Scottsdale Toy Store Thrives Despite Past Tariff Concerns

Scottsdale, December 16, 2025

Amid national economic uncertainty, a Scottsdale toy store showcases remarkable resilience by navigating tariff concerns without harming its holiday sales. This highlights the adaptability and proactive spirit within Arizona’s small business sector, contributing positively to the local economy. Owner Kristin Roehmer’s strategic inventory stocking during summer months prevented anticipated price hikes and resulted in increased holiday sales. This success contrasts with many businesses struggling under tariff impacts, reflecting the broader entrepreneurial spirit in Arizona.

Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale Toy Store Thrives Despite Past Tariff Concerns

Amidst a period of national economic uncertainty and discussions surrounding international trade policies, a local Scottsdale toy store demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial resilience, navigating tariff concerns without detriment to its holiday sales. This success story reflects the adaptability and proactive spirit often found within Arizona’s small business community, a vital component of the broader Phoenix AZ business landscape.

While warnings were issued regarding potential impacts on consumer goods, particularly imported items, the experience of businesses like this toy store highlights how local ingenuity and strategic planning can help maintain momentum. It underscores the importance of a robust, dynamic economic environment where businesses can innovate and thrive, contributing significantly to Arizona’s economic growth.

A Local Success Story Amidst Past Tariff Talk

Kristin Roehmer, owner of Kidstop Toys & Books in Scottsdale, faced a challenging retail environment when discussions around tariffs on imported goods, including toys, were prominent. Despite nationwide warnings from various sources that tariffs could lead to fewer dolls and higher prices for consumers, Roehmer’s business experienced a different outcome. She proactively managed potential price increases by heavily stocking her warehouses during the preceding summer months. This strategic foresight meant that the significant price hikes many in the industry feared ultimately did not materialize for her customers. In fact, Kidstop Toys & Books reported that its holiday sales were up compared to the previous year, showcasing how adaptable local businesses can overcome perceived economic headwinds through diligent planning and a focus on customer needs. The toy industry, which sees approximately 80% of its products manufactured in China, was indeed a sector under close scrutiny during this period of tariff discussions.

The Broader Picture: Tariff Concerns Across Arizona

While the Scottsdale toy store found a way to navigate the challenges, many other small businesses across Arizona expressed significant concerns and faced direct impacts from the tariffs during that era. Various business owners in Phoenix and other Arizona communities reported increased costs, pricing uncertainty, and difficulties in planning for the future. For example, a co-owner of a vineyard near Tucson noted that any tariff could impact their bottom line, as wineries typically operate on tight margins. Similarly, a Phoenix flower shop owner anticipated raising prices due to wholesaler cost increases from overseas shipping, directly attributing this to tariffs.

The sentiment among many Arizona small businesses was that tariffs acted as an upfront tax, forcing them to either absorb costs or pass them on to consumers, which could affect customer loyalty and competitiveness. Some businesses, like construction companies, reported losing money on projects due to unexpected price increases on materials, making it harder to predict costs and leading to the consideration of adding a “tariff cushion” to bids. Even businesses not directly importing, such as cleaning services, felt indirect impacts as their larger industrial clients sought to cut expenses in response to their own tariff-related challenges. This widespread apprehension underscored the unpredictable nature of trade policies and their potential to disrupt supply chains and economic stability for the Phoenix small business community and beyond. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce warned that blanket tariffs often disproportionately affect smaller firms, which may lack the financial reserves to absorb price hikes or quickly switch to domestic suppliers. Arizona’s economy, heavily reliant on international trade, saw many within its business community advocating for stable and predictable trade policies to foster job creation and sustained economic growth.

Phoenix’s Entrepreneurial Spirit and Economic Foundations

The broader Phoenix metropolitan area continues to be a hub of entrepreneurial innovation and economic growth, fostering an environment where businesses can adapt and thrive. The state of Arizona consistently ranks among the top states for small business growth, with a notable increase in new businesses recorded. Companies with fewer than 500 employees are a significant force, generating over 70% of new jobs since 2019 and accounting for 51% of private employment nationwide. Greater Phoenix, specifically, boasts a vibrant startup community, supported by various networks, accelerators, and incubators. Institutions like the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (CEI) in Phoenix provide crucial support, space, and resources for high-growth startups, particularly in bioscience and emerging technologies, fostering a culture of regional innovation. This supportive ecosystem, combined with affordable real estate and employment costs compared to other major markets, contributes to making Greater Phoenix an attractive location for Arizona AZ entrepreneurs to scale their innovations. A recent survey indicated that Phoenix small business owners are more likely to report business success, growth in the past year, and optimism for the future compared to the national average. This optimistic outlook is a testament to the strong local economy and the determination of its business leaders.

The Role of Policy in Fostering Growth

Arizona’s commitment to a pro-business environment plays a crucial role in empowering its entrepreneurs and small businesses. State leaders actively work to maintain streamlined regulations, reduce administrative burdens, and offer competitive tax structures designed to encourage investment and innovation. The state views government as a strategic partner, aiming to support rather than hinder industry and innovation. Initiatives, such as making the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction permanent, have been highlighted for their potential to significantly boost Arizona’s economic activity by billions annually and create thousands of jobs. These policies create a stable and attractive environment for businesses, from small local shops to large industrial players. While federal regulatory accumulation can pose challenges, state-level efforts to reduce red tape are seen as vital for improving economic conditions and promoting job creation. The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) consistently works with economic partners to attract investments and create jobs across the state, with recent fiscal years showing record-setting results in job creation and capital investment. This collaborative approach between government and the business community is essential in safeguarding Arizona’s competitiveness and ensuring long-term prosperity.

Conclusion

The experience of a Scottsdale toy store owner, who effectively navigated past tariff concerns through proactive measures, serves as a compelling example of the resilience and resourcefulness inherent in Arizona’s small business sector. While many businesses across the state voiced legitimate worries and faced tangible impacts from fluctuating trade policies, the broader Phoenix AZ business landscape continues to demonstrate robust entrepreneurial spirit and economic vitality. The dedication of Arizona AZ entrepreneurs, coupled with a statewide commitment to supportive policies that favor limited regulation and competitive tax structures, creates a fertile ground for growth and innovation. As Phoenix continues its trajectory of economic expansion, supporting local businesses and fostering an environment of adaptability remains paramount for future success. Engaging with and backing these local enterprises not only strengthens our community but also ensures the continued economic prosperity of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arizona’s Business Climate and Tariffs

What was the experience of the Scottsdale toy store owner regarding past tariffs?

Kristin Roehmer, owner of Kidstop Toys & Books in Scottsdale, proactively managed potential price increases due to past tariffs by heavily stocking her warehouses during the preceding summer months. She reported that significant price hikes did not materialize for her customers and her holiday sales were up compared to the previous year.

Did all Arizona businesses experience the same impact from tariffs?

No, many other small businesses across Arizona expressed significant concerns and faced direct impacts from tariffs, including increased costs, pricing uncertainty, and difficulties in planning for the future. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce warned that blanket tariffs often disproportionately affect smaller firms.

How does Phoenix support entrepreneurial innovation?

The Phoenix metropolitan area has a vibrant startup community supported by various networks, accelerators, and incubators, such as the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (CEI), which provides space and resources for high-growth startups.

What is Arizona’s standing in small business growth?

Arizona consistently ranks among the top states for small business growth, with a notable increase in new businesses and companies with fewer than 500 employees generating a significant percentage of new jobs nationwide.

What role do state policies play in Arizona’s economic growth?

Arizona’s state leaders are committed to maintaining streamlined regulations, reducing administrative burdens, and offering competitive tax structures to encourage investment and innovation. Making the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction permanent, for instance, has been highlighted for its potential to significantly boost Arizona’s economic activity and create jobs.

Key Features of Arizona’s Business Environment and Tariff Impacts

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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER

The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.