TYLER, Texas — There's a just few days left until the total solar eclipse comes to East Texas on April 8. Soon, thousands will flock to the Piney Woods to turn their eyes to the skies.
Naturally, that means local shops, retailers and restaurants will boom as well.
In less than a week, parts of East Texas will go dark, but right now, things are looking pretty bright for local businesses.
Justin West, owner of clothing shop Brands and Threads in downtown Tyler, said many people have reached out about eclipse merch with an East Texas twist.
"I didn't even think about making eclipse shirts until I had so many customers asking," West said. "And so I was like, 'why not?'"
West said business has been on the rise, not just from the locals – but all over the country.
"I've had some people on Instagram ask if we'll have any in store that day," West said. "And if we were going to be open because they're going to be heading into town."
The Apple Gal, a Tyler shop that specializes in gourmet caramel apples, is serving up something a little less permanent but just as sweet.
"The OG, the original, was Star Crunch, because that was my favorite snack as a child," Apple Gal owner Morgan Francis said.
Francis said the hype surrounding this celestial event inspired her to create some solar-themed treats.
"The second one is our moon pie, which is just a fun caramel milk chocolate with the moon pie little tree on top. And then we have our milky way and then starburst," Francis said. "I just had someone come in recently and she's having an eclipse party and so she came in and gathered up a bunch."
Francis said she can't even begin to anticipate just how great this eclipse will be for local businesses like hers.
"I don't know if we've had a big event since we've been opened," Francis said. "Where like people are coming from around the world. I was a little shocked at how many people are coming to Texas, and then coming to Tyler from the United States. So I don't know what it's gonna do. I'm actually very excited."