HENDERSON, Nev. — Small businesses are grappling with economic challenges as rising costs and reduced consumer spending take their toll.
According to a recent report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, these issues are affecting small businesses nationwide.
Pat Dalton Amico, owner of Viva Tequila, shared his experiences, saying, “With times the way they are and the economy the way it is, we’re not failing. We’re struggling. It’s not as easy as it was a year ago or four years ago, five years ago.”
Amico noted that business has declined over the past six to seven months.
“Numbers are down over the last six, seven months for us, the numbers are down,” he said.
He attributed this to economic pressures, stating, “Where the prices are and the economy’s going, food and everything else, they have less dollars to spend.”
Other local businesses are feeling the pinch as well.
Earlier this summer, Pinches Tacos closed its downtown locations due to economic pressure, and 3D Retro, a collectible store, reported a noticeable drop in foot traffic.
“I’ve been working for two years; compared to last year, the sales are down,” said an employee of 3D Retro in Chinatown.
At Viva Tequila, Amico is implementing creative strategies to attract customers, including live entertainment on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays, line dancing on Sundays, and themed nights like Taco Tuesday, Whiskey Wednesday, and Tequila Thursday.
“So for me, I look at them just like I look at my family. They have children, they have family. They have to have their paycheck,” Amico said, emphasizing the importance of supporting his employees.
Amico urged the Las Vegas community to support local businesses, saying, “Support our local businesses that aren’t right there in the middle. It’s nice if we go, and they’re on all ends of town. And I’d ask the Las Vegas community to come out and support us all. We’re part of the community.”
He remains hopeful that with community support, small businesses like his can continue to thrive in the valley.
