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Small businesses continue hurting from supply chain issues
We know large companies are feeling the pinch, but national supply chain issues have small businesses scraping for anything they can get.
COLLEYVILLE, Texas - We know large companies are feeling the pinch, but national supply chain issues have small businesses scraping for anything they can get.
The crisis is clear when walking through your local grocery store or ordering at your favorite restaurant. It is also crippling businesses that you may not think about.
It’s easy to take for granted a nicely prepared dining table, like ones at Stone House Restaurant in Colleyville.
"It’s really all of my small wares products," explained restaurant owner Greg Kalina. "When I say that I’m talking about plates, I’m talking about wine glasses. I’m talking about flatware."
Kalina says supply chain delays and shortages are making business tougher than he ever imagined. He’s managed restaurants for decades and opened this elegant dinner spot a year ago.
"I used to have relationships with my vendors where if I couldn’t receive a product, they were showing up at my doorstep telling me why. Now I don’t even have a rep," he said.
The sweet sounds that fill Fort Worth’s Bass Hall present another relatable supply chain concern.
Steve Farco’s company, Mason Dallas, designed the soundproofing and acoustics for Bass Hall and the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. He says getting vital supplies to complete projects is difficult.
"Ordering something that normally took three months is taking five to six months because it was stuck offshore waiting to get unloaded, so it’s just transportation issues," he said.
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Consumer confidence falls to decade low on inflation concerns
On the heels of new inflation numbers out this week hitting a 30-year high and exceeding economists’ forecasts, a consumer confidence survey out Friday was just as concerning.
These and dozens more supply chain concerns are the subject Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne addressed the issue in a meeting with small business owners. The goal is to take their variety of concerns back to Washington in hopes of seeing legislative action to remedy the delays.
The upcoming holiday shopping and dining season is a formidable aspect of it all.
"I do believe we will get back to the way things were eventually," Kalina said. "I’m not a prognosticator. Don’t ask me when, but I’m hopeful that day is coming soon."
RELATED: North Texas car dealerships have low inventory due to supply chain issues
Vanna Collins is a hairstylist who also sells her own oils. She said global supply chain delays and shortages are trickling down to her day-to-day operations.
"We’re going from the standard 4-6 weeks, to between 18-24 weeks with getting product in, so I have to be ahead of the curve with ordering," Collins said.
She works at The Jones Experience in Oak Cliff, a one-stop shop for grooming, clothing, and more.
Owner Jerome Jones sells custom shoes and clothing, mostly coming from Spain. He can’t seem to get items quickly enough.
"Normally I have a turnaround of 4-6 weeks," Jones said. "[Now, it’s] right at probably two months."
On the heels of new inflation numbers out this week hitting a 30-year high and exceeding economists’ forecasts, a consumer confidence survey out Friday was just as concerning.
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index, which measures how americans view the economy, fell to its lowest rating in 10 years due to the escalating inflation rate and a belief that "no effective" policies have been put in place to reverse the trend.
The price of food, energy, and cars are all seeing surging price increases.
"I’m just having to maneuver in different areas because of the time lapse with different products coming in," Jones added.
The effects trickle down to small businesses across the world, weeks before the holiday season.
Here in North Texas, some small business workers are trying to stay patient while planning ahead.