Kamala Boutique owner Kate Lamontague told the Holliston Reporter on Wednesday that sixty to seventy percent of her merchandise is either held up or canceled. Lamontague said that her business hasn’t popped back since the pandemic arrived nearly twenty months ago. People just didn’t come out Lamontague explained.

While Kamala Boutique has reverted to purchasing gifts made in the USA, Kate said that things like candles are even difficult to purchase as the suppliers depend on jars made out of the country. “I’ve gone from seven employees down to two since the pandemic began. “I’m resilient in that I make my own jewelry and clothing”.

The Boutique looked bountiful with many gift offerings, Lamontague said there is no backroom storage with all items out on the floor.  Pottery made in the USA ordered now, won’t be delivered until June! Customers are incredulous until the impact of the supply delay is explained, then they understand. She tells people that “this is what we’ve got, when it’s gone, it’s gone.

Diane Mazzaro at the Grapevine relayed a similar message. “I put Santa’s mailbox for kids out early and I’ve been wrapping presents for the past six weeks”.

Mazzaro (pictured) held out a pair of woman’s printed slacks which she said she ordered in March. That’s eight months and she only got a third of the order! Diane pointed to an orange child’s tutu and said if they don’t like the color “I’m sorry but that’s all we have.”

 While she doesn’t think Grapevine will have more customers this year than last, she does think that she’ll do a higher volume, especially when online stores are out of products.

Mazzaro’s advice to customers “shop now”.