Local small businesses struggle as shipping costs surge with rising gas prices

Local small businesses struggle as shipping costs surge with rising gas prices

When new shipments arrive at Flirt Women’s Boutique, it’s usually a moment of excitement for both employees and customers. But lately, those deliveries have come with a higher price tag. Jackie Konin and her business partner have spent more than two decades in retail. In the past five years, they’ve faced major challenges — including pandemic shutdowns, supply chain disruptions and uncertainty tied to tariffs. Now, rising shipping costs are addi…