Masks y Mas Owner Takes 2nd Job to Keep 24-Year-Old Shop Open as Inflation Hits 4.2%
Updated
Updated · KOB 4 · Jun 15
Masks y Mas Owner Takes 2nd Job to Keep 24-Year-Old Shop Open as Inflation Hits 4.2%
1 articles · Updated · KOB 4 · Jun 15
Summary
Federico “Kiko” Torres said he is working as a real estate agent and putting his own money into Masks y Mas to keep the Albuquerque shop operating.
May inflation reached 4.2%—the highest since April 2023—and Torres said higher costs and weaker customer spending have forced him to offer more discounts and push sales harder.
The 24-year-old Nob Hill business, which imports goods from Mexico, Africa and China while selling local art, is also adapting by changing merchandise and adding services such as printing for artists.
Torres said the area’s ART bus setup has hurt foot traffic for years, but he remains determined to keep the store open despite the added pressure on longtime local businesses.