Hollister
– The impending Highway 25 bypass has forced South Valley
Trailers to move from its 15-year home, but co-owner Sandy Stone
isn’t complaining.
Hollister – The impending Highway 25 bypass has forced South Valley Trailers to move from its 15-year home, but co-owner Sandy Stone isn’t complaining.
After all, the new 5.5-acre location at 777 Flynn Road is more than twice the size of South Valley’s previous lot. The county’s Council of Governments used eminent domain to claim the old location for the new bypass, but both Hollister and COG have been very helpful with the transition, Stone said.
She added that the secret of the store’s success has been its inventory of more than 300 trailers, which draws customers – via South Valley’s Web site – from as far away as Hawaii and Japan.
“If you can’t find it here, you’ve got a real problem,” Stone said.
With the increased space, passersby may think there are more trailers for sale, but Stone said she hasn’t actually increased the inventory.
“The inventory hasn’t grown. We just spread it out,” she said.
But Stone is hoping to put that extra land to good use soon, by offering trailers to rent as well.
Hollister Flower Shop Offers a Natural Touch
Pamela Pirtle has a long history with flowers. She’s worked for other florists, prepared floral promotions for stores like Nordstrom and operated a floral studio out of her home. And that’s just scratching the surface.
“I’ve done absolutely everything in this field except open a storefront,” Pirtle said.
Well, she can add “store owner” to her resume, too. On June 2, Pirtle opened Hollister Flowers and Gifts at 843 San Benito St, Pirtle said the store is still a “work in progress” and could change to respond to the needs of her customers.
There are other florists in Hollister, but Pirtle said she brings a more open, natural and European touch to her work.
“I thought Hollister needed something a little bit different,” she said.
Although she’s been in Hollister for 14 years, Pirtle said her favorite flower – Lilly of the Valley – is from her Ohio childhood.
“They’re so sweet and light,” she said.
Old Elk’s Lodge Is Back in Business; Almost Full
It’s been a year since tenants started moving into the old Elk’s Lodge at 501 San Benito St., and building owner Ignacio Velazquez said the commercial building is almost full.
“We’re surprised to get it all leased out that quickly,” he said.
The Mitchell Law Firm, the Polaris Law Group and Citifinancial already have set up shop, and Velazquez said the law firm Grace and Albert will be moving onto the second floor in two weeks, leaving one opening on the first floor.
Velazquez said there have been plenty of companies interested in taking the space, but he’s committed to finding a strong retail tenant to boost the downtown area.
“I could have rented it out a while ago,” he said.
Velazquez hopes to have the vacancy filled soon.
Business Notebook appears every other Tuesday. If you have business news to share, contact reporter Anthony Ha at 831-637-5566 ext. 330 or [email protected].
