Bussiness
Here are the small business owners sounding the alarm in Holland
HOLLAND — There’s no question that 2024 has been a rough year for small business.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 18% of small business fail in the first year, but that’s not the worst statistic. A whopping 50% of small businesses fail within five years, and 65% within a decade. By that math, only 35% of the start-up businesses we wrote about at The Sentinel in 2024 will still be operational in 2034.
No fewer than six local businesses have taken to social media over the last two months, imploring customers to shop small and being brutally honest about the consequences if they don’t.
Here are the businesses sounding the alarm on social media:
Since the company’s move to River Avenue in Holland, inside the former Saunders Family Bakery, Bliss Bakery has been transparent with customers about their struggle to stay afloat.
In February, owner Krista Koets turned to social media to address the slowdown and resulting layoffs.
“I had to make a very hard choice when faced with the reality of my personal and professional financial situation,” Koets wrote on Facebook. “I have to restructure Bliss or close the doors. So, I’ve had the sad task of letting go (of) most of my wonderful team. I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much as I did yesterday.”
These days, the gluten-free bakery operates with a smaller staff, shortened hours and a reduction in the sweets menu. On Nov. 13, the business posted an update on their plan for the holidays, coming on the heels of what Koets called the “lowest sales day historically” on Nov. 6.
“Last year, we were able to offer a lot for Thanksgiving,” Koets wrote. “That just isn’t possible now with a staff of five.”
The business will offer dairy-free apple pie and pumpkin pie, along with dinner rolls and cranberry cake — but will not have stuffing cubes. Despite the scale back, Koets remains grateful for local support.
“I appreciate each and every one of you who come in daily, weekly or monthly to support us,” she wrote. “As a single mama, this means everything to me. I hope to keep seeing a steady stream of all of you between now and Wednesday, Nov. 27.”
In October, EcoBuns owner Marissa Berghorst left a clear message to customers — “Visit us in the next two days, or we’ll have to close.”
It’s been 12 years since Berghorst and her mother, Vicki, took over the children’s store, which moved to 11975 E. Lakewood Boulevard in 2022.
“I’m reaching out today with something I never thought I’d have to say — our beloved store is at a critical point, and we need your help to keep our doors open,” Berghorst wrote.
Berghorst said, on the day she made the post, EcoBuns had four sales.
The post, however, changed the game. Longtime customers flocked to the store and online orders streamed in.
“How we went from considering shutting the doors to reordering because half of our store sold out, I’ll never be able to wrap my head around,” Berghorst said in the aftermath. “You showed up this week in a big way.”
Just four months after opening in downtown Zeeland, The Gritzmaker turned to social media to address slow sales. The business had a rough start, thanks to a major construction project on Main Avenue.
“We would like to be here forever, but we are not filling the restaurant,” the business posted in mid-November. “I am reaching out humbly to see what we can do better to serve the community.
Since that post, business has increased.
“You have showed out,” the business wrote. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Low Carb Grill opened over four years ago in Holland, offering healthy meals to diners who often have difficulty eating out.
On Nov. 7, owner Laurie Penninga turned to social media for help — and not for the first time. She explained that, over the span of two days, the restaurant only made $135.86 in sales.
“We’d love to be here for many years to come,” she wrote, inviting new and returning customers to stop in.
Things seemed to be looking up Wednesday, Nov. 13, when Penninga wrote, “It’s felt almost as busy as Tulip Time lately … and I love it.”
In early October, Mario’s announced it was officially operating on a day-to-day basis and, without drastically increased business, would close by the following week.
“Sales are down and prices are up,” the eatery wrote.
The community response, ownership said, has been overwhelming. On Thursday, Nov. 7, Mario’s celebrated 33 days in business since the original post.
“We’ve made it a whole month and a few days. … We are so very thankful for each one.”
The Poppy Peach, while not on the cusp of closure, posted to social media last week to implore locals to shop small.
“This year is awful,” owner Heather Ten Harmsel wrote. “Purely AWFUL.”
“If you want us, and other small businesses, to stick around, please shop and support your locally owned stores.”
— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.
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