle stores. Some puzzle manufactures have a shortage of supply right now.
Ceaco, which manufactures puzzle pieces, said sales are up 300 percent.
Coast-to-coast this age-old hobby, has found new life. Families everywhere seem to be rediscovering the puzzle.
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