Families across Northeast Ohio are feeling the impact of inflation everywhere, from the checkout line to the gas pump. And for one longtime Akron business, staying open means carefully balancing higher operating costs with keeping prices manageable for loyal customers.
For more than 60 years, DeVitis Italian Market has been a staple in Akron, known for its Italian imports, fresh deli counter and prepared foods. But according to fourth-generation owner Nick DeVitis, nearly every aspect of running the business has become more expensive.
“The cost of our goods has gone up significantly. Some of it we’ve had to raise our prices because we have to stay competitive, we’ve had to raise our wages for employees, but some we’ve had to eat the costs and that’s cut into our margins to an extent,” said DeVitis…