On Tuesday, students at Berklee College of Music in Boston were greeted with empty storefronts along Massachusetts Avenue as they soaked up the sunshine. Austin Chen, who has run Berklee Noodles Factory with his family for seven years, expressed deep concern over these closures. He emphasized that the cost of operating a small business is on the rise, which is leading to shops shutting down one by one, potentially impacting foot traffic in the area.
According to Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, high rent prices, inflation, insurance costs, and remote work are key factors behind the closures of small businesses in Boston. He highlighted Guitar Center as an example of a popular store that had to shut down despite being frequented by musicians like Cyrus Hayes.
Despite the challenges faced by small businesses in Boston, the City has implemented a Space Grant Program that offers grants up to $200,000 to help struggling businesses stay afloat. Alia Hamanda Forrest, business strategy director for the program remains optimistic about helping fill vacant storefronts caused by the pandemic. However, Chen is hopeful that foot traffic along Mass Ave will pick up as summer progresses and encourages customers to visit and support local businesses like his noodle shop.
Chen emphasizes that small businesses operate on thin profit margins and need community support during challenging times. His plea for patronage underscores the importance of local patronage in keeping these businesses alive and thriving.
In summary, small businesses are facing several challenges such as high rent prices and remote work which are causing them to shut down one by one in Boston. The City has implemented a Space Grant Program to help struggling businesses stay afloat while remaining optimistic about filling vacant storefronts caused by the pandemic. Meanwhile, individuals can support these small businesses by visiting them for a bowl of ramen or any other food item they offer as every customer visit helps them sustain their business operations during challenging times.