The Truth About Tariffs & Retail: What Small Makers Need to Know

At Angelique Collections, we know firsthand that being a small business owner and a creative maker is not for the faint of heart. Every custom handbag, embroidered hoodie, and handcrafted accessory we make carries not just style, but a story—our story. And in a time when retail is shifting and tariffs are tightening, we want to speak honestly and uplift our maker community about what it means to keep going and growing.

Let’s Talk Truth: Tariffs Are Real

The truth is, global tariffs are having a ripple effect, especially under new policies that have recently gone into place. Many large retailers and mass producers who rely on overseas manufacturing (often in China) are facing higher costs, delayed shipments, and uncertainty. While it may seem like this only affects the big box brands, the wave can reach small businesses too, especially if you order blank apparel, bag materials, or crafting supplies from overseas vendors.

Higher import fees can raise the price of everything from zippers to shirt blanks, which impacts our profit margins. But here’s the good news: as makers, we have more control than we think.

So, Should We Keep Selling Custom Goods?

YES. Absolutely yes. If you are a maker of unique, personalized, and high-quality items like custom handbags, hats, t-shirts, or hoodies, don’t stop now.

Why? Because people are craving authenticity. They’re tired of the cookie-cutter, mass-produced world. They want meaningful pieces that say something about their story, their pet, their culture, their love. That’s what we offer. And no tariff can put a price on originality.

But we must be smart:

• Audit your supply chain. Can you source more materials locally or in bulk?

• Consider pre-orders. This reduces inventory waste and secures your income up front.

• Increase your storytelling. Let customers know what they’re really supporting when they buy from you.
  
  

Should We Still Do Vendor Markets?

YES—vendor markets are still golden. While retail storefronts are struggling and some major chains are pulling back on their commitments to communities, local makers are thriving where the people are: face-to-face.

Markets offer:

• Immediate sales (no waiting for online traffic)

• Direct customer feedback

• Content creation opportunities (hello, Instagram-worthy booths!)

• Community building
  
  

Be strategic. Not every market is created equal. Look for:

• Events that match your ideal customer

• Affordable booth fees

• Opportunities to collaborate or get featured

  
  

Don’t be afraid to walk away from overpriced or poorly run events. Protect your energy and your margins.

We may not be able to control global politics or policy shifts, but we can control how we pivot and how we show up. This is not the time to shrink back. This is the time to lean in. Make smarter moves. Support other makers. Share your story. Price your worth. And most importantly—keep creating.

Because custom will always beat copy.
Because handmade will always beat mass-made.
And because you, dear maker, are the pulse of a new economy—one crafted with love, one stitch at a time.

Stay bold, stay booked, and stay inspired.
— Angelique Collections