Students at Berklee College of Music were surprised to see empty storefronts along Massachusetts Avenue while enjoying the weather on Tuesday. Austin Chen, who has run Berklee Noodles Factory with his family for seven years, expressed concern about the increasing cost of running a small business. He noted the closure of several businesses one by one and wondered about the impact on foot traffic.
Jon Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, explained that small businesses in Boston are closing due to flat or declining sales coupled with rising costs. Factors such as high rent, inflation, insurance costs, and remote work options are making it difficult for these mom-and-pop shops to remain profitable. For example, Guitar Center, a popular store that catered to musicians like Cyrus Hayes, a Berklee College of Music senior, shut down a few months ago, leaving customers like Hayes with limited options.
To help small businesses survive, the City of Boston offers grants of up to $200,000 to cover expenses like rent, security deposits, and improvements. The Space Grant Program was launched to address the issue of vacant storefronts caused by the pandemic. Despite the challenges, Chen remains hopeful that customers will return and foot traffic will increase along Mass Ave during the slow summer months.
Chen emphasized the importance of community support, especially during times of inflation and economic strain. He encouraged people in Boston to visit his restaurant for a bowl of ramen or other dishes to help keep small businesses like his afloat.