Netherlands — There is no doubt that 2024 was a tough year for small and medium-sized businesses.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 18% of small businesses fail in their first year, which isn’t the worst statistic. A whopping 50% of small businesses fail within five years, and 65% within 10 years. Based on this calculation, only 35% of the startups featured in The Sentinel in 2024 will still be operational in 2034.
more:‘Absolutely terrible’: Dutch business owners say many will not survive until 2024 without support
Over the past two months, at least six local businesses have taken to social media to encourage customers to spend less and be brutally honest about the consequences of not complying.
Here are the companies sounding the alarm on social media:
Since moving to the former Sanders Family Bakery on Dutch River Avenue, Bliss Bakery has been transparent with customers about its struggle to survive.
In February, owner Krista Kotz turned to social media to cope with the economic slowdown and resulting layoffs.
“When faced with the reality of my personal and professional financial situation, I had to make a very difficult choice,” Coates wrote on Facebook. “We have to rebuild Bliss or close the doors. So I have the sad task of letting most of my amazing team go. I don’t think I’ve ever cried as much as I did yesterday. Masu.”
Lately, this gluten-free bakery has been operating with reduced staff, shortened hours, and a reduced sweets menu. The company released an update on its furlough plans on Nov. 13, shortly after Nov. 6, which Koetz called “the lowest sales day in history.”
“Last year, we were able to provide so much for Thanksgiving,” Koets wrote. “That’s not possible now that we have a staff of five.”
The store will offer dairy-free apple and pumpkin pies, dinner rolls and cranberry cake, but will not have cubes for filling. Despite the downsizing, Koets remains grateful for the local support.
“Thank you to everyone who comes out every day, every week, every month to support us,” she wrote. “As a single mom, this means everything to me. I hope to see you all on a steady basis from now until Wednesday, November 27th.”
In October, EcoBuns owner Marissa Berghorst left a clear message for customers: “Come back within two days or we’ll have to close.”
It’s been 12 years since Berghorst and her mother, Vicki, took over the children’s store, moving it to 11975 East Lakewood Boulevard in 2022.
“Today we want to say words we never thought we’d have to say. Our beloved stores are in crisis and we need your help to keep our doors open.” Berghorst wrote.
more:Popular children’s store warns of closure, but Holland says ‘absolutely not’
According to Berghorst, four EcoBuns were sold the day he posted.
But this post changed things. Longtime patrons flocked to the store and online orders flooded.
“I will never understand how we went from considering closing the store to reordering because half the store was sold out,” Berghorst said in the aftermath. “You did a great job this week.”
Just four months after opening in downtown Zeeland, The Grits Maker turned to social media to combat slow sales. Business got off to a tough start thanks to a major construction project on Main Avenue.
“We want to be here forever, but we can’t fill the restaurant to capacity,” the restaurant posted in mid-November. “I am humbled and think about what I can do to contribute to the community.
Since that post, business has increased.
“It’s become clear,” a colleague wrote. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Low Carb Grill opened in the Netherlands more than four years ago, offering healthy meals to diners who find it difficult to eat out.
On Nov. 7, owner Laurie Penninga took to social media to ask for help, and it wasn’t the first time. She explained that the restaurant’s two-day sales were just $135.86.
more:‘This is not sustainable’: low-carb grilling, future of Dutch latest business uncertain
“We hope to be here for many years to come,” she wrote, inviting new and returning customers to stop by.
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, things seemed to be looking up for Penninga when she wrote, “I feel like I’ve been as busy as tulip time lately…and I’m loving it.”
In early October, Mario’s officially announced that it was open on a daily basis and would close by the following week unless there was a significant increase in business.
“Sales are down and prices are up,” the restaurant wrote.
Owners say the community response has been overwhelming. On Thursday, November 7th, Mario’s celebrated 33 days since its first post.
“We’ve come this far in a full month and a few days. … I’m so grateful for each and every one of them.”
Although Poppy Peach is not on the verge of closing, it posted on social media last week asking local residents to make a small purchase.
“This is a terrible year,” owner Heather ten Harmsel wrote. “Absolutely terrible.”
“If you want us and other small businesses to survive, please shop and support your local stores.”
— Contact reporter Austin Metz.ametz@hollandsentinel.com.
