Though some proposed tariffs on Canadian imports have been delayed, business owners near the border are preparing for cost increases

Inventory loss “could have been a lot worse,” said Johanna Dominguez of Put a Plant on It. But merchants suffered as shoppers stayed home.

In addition to her day job, Jennifer Barton of Buffalo now sells mugs and other goods she makes, plus owns a community art studio.

Over the past few years, pay for low-wage workers in the city has risen more than 40%, according to one analysis.