Local Businesses Worry About AA/US Air Merger Ripple Effect
GRAPEVINE (CBSDFW.COM) - In the wake of a possible merger between American Airlines' parent company AMR Corp. and US Airways some small businesses are worried about their bottom lines.
Inside The Hampton Salon & Spa in Grapevine any mention of American Airlines gets some attention.
"My husband does work for American Eagle," said salon hairstylist Deborah Nakoneczny. "I'm just waiting to see what happens."
Nakoneczny says a lot of her clients are airline employees and since the bankruptcy announcement she's noticed a difference.
"It has slowed down a little bit and I imagine it will get worse with more layoffs."
Just a few blocks away from the salon at Miscellaneous in historic downtown Grapevine the owner is watching what's happening closely too.
"Would it impact me positively if jobs are kept here in North Texas? Absolutely," said store co-owner Liz Womack. "If it's a scenario -- if there is more cuts to North Texas and jobs are outsourced to other areas that will put a big dent in our local clientele."
Womack said a large portion of Miscellaneous customers are AMR employees. The store, that advertises itself as a place to find "cool stuff for everyone", even offers a 10-percent discount to airline employees.
AMR is one of region's largest employers, locally employing some 25,000 employees who also live in the area bordering Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
"Do I worry about American's future sure?" asked Womack. "Will they be stronger for it? I believe they will."
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