Stephanie Ernst-Scott

At Gus’ Discount Tackle in the Outer Richmond of San Francisco, owner Stephanie Ernst-Scott has an empty backstock room. 

“Don't look at it, it's too sad,” Ernst-Scott said.

Gus’ Discount Tackle is one of San Francisco’s oldest tackle shops that specializes in crab fishing. Ernst-Scott said she feels lucky that the uncertainty of tariffs is happening right now, as crab season is coming to an end. 

“If this had hit me in October, I don't know what I would have done.”

She explained how the companies she purchases from are going to pass the expenses of tariffs onto her and her customers. “My niche product is where I give people affordable products, that's why we're here 60 years.” 

“If it becomes so disproportionately more expensive, it'll finish that niche for me,” Ernst-Scott said.  

MSNBC used to play throughout her shop 24/7, but since Trump's election, she can no longer watch it as much. “It's too depressing,” she said.

“I'm an optimist. I'm hoping it will all work itself out, except he's only been president for, what, three months? It's overwhelming at times.”