Even a pop in sales from Small Business Saturday would not allay small companies' concerns about looming tax hikes and continued uncertainty about their operating climate, local business owners say.
Many in the Pittsburgh region are worried about possible tax increases in 2013, the health care cost burden from the Affordable Care Act and drastic federal spending cuts tied to the "fiscal cliff."
"Taxes are definitely a concern. It's going to affect all businesses," said Rick Murray of Rusmur Floors Carpet One Floor & Home in Bridgeville.
"When expenses go up, you have to find ways to reduce expenses. That's the tough part," said Murray, whose company has five showroom locations in the region and about 150 employees.
Now in its third year, Small Business Saturday is sponsored by American Express Co. and FedEx Corp., whose FedEx Ground unit is based in Moon Township. The small business day in 2011 drew more than 100 million shoppers to independent small businesses, according to American Express.