Holiday means 'exploding' sales for some Valley businesses

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Fourth of July holiday is not just about celebrations and large community events. For some communities in the Valley, it can be an economic boost for local businesses that stay open.

Several business owners said events and holidays, such as the Fourth of July festivities, help bring in many more customers and sales.

Southern Melon Boutique co-owner Josie Cantu stated the holiday sales bring in more than 80% of the year's sales, which she claims is a reason why she and others stay open.

“We are open because a lot of our customers either work at a bank or have a government or state job, so they are off today and why not have come them shop but we also did collab with other businesses, so we kind of join forces to bring more customers in to shop," Cantu said.

One of the other businesses that decided to stay open and will host a Fourth of July event on Saturday is Tammy Rich’s The Prancy Donkey Boutique.

“A lot of people come down for the holidays to see their family, and they want something to do," Rich said. "So, this is something to get them out of their regular routine than just being there stuck at the house. It is good to be there with family but it is also good to go out and enjoy yourself.”

The businesses help generate more attention with online marketing on social media and also by offering discounts to customers.

“It’s a little way of giving back to the community and showing our appreciation and love for all the support that we get from our customers," Rich said. "It is a way of giving back.”

Cantu says staying open during holidays brings more sales as people shop for last-minute things to buy.

Several of her customers were buying items for Edinburg's Texas Cook’em: High Steaks event, created by the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce.

“We are getting those last-minute shoppers because of the whole barbecue cookoff happening in Edinburg, everybody just wants outfits, t-shirts because it's going to be hot, so they are coming in and getting their outfit and have one for tonight," Cantu said.

Ronnie Larralde, with the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, said events like these help in bringing thousands of dollars from visitors.

He added that every dollar spent on the event generates about seven times more locally for vendors, gas stations, and restaurants.

“Events like this help bring [tourists], you know, they get to shop at these local businesses, probably never have been before, but it also, it's also a trickle-down effect, as far as economy-wise, you know," Larralde said. "They're eating at local restaurants, they're shopping here, maybe some last-minute things here.”

The Fourth of July event will have fireworks at 10 p.m. and continue until 11:30 p.m. at the Ebony Hills Golf Course, located at 300 W Palm Drive.