The Real Impact of Tariffs on Family-Owned Shops
This Halloween, small family-owned costume shops across the US are facing a new kind of fright—rising costs due to Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports. Many of these businesses rely heavily on affordable costumes and decorations sourced from China. The recent tariffs have driven up prices, forcing shop owners to make tough choices, including reducing staff and shrinking inventory.
Shops Forced to Cut Jobs and Inventory
One notable example comes from a family-owned shop that had to lay off a quarter of its workforce in May. Owners say that the increased cost of importing costumes from China has slashed their profit margins and created uncertainty for the future. They now struggle to keep prices competitive for customers while absorbing additional expenses. The tariffs not only affect shops’ bottom lines, but also limit the choices available to Halloween shoppers who look forward to the holiday each year.
As the debate around tariffs continues, small businesses hope for relief so they can keep serving their communities. If the situation persists, Halloween could become even scarier—not because of ghosts and goblins, but because of empty shelves and higher prices.
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