HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Ross\u2019 Appliance and Mattress says it has seen a drop in business because of the federal government shutdown, prompting the company to send out costumed characters to try to generate sales.<\/p>\n
On Nimitz Highway, a Spiderman costumed character worked for Ross\u2019 Appliance and Mattress, adding Halloween spirit during the economic downturn. The character said the 30-day federal government shutdown was affecting local businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s horrible. I think it\u2019s violating people\u2019s rights and it\u2019s just not right at all,\u201d said Marcus, the costumed character.<\/p>\n
At Ross\u2019 showroom in Kalihi, the store offers used and restored home appliances. Wink Arnott, who does sales for the 40-year-old company that also refurbishes beds with an industrial sewing machine, said the shutdown has significantly impacted revenue.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve noticed over the last 3 or 4 weeks, our sales have gone down anywhere from 30 to 50 percent per day,\u201d Arnott said.<\/p>\n
The business serves many local and military customers. With customers likely cutting spending during the shutdown, Arnott and Ross\u2019 owner decided to hold a 10 percent sale along with a special Halloween event.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy don\u2019t have a Halloween costume, give some people a chance to make a little extra money, especially with SNAP going away technically Saturday, we are trying to do what we can and we are trying to generate sales as we can because we have a lot of people to support here,\u201d Arnott said.<\/p>\n
As the shutdown continues, Arnott said he hopes for a resolution soon and wants people to remember that small businesses are feeling the pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are the little guy and unfortunately, we are the first to go,\u201d Arnott said.<\/p>\n
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