Local small businesses still reeling from COVID-19’s effects on market (includes video story)

Four years after the COVID-19 pandemic, South Florida’s small businesses are still feeling the effects in their sales. Online alternatives like Temu and TikTok Shop have promoted these ventures, but also created an oversaturated market.

“A lot of businesses have had to restructure in terms of their operations,” said Brian Van Hook, regional director of Small Business Development Centers within Florida International University’s College of Business. According to Van Hook, many local companies are struggling to find and keep employees while serving consumers and competing with larger sellers.

Freak House, an alternative and gothic clothing store in Pinecrest, has felt the strain firsthand and faced dips in sales.

“We don’t have huge crowds coming into the store,” said owner Jim Jones.

Alexandra Phelps is an aspiring journalist at the Florida International University’s Honors College, majoring in Digital Communication and Media. Having graduated with her Associate of Arts degree during high school, Alexandra may be fresh in the field, but she is more than ready to go. Currently in her Sophomore year, this Miami native is considering each opportunity she gets as a step closer to her dream. Upon graduating, she hopes to pursue sports journalism as her career.

 

Elizabeth Dedos is a junior focusing on digital and interactive media. She has a passion for all things pop culture and hopes to one day work for a company that is involved in the world of pop culture. After graduation, she hopes to become a social media manager.

Emilie is a senior majoring in Digital Media and Communications and minoring in Social Media and E-Marketing Analytics. She has a focus in digital interactive media and is interested in joining the media industry on the business side. Following her graduation, she plans on obtaining a master’s degree and working at a marketing or advertising agency.