Mark Beach, the owner of Beach Furniture and Appliance store in South Tucson, finds it difficult to keep his business alive because of the horrible state of the nation's economy.
Beach has a positive outlook on the economy by explaining he is not alone.
"Lately it's been difficult to say the least. Everyone is in the same boat. People are blaming the economy but you just need to keep up with the times and find a way to survive." Beach's store employs up to 20 people and totals annual sales of more than $2.5 million
But profit does not come easy in town. South Tucson has one of the
highest poverty levels in the state and business owners strive to keep
their connections to the local community.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau in 2009 the U.S. poverty level was 13.5 percent and increased to 15.1 percent in 2010, which is 46.2 million Americans. Poverty rate for Hispanics rose to 26.6 percent from 25.3 percent.
In 2009, 41.4 percent of families in South Tucson were below poverty level and about 53.4 percent of individuals were below poverty level.
Small businesses in South Tucson, which are usually family owned, include markets, retail stores, restaurants, auto and barber shops, offering employment opportunities for up to 20 people.
Beach Furniture and Appliance opened in 1944 by Mark's grandfather. The store was first located in downtown Tucson and when downtown went through renovations it relocated to the current location.
In 1976 Mark's father bought the business and Mark kept the tradition going by buying the business from him in 1994. When Mark's father took over the business he decided to add the furniture part of the store. "I think that was smart on my father's part," says Beach.
Beach explains that the main reason that they have been able to survive in the economy is because they have second and third generation customers.
"Returning costumers will always tell stories about my grandfather," said Beach.
The store attracts customers because it is an alternative way for people to afford furniture and appliances. Instead of spending hard-earned cash on a piece of furniture or an appliance, people are able to lease the products.
Mauro Barraza, owner of Cowboy Western Wear, explained that the main reason that he can stay in business is because of the people in the community.
"People in Tucson want to stay connected to their culture and a way of doing that is by buying my products," says Barraza.
According to Barraza, there used to be four businesses like his in the area, but they all went under. Barraza's products are popular for weddings and quinceanera's.
When Barraza was younger, he became fascinated with cowboy boots and he gained experience from working at a cowboy boot shop in San Jose, Calif. When he moved to Tucson in 2000 he decided to open his own store.
Cowboy Western Wear shop is unique because Barraza makes and customizes the cowboy boots and hats himself. His boots are made from stingray, alligator and ostrich skin. The boots can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000.
Only a few people, including Beach and Barraza, have found a way to keep up with the changing recession by keeping a positive attitude and developing new business strategies.
"I put my faith in God that everything will be all right," Barraza said.
