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Shopping Delight at the Dutch Epicure Shop

At the Dutch Epicure Shop in Litchfield, Ber and Beverly Welp quickly made their way to fill up their shopping basket. They were on a culinary adventure, gathering beloved Dutch breakfast staples — known specifically as beschuit, which are crisp breads popular in the Netherlands. "Two for now," Ber enthusiastically adds to the basket, before quickly deciding on a Dutch breakfast cake and a box of chocolate sprinkles, known locally as hagelslag, which the Dutch commonly enjoy on buttered bread.

Reflection: “This reminds me of my childhood,” shared Ber, who fondly recalls growing up in the Netherlands.

As their shopping spree continued, the couple selected imported meats, house-baked cookies, and of course, copious amounts of licorice — a Dutch delicacy known for its wide variety. According to shop owner Wilma Joas, they stock approximately four dozen different kinds of licorice, varying from sweet to salty, and it’s a phenomenon deeply cherished by the Dutch community.

Ber Welp, with his wife Beverly, cherishes the products reminiscent of his Dutch upbringing.

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A Busy Summer Day in Litchfield

On a typical summer Friday, the Dutch Epicure Shop buzzes with activity. Customers continuously flow in, eager to purchase Joas’ lovingly produced baked goods, exquisite chocolates, and various prepared foods. The shelves and cold cases are brimming with hundreds of imported items, appealing to a diverse clientele.

However, Joas is mindful that this normalcy may be short-lived. She faces the potential of challenges ahead, primarily the Trump tariffs. A quick glance around her shop reveals the scope of the challenge.

All products within the store are predominantly imported, many from the Netherlands. There is an array of gouda cheeses, delicious jams, salty crackers, tantalizing snacks, the authentic speculaas spice cookies, and also stroopwafels – a delightful coffee-friendly treat with a warm, melting filling.

The Impacts of Tariffs on Imported Goods

Joas stocks a variety of Indonesian spices and noodles, a remnant of the Netherlands’ colonization. Other goods come from throughout Europe, mainly Germany, featuring a diverse collection of mustards and assorted pickled delicacies, alongside French cheeses and imported meats from various regions.

Currently, Trump’s proposed tariffs on products from the European Union stand at 10%, threatening to escalate to an astonishing 50% in the near future, unless there are changes in policy. This chaos has caused uncertainty, with prior threats and last-minute alterations creating a particularly fragile situation for shop owners like Joas.

Ellie Barrows, a dedicated shop assistant, surveys the cheese counter which showcases premium imported goods.

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Navigating Fresh Challenges

While Joas has not yet seen a significant impact from these tariffs, changes are already evident. Recently, suppliers have begun charging her for shipping, which previously was complimentary. For example, shipping a pallet from New Jersey now costs her approximately $400.

Joas expresses a cautious optimism, feeling the nature of her low-ticket items may not deter customers if price increases are reasonable. “If the price has to rise by 50 cents, I believe consumers will still be willing to pay for unique items they can’t find elsewhere,” she says.

As Beverly Welp nods in agreement, Ber expresses a more cautious viewpoint, “It all depends on how high the prices go. If it doubles or something, I might have to reconsider,” he shared. The couple, now residing in Bethlehem, have fond memories of driving an hour from West Haven simply to enjoy the specialty items stocked by Joas.

Ines Deseroux, a French native and frequent customer for over a decade, enjoys shopping for the exceptional foods that remind her of home. "I’ll keep coming to the shop for quality foods, even with potential tariff impacts," she emphasizes, mentioning her fondness for Joas’s zucchini cake and an assortment of European delicacies.

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The Future of Local Specialty Stores Amid Tariffs

Joas is bracing herself for the possibility of impending tariffs impacting her business. Though she’s historically been able to pivot effectively through various challenges, she expresses her distress over the undue burdens that tariffs can place on small businesses.

Most of her products carry low prices, and she believes, “If a jar of mustard rises from $1.40 to $2.10, it’s not a steep increase.” Yet, she’s aware that price increases across the board can fundamentally alter customer perceptions and habits.

Each year, Joas finds ways to adapt her business model, tweaking product offerings based on customer needs and current inventory. Her ability to pivot helps keep her business vibrant and relevant with the ever-changing demands of her client base.

Enter AI legalese decoder: A Potential Solution

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A Future Full of Possibilities

Joas remains confident and focused on the road ahead. She moved her store a year and a half ago, preparing for any eventualities. “I’m ready to pivot again, whether that means catering or serving food in my new space,” she notes. With a newly acquired restaurant license, she has plans that could allow her business to evolve.

However, the uncertainty surrounding chocolate availability remains a significant concern. Joas predicts a future in which chocolate may become a luxury item rather than a common treat.

Despite the challenges, Joas emphasizes her proactive approach. “For instance, since the bird flu epidemic, egg prices skyrocketed, shifting my focus to recipes that require fewer eggs,” she explains.

Crucially, Joas exhibits the resilience necessary for a small business owner. Facing tariffs and pricing pressures might generate stress, yet she continues to adopt a solution-oriented mindset.

Continuous Adaptation: A Key for Success

“We’ve learned how to pivot,” Joas asserts. “Farmers Markets can draw away business in the summer, so I invested in an ice cream machine to diversify my offerings.” This spirit of adaptation mirrors insights shared by Danielle Ruggiero of the Women’s Business Development Council, who highlighted that necessary changes for small businesses are a regular part of daily operations.

As the Dutch Epicure Shop celebrates near 60 years in business, Joas cherishes the relationships formed with her customers. Many share warm memories spanning generations, which keeps her motivated through each new challenge.

As a steadfast community presence, the Dutch Epicure Shop exemplifies perseverance in the face of adversity, demonstrating that with creative strategies and a strong support system, local businesses can thrive — through any storm.

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