04/03/2025
As a rule, we’ve focused on building a community, which is why we’ve intentionally stayed away from politics. However, the recent tariff changes have a direct impact on our ability to continue our operations as is, and we want to be transparent about what that means for us - and you. While we agree that efforts to bring manufacturing back to the US are important, the reality is that the necessary infrastructure is not currently in place.
As a small business in a relatively niche market, we don’t have the option to shift our sourcing overnight so these tariffs are going to greatly impact our costs. If they do remain in effect, businesses like ours will struggle to survive. Here is a breakdown of how these changes affect us, and ultimately you, our customers.
*How New Tariffs Affect Us and Our Prices
We source our products from various regions, including the United Kingdom, the European Union, and China to name a few. The new tariffs that were announced yesterday will directly impact the cost of the products we get from those countries.
Here's how these tariffs break down:​
--UK Imports (about 30% of our products): A 10% tariff has been imposed on goods imported from the UK. ​
--EU Imports (about 30% of our products): Goods from the European Union are now subject to a 20% tariff. ​
--Chinese Imports (about 30% of our products): Imports from China face a 34% tariff, increasing the total duty to 54% on these goods.
*What This Means for Our Store
As a small business, these increased costs present significant challenges:
--Limited Alternatives: We don’t need to tell you that our products are very niche, this means in most cases, there aren’t really any American manufacturers to source similar products from.
--Inventory Constraints: Our size and financial resources will prevent us from being able to purchase larger quantities of items to help offset costs.​
--Brand Specificity: We carry very specific brands that can only be imported from other countries. These brands don’t have alternative substitutes made in the US. There is no way for us to avoid the tariffs if we still want to carry 90% of the brands you love to play.
--Product Availability: Some items may become harder to stock, leading to potential shortages or longer wait times.​
*What Can We Do About It?
As a valued customer (and constituent), your voice can make a significant impact. By reaching out to your elected officials, you can express how these tariffs are affecting local businesses like ours. Here's how you can contact them:​
--Contact Senator Bill Cassidy
Washington, DC Office Phone: 202-224-5824
Baton Rouge Office Phone: 225-929-7711
Lafayette Office Phone: 337-261-1400
Online: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/contact/get-in-touch/
--Contact Senator John Kennedy
Washington, DC Office Phone (202) 224-4623
Mandeville Office Phone: (985) 809-8153
Monroe Office Phone: (318) 361-1489
Online: https://www.kennedy.senate.gov/public/email-me
--Contact Your U.S. House Representative
To find and contact your local House Representative, visit house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative, enter your zip code, and you'll be directed to your representative's contact information.