Are small businesses in the Tri-State struggling?

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , some small businesses are facing difficulties.

On a local note, Tri-State businesses that are either in the process of being shut down or are at risk of shutting down are Pie Pan Restaurant and Bakery and Heady’s Pizza . However, is it just bad luck, or is there actually an issue small businesses are facing in the Tri-State?

Albion, Illinois

According to the Albion Area Chamber of Commerce, small businesses in Albion are struggling.

Officials explain that the biggest threat to small businesses today is that those businesses have less buying power than big box stores, so their prices are higher. Common struggles for small businesses in this area are rising prices across the board, which causes those who could normally shop local and pay more to “pinch pennies” and shop at larger stores like Walmart.

The Albion Area Chamber of Commerce says it thinks small businesses have always struggled to reach a larger audience than those who live where they are. The COVID-19 pandemic made it so much worse.

Officials say, “It’s so important to shop locally and support the ‘mom and pop’ stores. They are the ones supporting our chambers, sports teams and neighbors. It’s so important to local economies to ensure we still have access to essential services, such as grocery stores and retail spaces.”

Mount Carmel, Illinois

According to the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce, it issued a poll to see how its local small businesses were doing. Although the poll revealed most businesses were thriving, one business seemed to struggle depending on the time of year.

Business 1

This business only seems to struggle depending on the time of year. Online shopping and foreign companies that sell low-quality products are this business’s biggest concern. This business offers “quality customer service” and “quality merchandise,” so it would hope people in the region would overall support small business owners all year long. This business’s lifeline in Mt. Carmel is its involvement and investment in its local community.

Business 2

This business is having a “tremendous” year. This business has introduced a new product line that is doing “very well.” This business contributes this shift it made to an industry change. At first it was resistant to the change, but once this place adapted, it saw a big increase in the younger demographic and the 55+ demographic.

Business 3

This small business states it is thriving in Mt. Carmel and has had a “very, very good” year. It contributes to a decline in competition in the region. Its main source of growth is from offering “great customer service” and “selling quality products.” Most of this business’s expansion stems from word of mouth and good reviews. Online competition is not a huge problem as this business has a “great clientele.” This business’s advice is to remember to treat customers well and do your very best. Focus on customers and give a product you are proud of.

Business 4

Overall, this business has had a successful year. Its biggest challenge as a newer business owner in the Mt. Carmel community is simply learning the industry and cutting out the middleman when possible. Its biggest contributing factor to success is its “outstanding” team with a very lengthy amount of industry experience. When it is a slow time of the year, this business plans ahead and works on what is coming next. Its biggest advice is to support the community and shop local. This business can also customize products when customers communicate their needs.

Business 5

This business says it has been successful overall, although there are times of the year that are just slower. It plans for that and takes advantage of that time to strategically plan or work on bigger projects and new products to introduce. This business strives to be kind to not just their customers but other business owners and everyone in the community. This business not only focuses on a high-level product but also likes to provide a “higher-level experience.” The business focuses on returning customers. This business would tell other small business owners to build up their small business community and work together. Also, it helps when you love what you do.

The Wabash County Chamber of Commerce’s Conclusion

A spokesperson for the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce says, “I would like to add that small businesses are a staple in our community. We know we can count on our local businesses. We are a close-knit community that has an overall great outlook, and we are proud of everything that we have to offer in our little town.”

The Wabash County Chamber of Commerce says it has several events planned for this fall and winter that are updated at both Facebook and this website . The Wabash County Chamber and the Retail Merchants Committee collaborate on a huge Small Business Saturday event that creates a “great hustle and bustle” every holiday season. The event this year is scheduled for November 30.

Conclusion

Overall, how well small businesses are faring within the tri-state area varies. Some are struggling, while others are thriving.

We reached out to other chambers of commerce within the Tri-State and didn’t hear back at the time of this publication.

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