Small Businesses in United States Struggling With Tariffs During Holiday Season

By Sierra Campbell, Managing Editor of small.news

(small.news) — President Donald Trump’s tariffs have increased prices on many holiday goods and have caused a “massive” number of small businesses to close, according to industry leaders.

The Guardian reported that many small business owners were relying on Small Business Saturday, the day after Black Friday, to help with the all around tough year.

Joann Cartiglia is the owner of Queen’s Treasures in Ticonderoga, New York. During a press briefing hosted by a coalition of small businesses called We Pay the Tariffs, Cartiglia explained, “My husband and I have invested a lot of our retirement money into this business. And now, I have absolutely no hope of retirement… I honestly feel the government is putting me out of business.”

Despite lawsuits, resistance from larger companies, and small importers asking for help, the Trump administration has continued its tariffs. Trump has claimed that these tariffs will raise trillions of dollars for the United States federal government, according to The Guardian.

Trump also claimed that anyone was against tariffs were “serving hostile foreign interests.”

Small Businesses Suffering During The Holidays

Small business owners in the retail space, who have been dealing with supply chain disruptions, increased costs, uncertainty, and logistical issues, rely heavily on the holiday shopping season.

Jared Hendricks has owned Village Lighting Co in West Valley City, Utah, for over 20 years, and his tariff costs are allegedly approaching $1 million just for 2025.

“At this point, we’ve kind of transitioned from working for profits to working for tariffs. We are just in business to pay off our tariff debt,” Hendricks said. Unfortunately, Hendricks doesn’t see it getting any better.

“Whatever price increases you’re seeing in the holiday industry for your Christmas trees, for your lighting, for your other decor, this year will be small compared to next year, if tariff relief isn’t given for the 2026 season. American manufacturing has never done Christmas goods, so it’s not responsible for taking away any jobs,” he explained.

Toy, Game Studios Closing Due To Tariffs & Economy

The owner of Game Kastle College Park in College Park, Maryland, Boyd Stephenson, said their costs have also soared because of tariffs. “Most of my manufacturers and publishers don’t really have the space to absorb, or to pass on price increases to their customers, so they’re getting squeezed.”

“The number of toy and game studios that I have seen go under this year is massive.”

Boyd Stephenson, Owner of Game Kastle College Park

Many Small Business Owners Expect Tariffs To Impact Holiday Spending

A survey conducted by Small Business for America’s Future found that 71% of the 1,048 small business owners believe tariffs would have a negative impact on holiday spending. 44% of those surveyed believed tariffs would have a “very negative impact.”

Another 44% said they had to raise prices because of tariffs, and 74% are worried about surviving the next year.

Kush Desai, a White House spokesperson, said, “The administration has consistently maintained that the cost of tariffs will ultimately be paid by the foreign exporters who rely on access to the American economy, the world’s biggest and best consumer market.”

He went on to say, “As tariffs secure new trade deals and trillions in investments to make and hire in America, the administration is simultaneously implementing a pro-growth agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, and energy abundance for big and small businesses alike to thrive again as they did during President Trump’s first term.”