The Holiday season is in full swing across Alaska, and that means plenty of spending on food and gifts. But with inflation at record highs, there are worries about our local economy. KHNS’ Brandon Wilks walked Main street to see how local businesses were fairing.

 

[Wilks]

 

Since January 2021, the last time that inflation was within historical norms, the monthly cost to Alaskans due to inflation has risen nearly $800 according to the United States Congress Joint Economic Committee. Coupled with supply chain issues, some businesses are feeling the strain. Amy Kane, owner and operator of The Bookstore on Main street is noticing the difference this year.

 

[Amy Kane]

 

This year’s holiday sales have been slower so far. But we’ll see if it picks up hopefully for Christmas. I think that this year is pretty challenging. I had a good summer, and that felt good. But after paying all the bills, and I’m back to having to focus on the pennies again. And that’s all right. supply chain issues have only compounded and not gotten any easier. Luckily, Haines people are super patient, for waiting for their books to arrive.

 

[Wilks]

 

Andrea Nelson and Amelia Nash of the store Ampersand, agreed with that sentiment, noting that local artists were finding it more difficult to afford and acquire the material they need. Amy Kane summed up what many business owners expressed regarding inflation. 

 

[Amy Kane]

 

Oh, definitely. I think I assume that that’s probably the biggest deal. I know it’s affected me personally. And I’m sure it’s affecting a lot of other folks. Just the prices of everything and going up. I see that in the future of books, too, which is worrisome. And I’m hoping that it’s just a temporary slump for this winter.

 

[Wilks}

 

In Spite of higher food costs this year, however, Bradley Wing, assistant store manager at IGA, says that sales were still strong this Thanksgiving.

 

[Bradley Wing]

 

Oh, they’re pretty good. I think because a lot of people got to travel this year and business was pretty steady. People got to actually see their families. I think people got to travel. So I think it was overall pretty good.

 

[Wilks]

 

Another business that struggled throughout the pandemic is actually making a comeback this fall after a rejuvenating tourist season. Candy Bradford of Miles Furniture, acknowledges that shoppers are changing their buying habits to save money, but still coming through the door. 

 

[Candy Bradford]

 

Definitely a big difference compared to last year. We have this year a lot more to sell. Supply chain stuff is easing up maybe just a little bit. Definitely. People are very excited about Christmas. They’ve been in shopping early, even before Thanks. Or Yeah, before Thanksgiving. So yeah, energy is good. I think everybody’s happy to be able to gather again and enjoy the holidays more than we have the last couple of years. But yeah, it’s the store is fuller than it’s been in three years. And that’s been really, really good for us.

 

[Wilks]

 

For KHNS in Haines, I’m Brandon Wilks.