Originally Posted by JulieR
If they don't raise the price on what they have in stock, they won't be able to afford to replace it when it's gone.
Fabric is getting pricey but there are deals still to be had all over the place if you look. I pay top dollar for special purchases and find ways to cut costs on the rest.
YES......this is the truth about retail business, and a fact many who have never run a business before simply do not understand. While the stock on the shelves may have been purchased 6 months ago, the only way a retail business can replace what has been sold is to do an "across the board" increase on all stock, not just new inventory. When the owner goes to order new inventory, and her costs may have risen to purchase said new inventory, without the price increase on current stock, she will not be able to pay for new inventory when that bill comes due within thirty days after her receiving it. (called net thirty days....the way most business accounts are set up. And if the the bill is not paid, interest accrues and the owner cannot order more inventory until this bill is paid)
This is a frustrating situation for the consumer, no doubt, but as JulieR said, look for the specials and deals out there...there are plenty to be had. And try to understand what the business owner is having to do, usually with trembling and fear of losing customers (something she can't afford to do), when she is forced, by the costs of doing business, to raise prices on current inventory. Most business owners hate to do this, but see no other way to continue to purchase new lines of merchandise, and still pay the overhead costs of staying in business. Raising the cost of current inventory is, usually, NOT something a business owner does just to "gouge" the public, "get rich", cheat the consumers, or make sure their own personal salary (IF they can even afford to take an "owner's draw) gets a "cost of living" increase.....most of them HATE to do this......but see no other way.......
Refusing to shop at a store that has done this (and truly I am thinking of and referring to the LQS, not big chain stores), just hurts you, hurts that business, and hurts the local economy.....for our small business owners ARE the backbone of this country, and one of the key ingredients in the standard of living we have all enjoyed for most of our lives.