Black Friday not helping local small stores
Local officials are worried for small stores during this shopping season.
Calexico City Council Member Jesus Eduardo Escobar said, “We’re looking at big-box stores, but we should also support the small businesses in our community.”
It’s the start of major shopping days nationwide and the economic impact to the area is important.
“It’s significant. Black Friday is the major shopping day of the year, along with Cyber Monday, obviously. We’re coming up on Christmas. We just passed Thanksgiving. And it’s important that we realize the economic benefits that these sales bring to Calexico and bring to our valley,” Escobar said.
And while parking lots are full of shoppers elsewhere, Ahmed Mohamed, a downtown store owner, said things are slow for them.
“It’s not good. It’s okay. In the middle. Not too much traffic,” Mohamed said.
Youssef Mahmoud, Mohamed’s Assistant Manager, said, “It was kind of slow in the morning, not a lot of people were on the streets yet. Most of the people are off today. So, not lots of movement. People not going around shopping.”
They said sales have not improved.
“”No. This time less. Last year better,” Mohamed said.
Officials want small stores to rake in the profits like everyone else. For that, they suggest small stores should think about changing their business approach.
“Small stores need to find a niche, their niche, in order to survive and move forward and obviously be profitable. I think it’s also important that we as a community support our small businesses,” Escobar said.
