Open For Business: Local business says sales are high amid coronavirus outbreak

EDEN, Md. – Many local businesses all across Delmarva are struggling amid the coronavirus pandemic, but Brent Malone in Eden says his business is thriving now more than ever.

“We’re probably selling 10-fold more than we normally would this time of year,” said Brent Malone, owner of the How Sweet It Is Produce Market & Garden Center.

Malone says he depends on local farmers and watermen for his produce, which allows him to restock quick enough for his customers to get what they need.

“We spend all year getting ready for this time of year,” said Malone.

“It’s really our season and we were really concerned that it was gonna, you know, not know if we were going to be shut down or whatever and so we’re really fortunate to be here and be able to be here for the community,” said Malone.

Customers at How Sweet It Is tell us that they have been able to purchase critical items like meat and eggs, food that many big chain stores are running out of.

“I’ve been to Walmart, I went to Food Lion and like I said, I went to Sysco Cash & Carry in Pocomoke and it’s just crawling with people with 15 cartons of eggs in their cart when I just want one,” said Amy Koons, an Eden resident.

But we are told thanks to this Somerset County business they are able to get this much-needed food and help keep their bellies food during this time of uncertainty.

“They’ve always had a great venue down here and we come and get things,” said Joe Sullivan, a Fruitland resident.

“It’s really priceless to have a business like this and a local business that people can depend on,” said Sullivan.

Malone says that it is important that everyone continues to show support for small businesses.