Today in Hendersonville, on the fourth day of Whatley’s Christmas Costs, a North Carolina toy store owner and a working parent called out Michael Whatley’s reckless tariffs that are driving up holiday costs and hurting small businesses. Whatley has called the tariffs “record setting in terms of […] effectiveness” and said he supports them “wholeheartedly.”

“The holidays have been such a fun time to spend with our son but this Christmas feels so much more expensive than last year, thanks to tariffs backed by U.S. Senate Candidate Michael Whatley,” said Drake English, small business owner and parent of a four year old. “From working parents to small businesses, the trade war has been hurting families across North Carolina for months, and now that it’s that time of the year when we’re all spending the most, families are getting crushed. Michael Whatley is siding with the DC politicians fueling this trade war and he’s leaving North Carolina families behind.”

“Toys are one of the biggest items impacted by tariffs. Ever since the tariffs were announced, manufacturers have started adding 10-15% surcharge on our invoices, and as orders have come in for the holidays, I’ve noticed prices of items increasing significantly,” said Lyndsey Simpson, Owner of Hendersonville Toy Company. “As these costs tick up for my business, I unfortunately cannot afford to cover it. I don’t want to raise costs. I know folks are facing a higher cost of living right now because I’m facing it too. And, I don’t want holiday shopping to be another stressor for my customers or my community.”

A recording of remarks can be found here.

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