Small Businesses Are Struggling—And We Need to Talk About It

This isn’t the easiest post for me to write, but I feel like it’s an important one.

Small businesses are struggling more than ever, and I’m seeing it firsthand—not just in Kansas City, but across the country. It feels like every day, another business is closing its doors. Some of them are big names, like Joann Fabrics, which recently filed for bankruptcy again and announced the closure of all its stores. Others are local gems that have served our community for years, quietly shutting down because they simply can’t keep up with rising costs and declining consumer spending.

Kansas City Businesses Are Closing—Here’s Why

Even right here in Kansas City, we’ve seen both big and small businesses disappear in the last year.

❌ Casper Sleep Shop closed its only KC location, struggling to compete with online sales.

❌ Applebee’s locations in the metro shut down after the franchisee filed for bankruptcy.

❌ On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina went under, citing declining foot traffic and hiring struggles.

And these are just a few of the many stories playing out in our city and beyond.

So what’s really happening?

1️⃣ Inflation is Driving Up Costs

Small businesses are paying more for rent, supplies, and payroll, but they can’t just pass all of those costs onto customers—because consumers are struggling too.

2️⃣ Changing Consumer Habits

The convenience of online shopping and the dominance of big-box chains make it harder for small, local businesses to compete. Foot traffic is decreasing, and with it, so is revenue.

3️⃣ The Labor Shortage Paradox

We hear that businesses are struggling to find employees, but at the same time, so many qualified job seekers—myself included—are applying for dozens of jobs and hearing nothing back.

I’ve personally been applying for jobs to help supplement lost income since my photography bookings are down 75% from last year. With the added expenses of my son’s illness, I’m doing everything I can to stay afloat. And yet? The hiring process feels like an endless loop with no progress.

It’s frustrating. It’s disheartening. It’s downright scary.

And I know I’m not alone in this.

How Can We Support Small Businesses?

So I wanted to open up this conversation—not just about my business, but about small businesses in general.

💡 How can we as a community support each other?

💡 What would make it easier for people to book services, shop local, or keep money in our communities instead of feeding giant corporations?

💡 What changes would help small businesses thrive again?

Your Thoughts Matter! (And So Does Your Support ❤️)

If you have 5-10 minutes, I’d love for you to fill out this quick survey. Your responses can be completely anonymous, but if you’d like, you can include your contact info so I can follow up.

… please know that every little bit truly makes a difference.

Because without community support, small businesses won’t just struggle—they’ll disappear.

And I, for one, am not ready to give up just yet. ❤️

small business struggles, Kansas City businesses closing, support local businesses, inflation and small business, how to help small businesses, Kansas City small business owner, challenges for small businesses, why small businesses are closing, consumer spending trends 2025, local business support, small business survival tips, online shopping impact on small businesses, best ways to support small businesses, job market struggles 2025, economic impact on small businesses, Kansas City economy 2025, Kansas City job market, small business marketing strategies, labor shortage vs job seekers, small business closures in Kansas City, Kansas City small business economy, small business advocacy, small business owner challenges, photography business Kansas City, why book local photographers, community support for small businesses, impact of inflation on businesses, how to find local businesses, Kansas City small business challenges, shop local Kansas City