I own a hair salon. Typically, November is my busiest season. It has been SO quiet. A lot of my colleagues are also saying the same thing and have had to close up shop because of it - or get a second job.
People keep saying it will get better and the economy will bounce back but I don’t know. I am so close from just throwing in the towel, closing up shop and getting a corporate gig.
I’m wondering if small retail is particularly struggling. But blaming it specifically on the economy or whatever that means in your particular region is too broad. Like you, I’ll go to Costco, Walmart, Target, and they’re packed. And people are buying decor and non essential shit too.