Fred Hajjar, Co-Owner, and Hiral Patel, Marketing Manager at uglychristmassweater.com, discuss the success of the company from its 2012 founding though today, when the "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party" has become a tradition for many.
During its first year in business, the company made $40,000 in sales. For Christmas 2017, the company sold over 100,000 sweaters that sell for an average of $49.99 to $59.99 apiece.
Patel and Hajjar talk the rise in popularity of the ugly sweater and what makes their particular brand so unique. The company recently began a customization line, allowing consumers to choose the phrases on their sweater of choice.
Loy Gordon, owner of Neir's Tavern, joined Cheddar News to discuss how he saved the establishment three times and why he did so. Gordon also showed Cheddar News some specialty drinks that patrons can enjoy.
To celebrate Black-Owned Business Month, Cheddar News visited Neir's Tavern in Queens, one of the city's oldest taverns where the Martin Scorsese film "Goodfellas" was filmed. Loy Gordon, the bar's owner, discussed the history behind the establishment.