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Local business worried about impact of TikTok ban
Introduction
As the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to make a pivotal decision that could lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok, small businesses across the country are bracing for potential repercussions. One such business feeling the heat is the Coffee Depot in Mount Pleasant, which has thrived in part due to its presence on the popular platform.
For the Coffee Depot, TikTok is more than just a social media app; it has become a lifeline, attracting a loyal customer base of nearly 30,000 users. Cheyenne Phillips, a co-owner of the coffee shop, believes that their authenticity is what keeps patrons coming back for more. "If you've never seen us on TikTok, you’d think it’s just a regular coffee shop," Phillips says.
The Coffee Depot’s TikTok account features engaging videos of Phillips and her husband taking orders from customers—a concept that not only showcases their friendliness but also resonates well with viewers. After starting the TikTok account for the shop last summer, a single video posted on December 7 sparked a significant increase in views, with some posts even reaching over one million. This surge in popularity has translated into an estimated additional $ 3,000 in revenue, which the owners hope to reinvest into remodeling the shop.
Phillips acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the Supreme Court's decision, which could potentially lead to a ban on TikTok by January 19. The decision may hinge on whether TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, takes actions to alleviate national security concerns. “If it would be able to continue, I know it would be life-changing for this business," Phillips reveals.
As the Supreme Court appears likely to uphold the decision to ban TikTok, local businesses like Coffee Depot face an uncertain future, highlighting how intertwined social media platforms have become with small-business revenue streams.
Keyword
- TikTok
- Coffee Depot
- Mount Pleasant
- Supreme Court
- Ban
- Revenue
- Customers
- Authenticity
- ByteDance
- Small Businesses
FAQ
Q: What is the main concern for the Coffee Depot?
A: The main concern for the Coffee Depot is the potential impact of a nationwide TikTok ban on their business, which heavily relies on the platform for customer engagement and revenue.
Q: How many TikTok users does the Coffee Depot have?
A: The Coffee Depot has around 30,000 TikTok users engaging with their content.
Q: What type of content does the Coffee Depot share on TikTok?
A: The Coffee Depot shares videos featuring staff taking customer orders, showcasing their friendly and authentic service.
Q: How much additional revenue has TikTok generated for the Coffee Depot?
A: TikTok has brought in an estimated additional $ 3,000 in revenue for the Coffee Depot.
Q: What date could see a potential TikTok ban?
A: The Supreme Court may make a decision regarding a potential TikTok ban by January 19.