As stores around town prepare to close up shop for the July 4th holiday, one Austin business is having the busiest day of the year.

Austin Flag and Flagpole sells flags and accessories of all kinds, and on the eve of Independence Day, the customers don't stop calling and coming in.

"There's (sic) a lot more desperate people out there to get flags," said Andrea McCartney, store employee.

Customers say the coming holiday gave them a reason to get new flags or replace tattered ones.

"Now is the time to get a new one," said Milton Behrens, who displays a flag year-round but wanted a new one for the fourth.

Employees compare this time of year at the flag store to Christmas Eve at malls.

"Getting shipments in, shipping them out, and people coming in, and businesses wanting their flagpoles up, and new flags before the 4th of July," said Cathy Siver, employee.

The stores are now seeing the same number of customers in one hour as they normally see in one day. But for the people ready to fly these flags in front of their homes and businesses, their purchase comes with great purpose.

"It's the flag of the United States. It means something to me," said Behrens.

Vendors find another reason to feel good.

"It make me really proud, and driving around town and seeing those towns and knowing that we sold those flags," said Siver.