Small Businesses Cry Out Over Tariffs as Holiday Season Looms Large
As Small Business Saturday approaches, many entrepreneurs are bracing themselves for a grueling holiday season due to the escalating tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The tariffs have sent shockwaves through the retail industry, forcing small businesses to navigate increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and logistical headaches.
For many, the economic hit from tariffs has been devastating. Joann Cartiglia, owner of Queen's Treasures, a toy company in upstate New York, fears that she may never see her retirement money. "I honestly feel the government is putting me out of business," she said. The 64-year-old businesswoman's concerns are shared by many small businesses across the country.
The tariffs have hit the retail industry hard, with smaller firms often struggling to absorb costs or secure exemptions from higher taxes on imported goods. Jared Hendricks, owner of Village Lighting Co in Utah, estimates his tariff bills are nearing $1 million so far this year. For him and other business owners, the financial burden is crushing.
"What we've kind of transitioned from working for profits to working for tariffs," Hendricks said, highlighting the stark reality facing many small businesses. The situation is expected to worsen unless relief is granted for future tariff seasons.
Industry leaders warn that American manufacturers are woefully unprepared to take on the responsibility of producing Christmas goods. "The supply chain for Christmas items is simply too complex, and it would take billions of dollars in decades to build that infrastructure to move that production here," said Boyd Stephenson, owner of Game Kastle College Park.
As a result, many businesses are struggling to survive the holiday season. A recent survey of 1,048 small businesses found 71% expect tariffs to have a negative impact on consumer spending this holiday season, while 44% anticipate a very negative impact. The same survey revealed that 74% of business owners are worried about their survival over the next year.
The White House argues that the cost of tariffs will ultimately be borne by foreign exporters who rely on access to the American economy. However, for many small businesses, this argument rings hollow as they struggle to stay afloat in an increasingly hostile trade environment.
As Small Business Saturday approaches, many entrepreneurs are bracing themselves for a grueling holiday season due to the escalating tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The tariffs have sent shockwaves through the retail industry, forcing small businesses to navigate increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and logistical headaches.
For many, the economic hit from tariffs has been devastating. Joann Cartiglia, owner of Queen's Treasures, a toy company in upstate New York, fears that she may never see her retirement money. "I honestly feel the government is putting me out of business," she said. The 64-year-old businesswoman's concerns are shared by many small businesses across the country.
The tariffs have hit the retail industry hard, with smaller firms often struggling to absorb costs or secure exemptions from higher taxes on imported goods. Jared Hendricks, owner of Village Lighting Co in Utah, estimates his tariff bills are nearing $1 million so far this year. For him and other business owners, the financial burden is crushing.
"What we've kind of transitioned from working for profits to working for tariffs," Hendricks said, highlighting the stark reality facing many small businesses. The situation is expected to worsen unless relief is granted for future tariff seasons.
Industry leaders warn that American manufacturers are woefully unprepared to take on the responsibility of producing Christmas goods. "The supply chain for Christmas items is simply too complex, and it would take billions of dollars in decades to build that infrastructure to move that production here," said Boyd Stephenson, owner of Game Kastle College Park.
As a result, many businesses are struggling to survive the holiday season. A recent survey of 1,048 small businesses found 71% expect tariffs to have a negative impact on consumer spending this holiday season, while 44% anticipate a very negative impact. The same survey revealed that 74% of business owners are worried about their survival over the next year.
The White House argues that the cost of tariffs will ultimately be borne by foreign exporters who rely on access to the American economy. However, for many small businesses, this argument rings hollow as they struggle to stay afloat in an increasingly hostile trade environment.
soooo stressful 4 these entrepreneurs, i mean i get it, gov's gotta make moves but this is ridiculous they're talkin 'bout retirement savings here... like wut r we even gonna do? 
and game kastle college park think it's too complex to produce christmas goods? 
that's a big ask for these biz owners, some of them might not survive this holiday season 
and the survey shows 71% expect tariffs 2 have a negative impact on consumer spending... like who's gonna buy from them if they're strugglin 2 stay afloat? 
Tariffs are literally crushing some small businesses right now and it's getting super worrisome for holiday season 
. I get it, tariffs are supposed to protect American jobs and industries, but the way they're being implemented is just not right...it's like, don't they know small businesses are the backbone of our economy? We need a more nuanced approach to trade policies, not just slap on some tariffs and expect everyone to absorb the cost. It's gonna be tough for these holiday shoppers to find affordable gifts this year 
. We should be supporting our local businesses, not making it harder for them to survive.
If they can just find a way to make tariffs work for everyone, that'd be awesome 
️ But right now, it seems like they're really struggling to survive, especially with Christmas coming up 
Like, how are they supposed to plan for profits when they're worried about paying their employees and stuff? 
i feel for joann cartiglia & jared hendricks, they sound like total heroes just trying to keep their heads above water 
Tariffs are one thing, but the fact that some big companies like Game Kastle College Park are saying they need billions of dollars to build up their supply chain infrastructure is just crazy 
Can't the government and businesses work together to make this holiday season more manageable for everyone? 
So maybe it's time for the government to look into providing more support or relief for these entrepreneurs 
. I mean, I know some of these business owners are trying to play the victim, but let's be real, they should've been more prepared for this 
. Jared Hendricks is just trying to spin it by saying he's "transitioned from working for profits to working for tariffs", that's not a thing 
. The White House is just trying to deflect blame by saying foreign exporters will bear the cost, but it doesn't change the fact that American businesses are getting slammed 
.
We need some real relief ASAP! 
. Reminds me of when the dot-com bubble burst back in 2001 - all that hype and then... poof! 
I mean can't we all just get along? The thought of some business owner having to worry about their retirement savings is just heartbreaking