The slow shopping season continued as turnout at American Legion Post 166 was low on Small Business Saturday.
The turnout continued a trend for small businesses that have seen lower sales volumes since October, but businesses are confident and encouraging their shoppers to shop locally this season.
“It was so slow that a snail overtook us,” said local makeup artist Mike Michael, who had a booth at the Small Business Saturday event.
Last year the event was held on a larger scale at DeLeon Plaza in downtown Victoria, but this year it was much smaller and was moved to the American Legion post due to renovations at the plaza, said Tina Goodner, Small Business Saturday event coordinator .
“The move probably didn’t help, but it’s the economy and it’s just been a weird year all around,” Goodner said. “People just don’t have as much to spend this holiday season.”
At around 2:30 p.m., almost halfway through the event, she estimated about 50 people showed up.
For much of the event, vendors talked to each other and socialized with casual customers as they made their way through the event.
Denise and Calvin Hill purchase a laser engraved item from Julia Salazar, owner of Starry Night Designs.
Customers included Lucinda Aguinaga, 55, of Victoria, who came to the event purely out of curiosity after seeing the setup from the nearby neighborhood.
“I’m glad they’re doing this,” Aguinaga said. “I think it’s good for the community and I think it’s good for the economy.”
However, low turnout, at least when it comes to sales, is an ongoing trend that dates back to October, said Stephanie Garvelli, owner of Steph’s Sparkle Shack.
“The road back to Turkeyfest was slow,” Garvelli said. “I did in three days this year what I did in just two days last year.”
Garvelli’s business runs alongside her full-time job, so not being as busy as usual over the holiday season wasn’t an overwhelming problem for her, but for those who run their small vendor business as their livelihood, it’s a real struggle.
“It’s been slow for everyone,” she said. “Everyone spends their money on groceries and bills. They don’t spend anymore.”
While Small Business Saturday may have been slow, Garvelli is encouraging people to shop local for their gifts this year.
“Shop small. Shop local. Since these are the companies that sponsor your kids’ Little League team, sponsor your kids for the dance,” she said. “We support your children and by buying from us you support our families.”
Garvelli said the income from her vendor business allows her to have extra money for her daughter’s medical treatment.
Although turnout for the event wasn’t particularly large, Goodner plans to continue the event next year and looks forward to returning to DeLeon Plaza, the regular venue.
The Johnson family heads out for a family photo with Santa on Small Business Saturday.
Kyle Cotton was born and raised in San Antonio and graduated from San Antonio College and the University of Texas at Arlington. Cotton covered economic development, health care, finance, government, technology, oil and gas, and higher education.
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