Small Business in Pennsylvania struggling?

[liberalnarb]

The American Economy is in a recovery, no doubt about that, but what about our state? We now have a Democratic Governor, the governor before him trashed the states economy. Governor Wolf is doing a good job and I still support him, but all around my area small businesses are having trouble. Just the other day Mapes, a shop that has been opened here for at least 100 years closed its doors and went up for sale. I've been doing some research on the State of Pennsylvania's economy and I'm not seeing anything helpful. What are the factors here?

[Freddie]

1. Taxes have not gone up

Personal and corporate tax rates have been the same for years. Could be property tax issues but those are set locally.
PA is an "aging" state, more seniors than young people so buying patterns change, as well as more people on lower incomes. As manufacturing jobs went overseas, young people moved away leaving their retired relatives behind.

[liberalnarb]

3. I'm near Philly in the burbs

Pretty sure seniors are outnumbered by the young and middle age here.

[orwell]

2. Online sales...

...are decimating many brick and mortar operations, both large and small.

Macy's and Sears are both in trouble as are many other reatilers.

People window shop in these stores and then buy online where prices are lower.

The business model worldwide is rapidly changing and many have not made the transition.

[wcast]

4. The problem is you have a house and senate controlled by Republicans.

Wolf is doing all he can to keep the PA congress from enacting laws that turn us into Kansas.

[Number9Dream]

5. Our small Lehigh Valley company will be moving to a larger building soon

We're a small (15 employees) Lehigh Valley electronics company. We've outgrown our present building, and in a couple months, will be moving into a building twice as large, and will probably be hiring. I guess it depends on each business.