“I can’t believe how much stuff there is!” exclaimed Deb Yoder of Saegertown, a life-long Steelers fan.

Like many among the Steeler Nation gearing up for the team’s first Super Bowl appearance in 10 years, Yoder has been on a bit of a buying frenzy.

As of early this week, Yoder estimates she’s spent $30 to $40 just on Steelers clothing in the past few weeks. She isn’t alone.

Area merchants carrying Steelers souvenirs or all the trimmings for a Super Bowl party report that the big game translates into big business. It’s created a business bump of more than 25 percent in places like Just Brew It, a Vernon Township beer distributorship.

“I increased my inventory,” said John Levine, the distributorship’s owner. “I’m hoping for a 25 to 30 percent increase in business. It’s more than a normal Super Bowl (with Pittsburgh in it).”

Other types of local businesses are benefiting, too.

“Meadville is going to have a lot of parties,” said Dennis Paytas, owner and operator of the Giant Eagle grocery store in Vernon Township.

The store has been selling a lot of officially licensed merchandise emblazoned with the Steelers logo — everything from jerseys and T-shirts to plates, cups, napkins, beverage can/bottle covers and novelty items like Big Ben’s Beef Jerky — named for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

The bakery even is in on the act. There are cakes with the Steelers helmet logo available.

“We’re expecting some tremendous sales Saturday and Sunday,” Paytas said as people are expected to stock up for parties ahead of Sunday night’s kickoff.

Sandy’s European Marketplace in Meadville has been selling a sandwich named for Roethlisberger since 2004 when he became the team’s quarterback.

It, too, is expecting to do a brisk food business for this weekend’s game, according to Doug Nickerson, store manager.

“It’s a lot of fun,” said Nickerson. “That’s our team in northwest Pennsylvania. People come in with their (Steelers) colors on.”

Steelers merchandise — particularly clothing — has been hot as it can be, according to area retailers.

“We’ve been selling it as fast as we could get it in,” said Jim Kennedy, manager of the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Vernon Township. “Jerseys are almost impossible to get (now). We’re selling sweatshirts and T-shirts.”