How local businesses are handling inflation
As inflations hit a 40-year record high, local businesses are also feeling the sting.
Becca’s Café is a well know local business in Anderson that is usually full of customers but recently things have been different.
Marvin Howsmon is the owner of the café and he said inflation and rising costs have impacted the number of people coming in.
“We’re down about 30 percent in all reality,” Howamon said. “When the economy’s bad. All their hobbies and all their going out to eat they don’t go out to eat as much as they used to. ”
He said they’ve been dealing with an increase of about 40 percent on the price of goods but he hasn’t raised his process just yet.
“I can’t change my prices every time my supplier changes their prices so you have to absorb it and eat it you know and it’s either that or you lose a lot of business,” Howsmon said.
They and a lot of other businesses have started shopping at multiple stores trying to find the best deals.
So is there an end in sight? Suzanne Zivnuska, Chico State associate dean of business, said things like gas prices, inflation, and spending are all connected and right now the federal government is working to lower prices.
“As inflation goes up, budgets tighten and people are less willing to spend,” Zivnuska said. “Really hoping to see a decrease in inflation especially as interest rates increase.”
Howsmon said shopping locally is one of the best ways to help them and your local economy.
“Supporting your local business whether it’s a restaurant or a little shop it’s very important to people if they shop local it helps the whole community.”
