KANSAS CITY, MO — The results of two separate polls translate to big problems for carwash owners -- more than 85 percent of small business owners expect a change in revenue as a result of increased gasoline prices and 60 percent of consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending due to increases, according to CSPnet.com, a division of Convenience Store/Petroleum magazine.
The small-business owner survey, conducted on DollarDays.com, an Internet-based product wholesaler to small businesses and local distributors, found 86 percent of its customers expect a negative effect on their revenue, with 71 percent already seeing a change.
The consumer study, conducted by Gallup, reiterates reports from earlier this year, when consumers reported a dramatic drop in discretionary spending, including using the carwash.
Other findings from the DollarDays.com report include: 31 percent of owners will have to lay off employees if their revenues continue to change, while 64 percent say they won't; 5 percent of employers are offering financial supplements to help their employees as a result of increased gasoline prices, while 93 percent are not; 55 percent of the businesses will suffer if tourism decreases, while 43 percent will be okay; 71 percent of small business owners have changed their personal travel plans as a result of gasoline prices.
According to CSPnet, larger retailers are not as heavily concerned. Ann Taylor, J.C. Penney, and Target have all posted better-than-expected sales for the month of May, while Wal-Mart reported slightly disappointing same-store sales numbers.
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PC&D's Editor in Chief, Kate Carr, welcomes ideas, comments and suggestions for making the magazine the best it can be for its readers. If you're interested in submitting an article or want to suggest a topic, please contact Kate at (518) 779 - 1667, kcarr@carwash.com.
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