Kerrie Joyce 
Many small business owners have expressed their concerns about the possibility of the United States economy going into a recession. The uncertainty ensued following the White House announcement on April 2nd, establishing a “reciprocal tariff” policy with a minimum of 10 percent tax on imports from all other countries and some at higher rates. Brick and mortar small businesses are among those most vulnerable to this kind of instability, between increased costs and changes in consumer behavior. Here are a few local Hoboken businesses that may be impacted.
Global Headlines with Local Impacts
The month of April 2025 has been akin to a tennis match for those keeping track of international economic news. The month started with an April 2nd statement from the White House creating a tariff structure that would create reciprocal tariffs with different countries, based on each country’s respective tariffs. The tariffs were set to begin on April 5th with a 10% increase for all trading partners. Country-specific tariffs went into effect on April 9th, however, the administration imposed a 90-day pause.
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At the same time, other countries imposed their tariffs on US-made goods. Confusion generated by the timeframe of the tariffs’ implementation, varying rates for different countries, and different products was reflected in the US stock market. While large retailers have the resources to whether this type of financial storm, many small businesses are worried for their futures. Imported costs, strained supplier relationships, and other challenges that stem from increased tariffs present unique challenges to small businesses. Here are a few Hoboken-business owners’ takes on how the tariffs could impact their bottom lines.
Little City Books | 100 Bloomfield Street
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Little City Books is an independent bookshop nestled on the corner 1st and Bloomfield in Downtown Hoboken. Owned and run by Hoboken locals, the store functions as a beacon of the Hoboken community, putting on events pertaining to the literary community and beyond, including theatre productions and comedy shows. One of the owners, Donna Garban, says that most printing takes place overseas, and they are already seeing an impact on toy prices.
While the business is taking things as they come, the team is awaiting guidance from the American Booksellers Association to know what indie bookstores such as themselves can expect. The team has not yet had to increase prices, but anticipates being impacted in the long run, as all small retailers will be, emphasizing the narrow margins that small businesses have.
Customers, Donna said, are what keep the business alive, the community that people can find there being one of the primary strengths of independent bookstores that cannot be found on Amazon. Coming off a highly successful Hoboken Literary Weekend, she remained optimistic amidst the uncertainty due to the store’s deep community ties, providing a variety of low-cost and even free community events. Little City will also have even more to celebrate in the upcoming weeks, where shoppers can offer their support for the store’s 10th anniversary celebration on May 2nd.
Galatea | 1224 Washington Street
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The lingerie and shape-wear industries are also expected to see difficulties in the face of tariffs due to China being a major importer of textiles like lace and spandex. Galatea, an Uptown Hoboken lingerie, clothing, and gift boutique, sells a high-end variety of stylish intimates and gifts from brands including Hanky Panky and Only Hearts, both of which are New York City-based. Galatea also boasts a wide array of jewelry and perfumes from brands including Lovers Tempo, which is Canada-based.
Owner Gilly Hailparn says that while the store is not seeing any impacts right now, there is uncertainty in the industry among her vendors, who aim to absorb the majority of tariff impact to protect wholesalers. Even though the brands she carries are not manufactured in China, some may source materials like cotton from other countries like Colombia, which may see tariff increases at the end of the 90 day pause. This means small retailers like Gilly are in store for a nerve-wracking waiting game in the meantime.
The store provides bra sizing and other personalized services that are unique to the small business experience. The owner also urged community support for all small retailers in their communities instead of chains, noting a friend of hers whose online storefront was forced to shut down because of the increased costs of shipping from her overseas storage unit.
Empire Coffee + Tea Co. | 338 Bloomfield Street
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Empire Coffee + Tea Co. is another beloved local business in downtown Hoboken, providing reasonably priced beverages in addition to retail coffee and tea. The store is owned by Abbe who runs the shop runs with her husband, Paul, who does roasting and purchasing.
During HG’s visit to the shop, the tight-knit community that centers around the store was evident, with multiple long-time regulars and staffers stopping to greet her. Abbe Rivers also credits her staff for the business’s success, with many employees being with her for five years or more. The abundant variety of teas includes both bagged and loose-leaf options from various importers from anywhere from Sri Lanka to Ireland.
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Abbe says she has seen steady increases in prices for tea even before the announcement of tariffs. The same goes for coffee beans and chocolate, with coffee bean prices doubling. The store absorbs as much of the costs as it can and has not increased its drink prices. The loyalty of the community traces back to the pandemic, where Abbe notes neighbors banded together to support her store. The store is currently in its 30th year of business in Hoboken and is uncertain of what tariffs are going to mean for them, but remains confident in the resiliency of the store and the Hoboken community.
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