Milwaukee-area small businesses struggle as costs rise, sales fall
Milwaukee-area small businesses struggle
Milwaukee-area businesses are facing closures as owners cite declining sales, rising rent and inflation, with one Whitefish Bay shop set to close at the end of January.
MILWAUKEE - As debate continues over the strength of the economy, one small business in Whitefish Bay is preparing to close its doors, with the owner citing declining sales and rising costs rather than a lack of heart or hustle.
Local perspective:
Mixed Bag MKE, a gift shop along Silver Spring Drive, will close at the end of January after four years in business. Owner Amber Liddle said the decision was difficult but unavoidable as expenses climbed and sales dropped.
"It was a hard decision but also I know it was the right one for me," said Liddle.
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For years, Liddle ran the shop as a one-woman operation, describing it as more than just a retail space for the neighborhood.
"If you don't have small businesses your neighborhood gets boring," said Liddle.
What they're saying:
Liddle said increasing rent and declining revenue made it harder to stay afloat.
"Our sales have been down, and our rent has gone up, and our rent has gone up and so it just doesn't really – it is just hard to make ends meet," she said.
While she said Small Business Saturday brought a boost, Liddle said the holiday season has fallen far short of expectations.
"Our holiday season has been a quarter of what it usually is. so like 75%," said Liddle.
Big picture view:
Liddle said inflation has forced customers to make tough choices regarding their spending.
"If you had to choose between a dirty dancing coloring book and groceries, obviously, you're going to go with groceries," she said.
Milwaukee District 3 Ald. Alex Brower said the strain facing Mixed Bag MKE reflects a broader trend affecting small businesses across the East Side and beyond.
"When a bag of groceries costs $120 it is hard to justify going out and eating at a local restaurant..," said Brower.
What you can do:
Brower said several other neighborhood businesses are also closing or struggling, and has urged residents to support neighborhood businesses when possible.
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"[It’s] really unfortunate Beans and Barely will be closing down. Pomona Cider Company will be closing down and there are a couple other businesses in this District that said we are struggling," Brower said. "If people can, they should be shopping locally here on the east side."
Mixed Bag MKE will remain open through the end of January, with a large sale planned after Christmas until the store closes.
Visit Milwaukee has also launched a Buy Local Bonus Campaign aimed at supporting dozens of local businesses across the region.
Visit Milwaukee launches Buy Local Bonus to boost holiday spending
Visit Milwaukee has launched the Buy Local Bonus Campaign, an initiative aimed at getting real-time revenue into Milwaukee restaurants, bars, retailers, breweries and other local businesses in the final stretch of the holiday season.
The Source: The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.