Bussiness
Small businesses in Livingston County are reaching the end of their rope
PINCKNEY — How are small businesses doing in 2024? Not good.
With an increase in inflation came an increase in the need to save, sending more shoppers than ever to online retailers and big box stores. There often aren’t enough consumers left to support local retailers, says Melissa Kunnert, owner of NautiMI on the River, an ice cream, coffee and gift shop in Pinckney.
Kunnert recently expressed her frustrations on social media, urging followers not just to support NautiMI but other local retailers.
“I know local retailers in the community are struggling, and I’m sure there’s more than I’m aware of,” Kunnert said. “It makes me happy when I see other local businesses doing well, but that’s getting harder and harder.”
It’s not for lack of marketing, in most cases, but digital advertising on Google is still hundreds of dollars a month, owners say, with no guarantee of a return on investment. When you’re already operating on a small profit margin, those costs add up.
Social media, too, can be a fickle friend — helpful for free marketing, but detrimental when one disgruntled customer attempts to influence the entire community.
One retailer unsure of the future is Bark Art Creations, a handcrafted artistic items and woodworking shop in Pinckney. Leah Barkoff admits the holidays could determine whether she keeps the business she opened two years ago.
Her biggest challenge is getting customers to stop in — because once they do, many will return. She’s used social media, community boards, traditional marketing and Google, but her website visits have fallen and most of her other efforts have largely failed.
Barkoff opened the shop with money she received from an inheritance, and she isn’t willing to go into significant debt to keep it.
“I’ve tried just about everything,” she said, including offering veterans discounts, establishing a rewards program, hosting classes and private parties — but it’s not working.
“At what point do I decide enough is enough?” Barkoff said. “I’m not a quitter. I try to support other small businesses when I can, because it’s so important.”
Another resident of Pinckney, Cat Brown, created the Huron River Area Women Business Group in 2021 to provide a forum for small business owners on topics like this. Brown, a real estate agent, confirmed many small businesses appear to be struggling to attract the customers they need for consistent profits.
“It’s almost like a second full-time job to promote (a business) on social media,” Brown said. She believes some consumers are actively reducing their spending habits.
And yet, Kunnert points out, small businesses are traditionally the storefronts asked to donate to local schools, sports teams and nonprofits, and most support such causes when they can.
“We’d just like to see the same in return,” she said. “I would just ask, if you’re reading this, to support local businesses. Try something new. You may be surprised at what you find.”
— M. Alan Scott is a freelance writer for The Livingston Daily. Contact the newsroom at newsroom@livingstondaily.com.
‘The moment that these guys deserve’: What Joe Jon Finley said after OU’s 24-3 win over No. 7 Alabama
Fitness: Is mindfulness the key to a more enjoyable workout?
Donald Trump’s return sends shivers through the anti-misinformation world
Holiday Gift Guide 2024: The Best Home Gifts For Fashion Fanatics
Donald Trump’s Go-To Dance Move Has Invaded Sports
Most Gen Zers are terrified of AI taking their jobs. Their bosses consider themselves immune
What Nobody Tells You About Building A $1M Business
World Chess Championship: Can Ding stop Gukesh? – DW – 11/24/2024
Ranked: The World’s 25 Best Cities To Live, According To Expats
