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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) – Now that the holiday shopping season is over, small businesses are reflecting on the successes and challenges of 2022.
The pandemic was all but a thing of the past, but small businesses were still dealing with inflation, supply chain issues, and holiday shopping season weather.
Debbie Staley, owner of Centerville’s Circa for the Home, said business is doing better in 2022 than it did in 2021.
“Sales have definitely increased this year,” says Staley.
Staley said she’s noticed customers are buying Christmas decorations and gifts early this year.
“People came in and bought Christmas decorations and gifts, and I had to stock up and buy new ones,” Staley said.
But last week’s winter storm hit small businesses hard as many of the last-minute shoppers stayed home.
“Especially with Christmas Eve falling on a Saturday, these were very big shopping days for us, and the weather prevented sales that day,” Staley said.
Chef Liz Valenti, owner of Wheat Penny and Meadowlark, says it’s been a roller coaster year for Miami Valley restaurants.
“We could take off the masks, but we had pricing and supply issues,” said Valenti.
Valentie said restaurants have learned to change menus and prices to accommodate rising food prices, but that hasn’t deterred customers.
“I think December was a good month for the smaller Miami Valley restaurants,” says Valenti. “People are coming out, spending money, getting a second glass of wine, getting a more expensive entree.”
Omega Music in the Oregon District kept busy during the holiday shopping season, and it continues to do so this week.
Jack Palappa, Head of Omega Music Shift, said: “Many people come from out of town to fix regular records.”
Palappa said small businesses appreciate customers shopping on a smaller scale rather than larger retailers, and are now optimistic about what the next year will bring.
“Hopefully more new faces, we hope to get more regulars,” Palappa said.
January and February are typically weak months for small businesses, and business leaders spoken to by 2 NEWS say they are planning events and special sales in the coming weeks to keep the momentum going. .
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