Chocolate

Manufacturers of sweets and candies face rising costs for sugar and cocoa due to weather patterns and disease denting supply.

Even with erratic demand, this Maine chocolatier is optimistic about a strong year for her business.

"It's fun but it's difficult to know how much to make when everyone comes in on the same day," said Kristin Thalheimer Bingham, co-owner of Dean's Sweets in Portland, Maine.

After raising prices last fall, Kristin Thalheimer Bingham, co-owner of Dean's Sweets, describes her expenses and product pricing.

From records to chocolate to bicycles, three small businesses describe how they're doing ahead of Black Friday.

Kristin Thalheimer Bingham, co-owner of Dean's Sweets in Portland, talks about preparing for the holidays and rising costs.

With flavors like barbecue, cornbread and banana pudding, Phillip Ashley Rix found an unfilled niche in the luxury chocolate world.

"To keep our great team, we have raised our wages significantly," said Kristin Thalheimer Bingham, co-owner of Dean's Sweets in Portland, Maine.

Dean's Sweets in Portland, Maine, has had "crazy growth," but it's competing with other local businesses for employees.

Marketplace checks in with three small business retailers throughout the holiday season.