Tariffs Remain a Brewing Storm for Lush Wine & Spirits Owner Mitch Einhorn
Mitch Einhorn, the co-owner of Chicago's beloved wine shop Lush Wine & Spirits, has been dealing with a constant headache since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. The top concern? Tariffs. One year later, Einhorn remains on high alert, fearing that the rapidly changing trade policies will continue to wreak havoc on his business.
Lush Wine & Spirits has carved out a cozy niche for itself as a friendly wine shop paired with a bistro, offering customers a unique experience where they can buy a bottle and enjoy it in the restaurant or take it home. However, with many imported items, the business is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in tariffs. Einhorn worries that the uncertainty will continue to impact his business, making it increasingly difficult for him to predict what will happen next.
The situation has been particularly trying for Einhorn. In August, U.S. importers of European wines began paying 15% tariffs, which are usually passed down to consumers as higher prices. Just last month, Trump threatened even steeper tariffs – up to 25% by June – on products from eight European countries unless the US was allowed to purchase Greenland.
Einhorn has spoken out about how these threats have affected his business, citing an order that was in transit from France when the threat of a 200% tariff on French wine and Champagne was announced. Despite Trump backing off on those plans, Einhorn remains uncertain about what will happen next and has paused further purchases until things settle down.
The impact of tariffs goes beyond just the cost to consumers; it also affects people whose livelihoods are connected to imports, such as port workers, truckers, and retail employees. Einhorn believes that the president might not fully grasp the downstream effects of these threats.
For his part, Einhorn is focused on finding ways to mitigate the impact of tariffs while staying true to his business's core values. He has been working with a vineyard in Washington to produce exclusive wines for Lush and also collaborating with a winemaker in France on a longer-term project. He remains committed to offering customers an exceptional experience, combining high-quality wines with reasonably priced gourmet meals.
Ultimately, Einhorn believes that if he stops innovating and trying new things, his business will cease to exist. As the wine shop navigates these uncertain times, one thing is clear: Lush Wine & Spirits owner Mitch Einhorn's biggest worry remains tariffs – but he's determined to find a way forward despite them.
Mitch Einhorn, the co-owner of Chicago's beloved wine shop Lush Wine & Spirits, has been dealing with a constant headache since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025. The top concern? Tariffs. One year later, Einhorn remains on high alert, fearing that the rapidly changing trade policies will continue to wreak havoc on his business.
Lush Wine & Spirits has carved out a cozy niche for itself as a friendly wine shop paired with a bistro, offering customers a unique experience where they can buy a bottle and enjoy it in the restaurant or take it home. However, with many imported items, the business is particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in tariffs. Einhorn worries that the uncertainty will continue to impact his business, making it increasingly difficult for him to predict what will happen next.
The situation has been particularly trying for Einhorn. In August, U.S. importers of European wines began paying 15% tariffs, which are usually passed down to consumers as higher prices. Just last month, Trump threatened even steeper tariffs – up to 25% by June – on products from eight European countries unless the US was allowed to purchase Greenland.
Einhorn has spoken out about how these threats have affected his business, citing an order that was in transit from France when the threat of a 200% tariff on French wine and Champagne was announced. Despite Trump backing off on those plans, Einhorn remains uncertain about what will happen next and has paused further purchases until things settle down.
The impact of tariffs goes beyond just the cost to consumers; it also affects people whose livelihoods are connected to imports, such as port workers, truckers, and retail employees. Einhorn believes that the president might not fully grasp the downstream effects of these threats.
For his part, Einhorn is focused on finding ways to mitigate the impact of tariffs while staying true to his business's core values. He has been working with a vineyard in Washington to produce exclusive wines for Lush and also collaborating with a winemaker in France on a longer-term project. He remains committed to offering customers an exceptional experience, combining high-quality wines with reasonably priced gourmet meals.
Ultimately, Einhorn believes that if he stops innovating and trying new things, his business will cease to exist. As the wine shop navigates these uncertain times, one thing is clear: Lush Wine & Spirits owner Mitch Einhorn's biggest worry remains tariffs – but he's determined to find a way forward despite them.
for small businesses like Lush Wine & Spirits. I mean, can you imagine having to constantly adjust your prices and worry about what might happen next? It's like trying to live in a constant state of uncertainty 
. And yeah, Einhorn is right that Trump doesn't seem to get it - the impact goes way beyond just consumers, it affects whole industries and people's livelihoods 
. But you know what? I think Lush Wine & Spirits is actually doing some pretty cool things to stay afloat, like partnering with other vineyards and winemakers 
. Maybe they can even use this uncertainty as an opportunity to innovate and come up with new ideas 
. And honestly, I think that's what Einhorn needs to focus on - not just trying to survive, but thriving in these uncertain times 
.
! It's not just the wine shop owners like Mitch Einhorn, it's the entire chain of people who depend on imports for their livelihoods 
. And let's be real, it's affecting us consumers too when prices go up 
, and I don't want that to happen! 
Tariffs are a real pain in the 
for businesses like @LushWineSpirits! One year on and it's still all about the 
Who else is tired of living in the 
#TariffTroubles
! Anyway, as a shop owner myself (not for wine tho, more like gaming collectibles), I feel you, man. Uncertainty is the worst. Like, can we just have one steady policy change without having to re-rally our troops every 5 mins? 
Still, good on Einhorn for trying to innovate and find new ways to stay afloat (or should I say, wine-alter? 
). And omg, the vineyard in Washington collab sounds like a dream come true! Guess you could say he's "wine"-ing down his worries 
.
. Tariffs are like an elephant in the room, and it's hard for anyone to ignore 'em. I get why he's worried - his business is all about those imported wines, and changing tariffs can be like a rollercoaster ride 
. I'm just hoping he finds some creative ways to adapt and keep Lush Wine & Spirits thriving 
.
It's not just the wine shop owners who are affected, but also all those people whose jobs depend on imports. I feel so bad for port workers and truckers who have to deal with all this uncertainty. Mitch is being super proactive by finding ways to diversify his business, like working with a vineyard in WA and collaborating with a winemaker in France. That's the kind of innovation we need right now! 
Anyway, I hope Einhorn finds a way to stay afloat in this crazy world of tariffs! 
It's like they're playing a game of trade policy roulette. And what really gets me is how it affects not just the wine shop owners but also port workers, truckers, and retail employees who rely on imports for their livelihoods. 
i mean, i get it, tariffs r annoying but also a lil confusing 
like Lush Wine & Spirits they're already doin the best with what they got 
Einhorn's got some balls for tryna stay on top of it all though 
still feel bad for port workers & truckers tho 
I mean, can you imagine having a headache that lasts for over a year? Tariffs are like the wine shop equivalent of a hangover... except it never goes away 
his business is literally on the line and i get it why he'd wanna pause purchases for now... but at the same time, all these tariffs are affecting ppl's livelihoods 
It's not just about the cost to consumers either; the impact goes way deeper than that. Mitch is super stressed out about it all and I feel for him.
.