Unless you have been living under a rock, you are likely aware of our current economic woes. According to SCESC reports for July, the unemployment rate for South Carolina was 11.8%.

Bamberg County has not escaped the beating that our national economy is experiencing with the county’s unemployment rate at 18.5% in July. The effects are sometimes tough to deal with. Families and businesses alike have been affected, but hope is still evident for better times ahead.

Local businesses have been forced to make painful changes, some reducing their workforce, others forgoing the seasonal help that lightens the workload for many business owners. Local restaurants have shortened their operating hours. There are even family members leaving family operated businesses for the stability of larger corporations, a painful choice between the family of your birth and the needs of your own young children.

There are also changes to personal finances with reductions in unnecessary expenditures and a more budget-conscious lifestyle becoming a fast priority for many families. More people are choosing to feed and entertain their families at home, causing a shift away from restaurant dining, which has also been noticed by Bamberg restaurants.

Local businesses in the county who voiced their concerns shared many of the same worries, that business was not picking up, but they still had hope that things will get better.

Also the hunting season that usually brings in customers has not produced the onslaught many business owners hoped it would. Owners are hopeful that with cooler weather business will improve.

Pete Brooker owner of Brookers of Denmark said the economy is about as bad as he has ever seen it.

“Yes, we (the City of Denmark) are feeling the effects of the recession. We lost Nibco and that was a big loss to not only the City of Denmark, but to the county as well. Everyone needs to spend their money in the community where they live and not go out of town to do this. Our store is trying to be competitive with our prices and we watch what we buy. We are trying to cut cost, cut expenses and keep the traffic flowing,” said Brooker.

One business stood out as hopeful in these unsure economic times. The Main Street Market, with its variety of arts, collectables, antiques, books, ironworks, plants, and an ever-changing inventory of gift items has managed to prosper by current standards.

Perhaps variety is the key, or maybe the culture of arts and antiques never goes out of style for some, but Elegant Collectables and Crafts vendor Kathy Metts is pleased with the steady flow of customers at the multi-vendor market.

When asked if the current economy is having an adverse effect, Metts replied “We are doing pretty well…we all seem to be making our rent and enough to replace inventory…we’re not making a killing right now but we hope in the coming months that business will pick up…the only problem we have is the parking in Bamberg.”

Metts is focused on the positive aspects of the business and concentrating on attracting new customers. “We have ample parking in the back, and have added some new vendors,” said Metts enthusiastically.

Sanders Supply in Bamberg, said his business was definitely off with only two new housing starts for the month. “Normally at this time of the year we would have at least 20 new housing starts. We have not had any layoffs or cut anyone’s hours so far. We are hanging in here just like everyone else waiting to see what is going to happen next. Like a lot of small businesses, we don’t have a lot of overhead and right now I am doing a lot of hands-on things myself. I go out and price the jobs and give estimates and whatever I need to do to save money and cut expenses,” said Clayton.

Jeff Lewis, owner of Jeff’s IGA in Ehrhardt, said he has not seen any difference in his grocery business. “I have not had any problems, no layoffs or cutbacks. We are running just like we have been since 1984,” said Lewis.

Deit Vaughn, owner of Vaughn Electronics and Radio Shack in Bamberg, said business is very slow." I am waiting on the holidays, hoping that this will bring out more people to shop and maybe things will change for the better…But really, I have been blessed. I have had no layoffs and no employee hour cuts so far,” Vaughn said with a smile.

Tagadu's owner, Phyllis Schwarting, said business is down, but they have not had to cut hours or personnel or buying. “We still want to be the store that has a lot to offer, but we are being conservative. Our customer base has been loyal to us and although their level of buying has decreased, we are thankful for their continued support,” stated Schwarting.

Hopefully the upcoming holiday season will bring shoppers back out and the steady success of all Bamberg County businesses may be felt by all.