SAN ANTONIO — Fiesta is underway in San Antonio, and that means big crowds. The celebration draws tens of thousands of people to the Alamo City, making it an important event for the local economy.
The impact is felt even in some of the smallest businesses.
The rain may have put a damper on several Fiesta events earlier this week, but it’s not stopping folks from heading to a well-known store to get decked out in everything they need to say “Viva Fiesta.”
Step inside Amols’ Party and Fiesta Store, and you’ll see an explosion of color.
“My grandfather started it 77 years ago back in the 40s,” said Jeffrey Weiss, owner of Amols’.
Weiss decided to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. Amols’ specializes in multiple holidays, but especially ones that celebrate Hispanic culture.
“Such as Fiesta, Cinco de Mayo, Day of the Dead,” said Weiss.
Supplies for San Antonio’s Fiesta make up a big portion of the store’s sales.
“Fiesta is obviously critical to our business. In the three to four weeks that lead up and go through Fiesta, probably accounts for 35-40% of our annual revenue. So it’s super critical to have a good Fiesta,” said Weiss.
Although this year, Mother Nature is not cooperating.
“We’re typically insane. Unfortunately, the weather has put a little bit of a damper on it. It’s a little bit slower than most years,” said Weiss.
Still, that hasn’t stopped folks from filling up their carts.
“There were still a couple times we had lines of people around the building a couple times yesterday. I didn’t expect that, to be honest with you, looking outside. So people are still in a good mood and ready to go and celebrate,” said Weiss.
Not only do Fiesta sales make up a big part of the revenue at the store, but the money spent by those wanting to be prepared for all the events trickles down to local workers.
“We typically hire between 25 to 30 seasonal workers, from Valentine’s Day that goes through until after Cinco de Mayo,” said Weiss.
The benefits go far beyond the Alamo City.
“We have people that work for us basically all year long making flowers all year long, and they’ve been doing it in their families for generations in Mexico,” said Weiss.
The 11-day-long Fiesta is known as the “party with a purpose” because proceeds from Fiesta events go to charity.
Fiesta organizers estimate that 2.5 million people come to San Antonio just for Fiesta each year.
That adds an estimated $340 million to the local economy.
Out of everything in the store, Weiss pointed out a clear frontrunner when it comes to the accessory everyone is buying: the flower crown.
“We sell well over 100,000 of these,” said Weiss.
Weiss said they’re ready for business, rain or shine.
