Doki Doki is a locally owned Lakewood business that specializes in anime-themed collectibles and merchandise. The store opened in December 2022 and has been serving customers for nearly three years. It also features an events space, making it more than just a store.

Despite all of this, the future of this beloved shop may depend on government-imposed tariffs.

In July 2025, tariffs were imposed on imported goods. These tariffs have significantly impacted many small businesses, including Doki Doki. The cost of imported items has skyrocketed, making it harder for the shop to obtain supplies.

“A lot of the items we sell here were manufactured in China, even if they come from Japan. So generally, our tariffs are around 30%, sometimes 15%, depending on whether it was made in Japan,” said owner Ami Rizek. For small businesses, it’s crucial not to overspend on goods, and lately, that has become increasingly difficult. Rizek said the tariffs have increased expenses so much that the business is now spending more than it earns. Between purchasing goods and paying staff, it’s become challenging to stay afloat.

Since the shop specializes in manga, nearly all of its inventory is imported from countries such as Japan and China. “We have a six-month plan to see if we can improve our business and possibly change our model — maybe stop importing and become a manga bookstore,” Rizek said.

The tariffs were imposed suddenly, and Rizek had already ordered many items before realizing how much the costs would increase. The business is doing its best to weather the difficult times and hopes to survive.

The tariffs have also affected staff. Rizek said she had to lay off two employees because of payroll costs and has not paid herself in months. “It’s just me full-time, along with one part-time worker,” she said. “Because of the extraordinary costs from tariffs, we’re just not making enough money to survive.”

Although it was a hard decision, Rizek believes it was necessary. “I think the hardest part about this is that I don’t have control over any of it. This is something that the government imposed, and I can’t do anything about that,” she added.

Despite the circumstances, the business is making adjustments to adapt. Rizek states she hopes things turn around and she could possibly rehire old employees.

Despite these struggles, Doki Doki remains a community safe space and a treasured part of Lakewood. It is a unique store for the area, and its significance to the community is considerable. “I’ve been here about four times. I like the stationery, and I like how much manga they have,” customer Olivia Seitz said.

“The employees are super nice, and they’ll talk about anything. It’s really perfect,” Seitz added. The employees have created a welcoming environment for the anime community.

The new tariffs on imported goods have heavily impacted small businesses. Smaller companies often lack the leverage of large chains, making it harder to obtain products at affordable prices. The increased costs discourage new orders, leading to stock shortages. Fluctuating tariffs add further uncertainty for business owners when planning their purchases.

The future of many small businesses remains uncertain amid the current economic climate. Lakewood, in particular, relies heavily on small businesses, including restaurants and retail shops.

“Small businesses are important to the community because they employ people, offer unique products, and have more character,” Lakewood High School teacher Chuck Greanoff said. “I am concerned about their future because of tariffs.”

The tariffs are likely to have lasting effects on small businesses, which will need to adapt to the new economic landscape. The road ahead for Doki Doki has raised concerns throughout the community and among staff.

However, the store is persevering. Hopefully, people will continue to shop here so they can make up more funds for buying their goods. With the resilience of the staff and community support, there is hope that the store will overcome this challenging period.