Sharon shops feeling the pinch

SHARON — When it comes to the impact of a dwindling economy, Art Subklew, owner of Art’s Automotive Repair on West Main Street, does not mince words.

“We’re all feeling it,� Subklew said. “I have seen a 20 to 30 percent decline in business. People are only addressing the bare necessities. They used to repair anything that we recommended, but now they just fix the things in order to keep their car running safely. People are even waiting to get their brakes done.�

Subklew said that layoffs and unemployment directly affect his customers — and that impacts his business.

“I’m worried about the layoff rate in the area,� Subklew said. “I know a lot of people locally who do housecleaning work. But in a bad economy, housecleaning work is one of the first things people drop. It’s getting harder and harder for people to work out here.�

Terence Miller, owner of Roaring Oak Florist on West Main Street, did not reveal how his business is doing.

“But it’s obvious for everyone that it’s a bad economy,� Miller said. “Everyone is pinching pennies. There are not any new houses in the area being built. I think it will be a bad holiday season for everyone because people will only spend money on essential items.�

Jack Murtagh, owner of Sharon Package Goods, who has been operating his store for more than 35 years on West Main Street, said sales are down.

“It’s just like everything else in this state,� Murtagh said. “People have all changed their buying habits. Some people who would usually buy $20 wine are now buying $10 bottles. I’m a bit worried about holiday sales. I know they will be off, but not totally down.�

Murtagh said he’s sure that stores will pull through, even in a bad economy.

“We’ve all pulled through every time we’ve been in trouble,� Murtagh said. “We can ride this out.�

Miller agreed and said that the stores have survived before.

“Given a bad economy... even if it was a good economy, it’s just a good idea to shop locally,� Miller said. “Small businesses are the backbone of every community. No one wants to go into a town and find all of the storefronts empty. We’ve always come out of a recession. But it could take anywhere from five to 20 years.�

Subklew said he is not worried about his repair shop going out of business.

“I have a fairly positive outlook that things will probably turn around,� Subklew said. “I’m not worried about failing, but I think bigger businesses will be hurting.�