Hollister
– Many local stores stayed open this weekend despite the lack of
a city-sanctioned Hollister Independence Rally, but merchants
expressed disappointment at how little extra revenue the biker
horde brought with it this year.
Hollister – Many local stores stayed open this weekend despite the lack of a city-sanctioned Hollister Independence Rally, but merchants expressed disappointment at how little extra revenue the biker horde brought with it this year.
“This is not at all like business has been in the past,” said Kwan Cho, owner of the Brothers’ Market. “It’s a little better than a regular Saturday, but not much.”
Most San Benito Street shops and storefronts stayed open in an effort to make a few extra bucks from the rally crowd, particularly food and clothing establishments that hoped to benefit from the lack of outside vendors.
“We have a few more people this year because there aren’t as many booths for them to look at,” said Todd Owczarzak, co-owner of Kelly’s Gifts. “And I think most of the locals are coming out because they’re curious to see what’s happening this year. And maybe they feel a little safer because of all of the police.”
Many other businesses rented out their storefronts to vendors catering to the biker crowd. This is a common practice each year, but space was particularly scarce as vendors were unable to set up shop on city streets this weekend. Tents were set up at every available space in parking lots and back alleys, selling leather, T-shirts and sunglasses. Gone, however, were the tattoo parlors and custom bike outfitters that have become standard for the Independence Day weekend.
Some rally vendors, perhaps surly from slow sales, declined to comment on business on several occasions throughout the weekend.
Some local businesses did opt out of the weekend’s unofficial festivities altogether and closed up shop – primarily offices or stores, such as Dick Bruhns, that don’t generally cater to bikers.
Many local merchants expressed disappointment over this year’s biker turnout and the city’s decision not to hold an official event. Not only were fewer bikers coming in to shop, many noticed, but they were unhappy and left town earlier because there was simply nothing to do and police were taking up most of the sidewalk.
“You know, I’ve been doing this for years and just when I’ve figured out what to carry and how to make it work, they take the rally away,” said Deborah Wood, owner of Drapoel/Teezerz. “It’s like taking Christmas away for some of these places. It’s important business.”
Wood added that the rally has often led to repeat business for her establishment from bikers who return later in the year, a sentiment echoed by many others.
“I’ve seen women come in here, all in their leather, who buy a dress and heels from me so they can go to a wedding,” she said.
Others expressed frustration with city officials over ordinances regarding selling water or snacks from their business, using the sidewalk outside of their business to sell items or keeping the access to their shops open.
“We have sidewalk sales all the time and it’s never a problem,” said Owczarzak. “I don’t see why we’re changing the rules one way or the other for this weekend.”
The majority of local business owners supported the return of an official biker rally when asked, and some pointed out the success of similar events across the country.
“We’re not the first place in the world to have a biker rally,” said Megan Ward, owner of the Main Street Bistro. “We should learn from those other cities and see what they’re doing, because this is really a great opportunity for everyone.”
Danielle Smith covers education for the Free Lance. Reach her at 637-5566, ext. 336 or [email protected].
