High rents are forcing small businesses in into tough choices

Adelita Valentine, owner of HairFreek Barbers, gives a shave to Cameron Loualhati in Los Angeles, Aug. 21, 2024. Adelita Valentine, owner of HairFreek Barbers, stands for a photo outside her barbershop in Los Angeles, Aug. 21, 2024.

While many costs have come down for small businesses, rents remain high and in some cases are still rising, forcing many owners into some uncomfortable decisions.