Macon small business owner says tariffs are driving up costs at Cherry Street shop

Bohemian Den owner Scott Mitchell says increased tariffs are forcing tough financial decisions

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Scott Mitchell says the impact of rising tariffs has been difficult to absorb for his small business on Cherry Street.

Mitchell purchased The Bohemian Den in 2018, creating a space focused on handcrafted goods and items not typically found in big-box stores.

“I’ve met some wonderful people and been able to have things here in Macon that you are not going to find in Walmart,” Mitchell said. “You’re never gonna find this stuff at your Walmart or at your big box retailer.”

Mitchell says tariffs have drastically changed the cost of doing business. He now pays hundreds of dollars to ship orders that once had free shipping.

“I just placed an order yesterday to restock, and it was a $966 order,” Mitchell said. “They sent me an email this morning. The tariffs on it were going to be $587, which would double the price of something.”

Mitchell says those added costs are difficult for a small business to handle.

Dr. Greg George, director of the Center of Economic Analysis at Middle Georgia State University, says this kind of financial pressure is common when tariffs are imposed.

“He’s bearing the brunt of that tariff as a small business owner, and that’s why economists typically don’t like tariffs,” George said. “They tend to produce winners and losers, and what you end up finding is that there are a lot more losers than there are winners.”

Mitchell says the financial strain has already forced changes, including cutting staff and adjusting budgets. He says he hopes bringing in more local artists and hosting events will help keep the store going.

Mitchell says supporting local businesses helps ensure downtown Macon keeps the unique shops that make it different and encourages everyone to come shop local downtown.