Roanoke merchants face 'the pinch' as tariff costs double despite SCOTUS ruling

Small business owners in downtown Roanoke report that while the Supreme Court's ruling against emergency tariffs is welcome, the financial impact will persist for at least another year. Pauline Wood, owner of Shades of Color, noted that inventory costs for imported goods have nearly doubled, with $1,100 orders rising to $1,700. Merchants across the district, including restaurants burdened by meal taxes, are increasingly forced to choose between raising prices for long-term survival or absorbing the 'pinch' to retain clientele.