Plus: Why tariff refunds may never arrive | The registry tool helping indie shops compete
Is job recruiting broken? We look into why the traditional pathway to hiring employees is failing small businesses, and what’s replacing it. We also examine why some small businesses doubt they’ll be getting any Trump tariff refunds.
But first, check out this website that can turn your handwriting into a font. It’s a great solution for shopkeepers who create seasonal signage, labels and notes, and want to maintain a personal touch.
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Under the influence: Instagram’s shop the look feature irking some influencers
Why some SMBs are doubtful they’ll see tariff refunds
When the Supreme Court struck down some of Trump’s tariffs, it opened the door for $175B in refunds for businesses that paid the costly import taxes, but many small businesses don’t think they’ll ever see that money. A lighting and home furnishings retailer in Los Angeles got hit with a five-figure tariff on an order from one of its Swedish vendors, on top of paying about 12% more for some of the brands they carry.
The retailer said they are tracking tariffs in a spreadsheet in the hopes they can one day file a reimbursement claim, but they’re not counting on it. Even Trump has said the process could be tied up in courts for the next five years.
Why this matters: Small businesses have been hit hardest by tariffs, and many can’t afford to stay in business for the amount of time it takes to recoup the money through the convoluted system. (The Guardian)
Why recruiting is failing small businesses and what’s replacing it
In an economy of cautious hiring, small business recruiting faces several challenges, including AI, which makes it possible for candidates to apply to hundreds of jobs and for employers to screen them out as fast as they apply.
With the talent pool more like an ocean, it’s even harder for small businesses, where nearly one-third report they have open positions they can’t fill, according to NFIB data. To change the narrative, SMBs need to get back to basics: build a referral network, shrink the funnel, evaluate beyond the resume and tighten the process.
Why this matters: For small business recruitment, HR should be the person or human partner who ensures quality hiring, even when AI is part of the process. (Forbes)
February jobs report: more job cuts, rise in unemployment rate
U.S. retail sales cooled in January, but e-comm remains strong
Paris Hilton launches fund for female business owners affected by L.A. wildfires
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Off-price wars: Kohl’s faces competition from discount retailers
How neighborhood shops power everyday local economies
Alex Rawal, who focuses on product and marketing-led growth for scaling companies as Head of Growth Marketing at SumUp, believes Small Business Saturday, a single day to cheer on Main Street, can help power local economies year-round. The catch: the “shop small” ethos became an always-on customer expectation.
Shoppers want the best of both worlds: the convenience of big box stores and the personalized experience of feeling “known” at independent shops. So give them what they want: personal relevance, frictionless checkout, a sense of place, tangible reciprocity and community. And take note of the buying patterns (data) at your store to develop good habits: spot missing customers, embrace seasonality and mind your margins.
“Consumers no longer see local shopping as a compromise. They now expect the same ease they get from major retailers, just with a bit more heart. What they’re really buying is the sense of belonging." —Alex Rawal
Why this matters: Local businesses that act like it’s Small Business Saturday every day will win. They’ll also learn to use technology not to compete with big chains, but to humanize digital commerce. (Retail Touchpoints)
This platform enables retailers to get in on gift registries
Independent retailers looking to offer gift registries without building their own tech stack may want to look at Shop Local, a platform formerly known as Bridge. The service connects indie stores to online registries used on wedding sites such as The Knot and Zola, allowing them to participate in the registry economy without developing their own system.
Since launching, the platform has grown to include 70,000 products from 109 brand partners and 1,450 retailers. Participating stores can also add products from more than 3,000 additional brands, giving smaller shops a way to compete with the expansive registries offered by large retailers.
Why this matters: Shop Local offers indie stores not only registry functionality, but also an online storefront, synced product data, lower tech costs and faster time to market—plus helps brands reach more retailers. (Gifts & Decorative Accessories)
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The SKUpe is curated and written by Marcy Medina and edited by Bianca Prieto.
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