Rising credit card interest rates and rent hikes are taking a toll on Jackson-based businesses, forcing longtime music and body art entrepreneur Susan Woodward to seek out greener pastures over the hill. Woodward stated after 20 years at her current location on Broadway, Sub-Urban Body Arts & Boutique will move to a new location in Victor at the end of the summer.

While Woodward attributed a number of factors to the move, including skyrocketing credit card rates and the brick and mortar retail music industry’s battle with online giants, the unconquerable hurdle remained the cost of rent in Jackson.

Lately the situation is not uncommon, as slumping sales and rising rents have forced a number of Jackson businesses to shut down or move on over the past year, with speculation on more to come still swirling.

After being in her current location on Broadway for 20 years, Woodward explained the music side of Mountunes will all but go away, as she focuses energy on the tattoo and piercing services, along with stocking an original offering of clothing and jewelery.

With a location secured on Main Street in Victor next door to the Victor Emporium, Woodward anticipated the shop will be open for business in its new location after the close of the summer season.

According to Woodward, she expects the shop will take a hit in the amount of tourist and walk- in business they receive during the busy summer season, but she is hoping the last 4 years of growth and recognition as a reputable and talented shop will continue to bring back repeat customers.

“Before there were any tattoo shops in Jackson, I had traveled all the way to California to get a tattoo from the right artist. So if the artist is worth it, people will travel and our artists have been establishing themselves with custom work and original designs,” stated Woodward.

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