Gas Prices Hurting Local Shops

By C Gloo

Story Created: Apr 26, 2006 at 5:17 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 25, 2008 at 1:17 PM EST

They may be smiling here at Chester’s Flower Shop, but it’s certainly not because of the price of gas.

“Our cost have been going up, but they're going up a lot now, its not a small amount, its a lot.” Says Bill Waszkiewicz, co-owner of Chester’s.

Folks at Chester’s spend a good part of the day loading up their van and delivering flowers around the area. Everyday it’s costing them more and more to do this.

“We're in the service business so there’s not much we can do.” Says Waszkiewicz.

Owners here say last fall they dealt with rising operating costs by raising prices, but right now they're going to try and hold steady.

According to Waszkiewicz: “We’re sticking with that now. It really doesn't cover the cost of the excess cost of the gas.” And the cost of doing business in New York is certainly wearing on this local owner.

But for now they say the business are solid thanks to their loyal customers who go out of their way to buy from a locally owned shop.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On