"For 13 years, longtime college friends Perry Olson and Kristin Trainor have carved out a niche in tourist towns across the Northeast with their boutique, Diesel and Lulu's. The boutiques, which now have six locations and are named after two of Olson's dogs, are known for their curated European linen and knitwear, jewelry from local artists, and a shopping experience where customers are encouraged to bring their kids, pets, and coffee."
"Up until the de minimis exemption ended on August 29, Olson said that ordering from a vendor in Europe was simple. It would usually involve a text message and a bank transaction, and a box would show up on the doorstep in two weeks. Now, Olson faces unexpected fees on top of existing tariffs on EU countries, confusing paperwork, and orders that she said are facing a "hostage situation" at customs."
Two boutique owners face potential business collapse after the de minimis exemption ended. For 13 years Perry Olson and Kristin Trainor built six tourist-focused stores specializing in small-batch European linen, knitwear, and local jewelry. The exemption previously allowed imports under $800 duty-free, enabling simple vendor orders and predictable shipping. The exemption's end has created unexpected duties, higher shipping costs, confusing paperwork, and shipments held at customs requiring additional payments or return to vendors without guarantees. Rising fees, a tourism downturn, and weak consumer sentiment compound financial strain. Owners report disrupted inventory flow, increased overhead, and uncertainty about continuing operations.
Read at Business Insider
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