New bag law a nail in the coffin for NJ party store (Opinion)

This is pathetic. And something I predicted.

While it was a combination of factors that went into the decision of Sugar Sisters party store in Franklin to close down, part of the reason was New Jersey’s new law banning single-use plastic bags.

I had theorized this could be difficult on stores’ ability to keep an eye on shoplifters. Since there’s nothing in the new law stopping a customer from buying items and carrying them loose without a bag to their cars I figured it would be visually harder for business owners to discern who actually paid for items.

Sure enough, a small party store called Sugar Sisters says it was happening.

“The theft has increased with the new bag law. Working from home and out of my garage, now I won’t have to worry about theft,” Heather Russinko, owner, told NJ.com.

And that’s exactly what she’s doing. The online portion of the business will stay open while the retail space on Route 23 is going dark.

Russinko said:

“I’ve cried for three days straight making this decision, but it’s the best decision we can make financially.”

Nice going, Murphy. Another decision that has hurt small businesses. In fact, Sugar Sisters had a rough go from the start. The fledgling store’s original opening was delayed by pandemic shutdowns. Now this.

The shop has sold cookie and cake decorating supplies along with candy and other party supplies. It’s an everything must-go situation so you can possibly get some good deals. An exact closing date will be announced sometime around the end of August.

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Jeff Deminski only.

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