It’s no secret that the economy is hurting. Stock market reports in recent days look like a rollercoaster with drops steeper than the Titan at Six Flags.
“State sales tax collections declined on a year-over-year basis for the first time since April 2024,” Hegar said in sales tax reporting this month reflecting sales from February. “Collections were down in all major business-related sectors as well as the retail sector, responsible for the largest share of sales tax revenue.”
This will likely curb some spending and send most to evaluate purchases and find the best bargain. Many turn to online distributors in times like this, but I encourage everyone to support their local businesses because they feel the effects the same as everyone.
Those who don’t travel downtown often might be surprised at what they find with Susan at Blessings, Deneen at Interior Dimensions and the folks at CWJC’s thrift store regularly restocking the store with a variety of items. Pam at Golden Butterfly and the Bills’ at Dublin Floral also regularly have sales on quality items while Bargain Furniture and Velasco Car Audio can set you up with some furniture and electronics made to last.
I’ve also been routinely surprised to find the exact item I need at Bradberry’s Best and Builders Supply as well as Stone’s Auto and Higginbotham’s, not to mention the selections at Brookshire Brothers, Thompson’s Processing, Dollar General and Family Dollar for everyday staples.
Wicked Clover has even started a book store within the tattoo shop for those looking to expand their library.
Those with a green thumb can get their home sorted at Texas Sage and Country Flower Plant Farm while our restaurants and coffee shop can satisfy your tastebuds on the shopping trip.
TxDOT crews have started a project to improve drainage and the road on Patrick Street last week, causing a detour around the intersection at Elm and Patrick. The effects for some of those businesses were immediate as they had to announce places for their customers to park and some said they saw a decline in people coming through the door as they didn’t want to deal with the roadwork.
The benefit of these businesses and services to our community cannot be overstated. While the road improvements will be a benefit to our town in the long run, these businesses
Paul Gaudette dette Managing Editor
will need the support of neighbors and visitors while they face a fluctuating economy and the possibility of access issues.
If you need a product or services, consider checking close to home first. The options and cost may pleasantly surprise you and if it is a little more expensive, know that you’re helping a business owner and staff while boosting the sales tax dollars that go back into improving our community.
— Paul Gaudette is the Managing Editor of The Dublin Citizen and can be reachedviaemailatpublisher@dublincitizen.com.