OGLE COUNTY, Ill. (WIFR) – As President Trump stands his ground on plans to raise tariffs, some stateline business owners worry they could cut into profits.

In a statement Friday, Aug. 1, the National Retail Federation says higher tariffs will hurt Americans, particularly small retailers who “are concerned about their ability to stay in business.”

For longtime Oregon business owner Merlin Hagemann, the tariff impacts are already hitting his business, Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flowers. He says some of his Christmas inventory is arriving up to 20 percent higher than usual.

Ogle County small businesses feeling the effects of Trump’s tariffs (wifr)

“We’re having variances of 12 to 20 percent we’re seeing on shipping. We probably will pass maybe 50 percent along, is what we will have to do otherwise we won’t be able to exist. I think most people realize small business will have to do some of that along the way,” said Hagemann.

Hagemann has owned his flower and gift shop for more than half a decade.

“I call all of my customers family because I have been here for 54 years and they seem like family, you know, so I have been through a lot with them,” said Hagemann.

Hagemann says the floral side of his business will not be affected by the tariffs. However, twice a year, Hagemann travels to major vendor shows to purchase seasonal inventory which is impacted by the international trade policy.

“We survived COVID, I mean if they can close you down for two months at a time and you can’t have your doors open, I mean it’s just another challenge for the small retailers. If you do it right and treat your customers right, I think we will come out the winner, and that everyone will come out the winner,” said Hagemann.

The Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce reports it is also seeing the effects. Executive Director Chance Monroe says some small business owners are choosing not to renew their chamber memberships to cut costs.

“Small business is the backbone of America and without it our big cities won’t be able to work as hard as they do, and when small business fades that’s going to impact big business later, and we are seeing some business close down in Oregon this year due to rising prices from policies and so, it is a challenge here trying to figure out how we combat that,” said Munroe.

Munroe says one Oregon business, Rustic Ridge Axe Throwing, shut down earlier this year due to rising costs.

The Chamber of Commerce says they will continue working to keep small businesses informed and supported as new polices take place.

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