Small business retailers from across the country met with nearly three dozen congressional offices in Washington, D.C., this week to voice concerns over the growing impact of tariffs. Organized by the National Retail Federation, the effort focused on how ongoing trade uncertainty is creating serious challenges for small businesses ahead of the holiday season.
Retailers shared personal accounts of how the current tariff environment has increased costs, delayed shipments, and forced tough decisions around pricing, product development, and supply chains. Many described the situation as more disruptive than the pandemic, with limited flexibility to relocate sourcing or absorb financial strain.
Business owners from states like Texas, Pennsylvania, Montana, and California emphasized that tariffs are slowing innovation, discouraging expansion, and threatening the survival of long-standing companies. Some reported taking out loans or pausing popular products to stay afloat.
Small businesses make up 98 percent of the retail industry and support over 13 million U.S. jobs. As trade policy remains a critical issue, retailers continue to call for more predictable and supportive solutions.
Learn more about the National Retail Federation’s ongoing advocacy at nrf.com/tariffsimpact.
