Thomasville businesses struggle as inflation hurts sales

• Statewide retail sales reportedly increased 1% in July, but local businesses in Thomasville are not seeing the same growth.
• Shop owners and residents in the city centre are concerned about rising costs, which is leading to more cautious spending behaviour.
• Small businesses in Thomasville are working hard to survive, and some rely on strong local support to keep their businesses running.

BROADCAST SCRIPT

Inflation is putting a heavy strain on Thomasville's wallets, and local businesses and shoppers are feeling the pressure.

I inquire downtown about the impact that rising prices are having on our community.

National reports from the U.S. Department of Commerce show a 1% increase in retail sales for July. In Thomasville, however, local businesses are feeling the effects of inflation, so sales are not increasing noticeably.

April Fletcher owns Alley B Boutique, a women's clothing store that has been a downtown fixture for about 20 years.

“I would say we're pretty balanced compared to normal. Of course we'd always like a little bit, but people are a little more selective about what they spend their money on,” Fletcher said.

Jennifer Vaughn and Deb Wentworth, who usually come downtown for lunch, tell me they're more careful about their spending these days.

“If I don’t need it, I don’t buy it,” Wentworth said

Fletcher tells me that retail is usually quieter during the summer months.

“We’re not a big tourist destination during the summer heat, but quite a few people come to Thomasville just to experience the charm of our downtown,” Fletcher said.

She says she is grateful that many locals prefer to shop locally

“I would rather buy gifts downtown than try to go to a big chain store,” Wentworth said.

Jennifer and Deb tell me that they primarily invest in high-quality gifts from local stores.

And what comes next?

“We literally put it in God's hands. We wanted our daily bread to be given to us today. We're going to get up, make enough money to keep the lights on and pay the salaries, and tomorrow we'll do it again,” Fletcher said.

My neighbors tell me that despite the tough times downtown, they still purchase gifts and other special items to support local businesses.