“Small shops have to reduce staffing during these times, which may or may not provide some relief for the owner/manager which I would think might benefit the consumer if the savings are passed on.”
There are not any savings. Staffing is reduced right now because hi fi shops, like most other retailers have fewer if any customers coming in the door. Do you think retailers are celebrating their savings from laid off employees with their doors closed and no customers?
Let me explain it for you: Sales go down so Gross Margin drops. Fixed expenses stay the same. Employee count is reduced because less customers and less sales volume. Profit drops. No savings to pass on to customer.
There are not any savings. Staffing is reduced right now because hi fi shops, like most other retailers have fewer if any customers coming in the door. Do you think retailers are celebrating their savings from laid off employees with their doors closed and no customers?
Let me explain it for you: Sales go down so Gross Margin drops. Fixed expenses stay the same. Employee count is reduced because less customers and less sales volume. Profit drops. No savings to pass on to customer.