Local small business owners say they are counting on shoppers to support Small Business Saturday as they work through slower foot traffic and higher operating costs.
Many mom-and-pop shops are preparing for the start of the holiday shopping season. At The Hive Pop-Up Collective, a boutique run through a partnership of 12 women-owned businesses, partner Marisol Herrera said small stores cannot match the steep discounts offered at major retailers.
“We don’t get to offer the big sales that retail stores offer. We do our best to encourage people to shop local,” Herrera said.
She explained that each partner maintains and staffs a section of the shop. She also noted a drop in customers, saying recent turnout has not matched past years.
La Taste French Boutique reports similar conditions. Owner Carlos Millano said small businesses do not have the financial cushion available to large retailers when customer traffic slows.
“We have many regular customers. New customers would help,” Millano said.
He also said tariffs and uncertainty among suppliers have affected merchandise orders.
Herrera said small business owners often absorb those extra costs to keep their stores operating.
Millano said he remains hopeful as the holiday season begins.
Shop owners say they welcome support throughout the holidays, not only on Saturday. Herrera encouraged residents to consider small stores when shopping for gifts.