TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Small business owners across the Wabash Valley are feeling the impacts of fluctuating tariffs and the inflation of goods.
“Inflation and tariffs to another extent have really made it difficult and we’ve really had to make some creative choices,” said Wyatt Sons, co-owner of Sons Spice Co.
Sons Spice Co. has been opened for a little over four years. What started as a wedding favor, has now bloomed into a storefront located off of 13th and Maple in Terre Haute. And the business, has certainly seen things change.
“With the end of COVID and everything jumping up, and then everything kind of jumping up more, it has just been very chaotic from start to finish,” said Sons.
Magpies Nest, another small business located in 12 Points, has started to see a decline in business, as even customers deal with the impacts.
“I think people are worried about what’s to come with the economy,” said Christy Crawford, co-owner of Magpies Nest. “You know five extra dollars to come in and buy a coffee, they’re keeping it and making it at home.”
Both of the Terre Haute businesses are facing challenges, as coffee being the main product they sell has seen a major uptick in price.
“Per point it’s increased probably $2 to $3 since we started,” said the Sons Spice Co. co-owner. “Our coffee is actually being we are a coffee shop; it has gone up about $2 a pound, which is $20 a month so that’s a hit,” said Magpies Next co-owner.
With the price of goods increasing, business owners hope to continue to navigate the changes, all while making it affordable for customers in the Wabash Valley.
“We’ve tried to put things at different price points… someone can always come in and buy a little treat for a friend or come and sit for a while and enjoy a coffee,” said Crawford.
Sons Spice Co. offers a variety of seasonings, coffee, and teas. Opened Wednesday- Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Magpies Next has been opened a little over a year providing a variety of coffee, drinks, bakery items, books, and plants. Located in the 12 Points neighborhood, the store is opened Wednesday & Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday & Saturday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
