As two Campustown stores prepare to close their doors permanently, other small business owners lamented the difficulty of making a living in the face of chain stores, bad parking and a faltering economy.

Ames Mayor Ted Tedesco attributed store closings to a poor national economy. He said he believes the first businesses to fail in rough economic times are those offering “non-essential items.” Many small business owners in Ames worry chain stores and a proposed new mall may negatively impact sales. Tedesco said even if a new mall hurts small business, the city cannot prohibit building new stores because it will make competition harder for independently-owned business.

“America was founded on a free enterprise system,” he said.

Nanci McCune, co-owner of Ridiculous Rags, 2414 Lincoln Way, said she wouldn’t recommend small business ownership to anyone who expects to make a living. She said her store is a hobby.

McCune said a unique theatrical costume selection has kept the store alive for the past eight years. She and the co-owner have not received a paycheck since April.

For any small business to survive in Campustown, the owners must not take out loans and should expect to earn no profits for at least the first two years, McCune said.

Jonathan Reed, owner of Stomping Grounds Cafe, 303 Welch Ave., said the biggest challenge is the vast amount of time he works to keep business thriving. He said he doesn’t keep track of hours he works, but estimated reaching more than 60 hours a week. “It takes a certain type of person to own a small business,” Reed said. He recommends small business ownership to those with an entrepreneurial personality.

McCune said owning a small business has rewards. She said she enjoys that she “doesn’t have to answer to anybody,” and is able to run the store with her best friend.

“If we don’t feel like coming in, we put a sign on the door saying we’re closed,” McCune said.

Dave Metcalf, owner of The Ark Pet Shop, 118 Hayward Ave., has also seen advantages in owning a small business since the store opened nearly 20 years ago.

“I feel good at the close of every day because I’ve worked hard,” he said.

Metcalf said running a small business has many challenges. He said customer flow of customers is often inconsistent, making it difficult to know how to staff his store. In addition, Metcalf said he must decide how to advertise his products, hire a knowledgeable staff and make enough money to pay his employees.

In the 20 years The Ark has been open, Metcalf estimated five to six similar businesses in Iowa have closed.

“I’ve seen business come and go, and I know how difficult it is,” he said.