Big Sussex has deep roots in county
Big Sussex has deep roots in Sussex County.
Company owner Rob Jennings’ roots date back to the late 1700s, with many members of his family living in the county for decades. A Jennings family reunion would fill an auditorium.
Jennings, who is better known as a computer technician at Cape Henlopen School District, started the Big Sussex local garment company nearly two years ago.
Based on the success of several local 302-related companies, Jennings came up with the idea to base his business around Sussex County, not just Delaware’s area code.
“People were buying their clothing and the companies were making money,” he said. “I saw an opportunity and started working on some logos in 2016.”
County-related wear has developed a big following by people who want to highlight the county they live in.
It was also an outlet for his background in visual communications from the University of Delaware. Growing up in Milton, he is a Cape High graduate.
He also highlights what many people identify with the out-of-doors in the county on his garments and hats, including crabs, geese, deer, flounder and turkeys.
He’s currently working on some new and interesting designs to add to his line. “I really want to be unique,” he said.
His trademarked Big Sussex logo is not the only icon for the company, as he also has a secondary signature mark that is based on a stylized Sussex County flag featuring a wheat sheaf over red, white and blue bars.
Jennings sells his Big Sussex products online, and at craft shows and events. He offers T-shirts, pullover and zip-up hoodies, hats, stickers, patches and license plate covers. He’s working on adding more items to his inventory. He gets many of his ideas for new items to sell from people shopping at his booth during events.
He also sells items at Burton Heritage Farms near the intersection of routes 24 and 23 near Long Neck.
“I don’t sell anything I wouldn’t wear myself,” he said. “It has to be soft and be good quality.”
Jennings and his wife of 21 years, Gina, have two boys, Adam, 16, and Ryan, 12.
For more information, go to bigsussexde.com.
