Sales have been slow at Super Electronics on the San Fernando Mall so far. However, Yong Cho, the store’s owner, is optimistic that Small Business Saturday on Nov. 29 – a yearly event designed to encourage shopping at local businesses during the holiday season – will change that.
Cho’s brick-and-mortar store is one of two local businesses in the City of San Fernando being featured in a Small Business Saturday event organized by Discover San Fernando. This initiative will also launch its website on Saturday. The collaboration between the City of San Fernando and MyValleyPass.com aims to attract shoppers to the historic outdoor shopping area and the vibrant downtown district. The other featured business is Tommy’s Famous Drive-Thru, a burger spot located just a few blocks from the mall on Maclay Avenue.
Attracting Customers
To draw in customers, local organizers are partnering with Mega 96.3, a commercial FM radio station that plays Spanish-language Latin pop music. A team from the station, including DJ Eddie One, will visit the two businesses, spinning music mixes and giving away free merchandise from 1 to 3 p.m.
A Block Party
“It’s going to be a kind of block party in the downtown mall and at Tommy’s,” said Oscar Urrutia of MyValleyPass.com. He noted that this will be Discover San Fernando’s inaugural Small Business Saturday. “We want to bring attention to the mall and the City of San Fernando,” Urrutia added.
Situated at the corner of Truman Street and Maclay Avenue, the San Fernando Mall boasts a diverse array of stores, including apparel, food, beauty and specialty shops, such as quinceañera and bridal boutiques. This mall has served as a community gathering place since the early 1800s, predating the city’s founding.
A Market of Handmade Wares
The other Small Business Saturday event will be held in Sylmar. The Hearts & Hands Mercadito is hosted by Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore, a well-known nonprofit organization.
The annual Mercadito showcases local artists who sell their products both independently and online. “We are the opposite of Black Friday; we support local creative entrepreneurs,” said Cecilia Lopez, Tia Chucha’s program coordinator. Vendors at the event will include jewelry makers, candle artisans, pottery creators, floral and graphic designers and food and coffee entrepreneurs. “And of course, Tia Chucha’s will have books, clothing and accessories for sale, too,” Lopez added.
Lopez concluded, “On Small Business Saturday and throughout the holiday season, it’s important to support small businesses and artists by purchasing their handmade and homemade creations.”