Big game brings business

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Customers grabbed their goodies for the big game at Mike's Market in Terre Haute.

"This is our second holiday of the year.  My whole family--I got six brothers--we'll have about 30 people over the house with a fiesta bar going," Dennis Sickles said.

According to the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, on average, people spend about $68 for game products. That includes apparel, snacks and decorations for parties.

Customers like Sickles picked larger orders for their party.

The store said snack sales started Saturday.
  
"Potato chips, pop, beer, snack items, dips," Mike's Market Owner Steven Nasser listed.

Despite the hype, the store expects to see only a 5 percent increase in business.

That's because some sales depend on which teams are playing.

"If the the Colts were in the Super Bowl, that's a whole different ball game," Nasser said.

On the north side, 7th & Elm Bar and Grille said Sundays are usually a slow day.

However, on a day when two teams face off for the national title, they planned for a packed house.

"I think the Jim Harbaugh Colts connection will help people come out a little more tonight," 7th & Elm Bar and Grille Service Manager Sara Posthumus said.

The restaurant was ready with extra wings, drink specials and televisions on every wall.

"I rather the Colts be there, but go 9ers," Sickles said.

It's a day that brings super business to merchants in the Wabash Valley.