Eat, Shop, Enjoy South Pasadena | Chamber Hosts Al Fresco Saturday

City funds provide boost for business

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Customers shopping at Jeweled Universe in South Pasadena

Days after Los Angeles County entered the yellow tier of California’s reopening plan, the South Pasadena business community is ready to welcome an increasing number of customers into retail shops and restaurants enjoying expanded capacity.

The yellow tier allows for the broadest reopening of the local economy since the pandemic began in March 2020.

“As the economy reopens, we see more individuals fully vaccinated and ready to enjoy sunny spring weather and shopping and dining al fresco,” said South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce CEO Laurie Wheeler. “We welcome our local community to come eat-shop-enjoy our businesses in another popular al fresco shopping and dining day this Saturday, May 15.” The Chamber’s Eat-Shop-Enjoy campaign is part of a multi-faceted strategy to support South Pasadena merchants as they emerge from the pandemic.

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The strategy is made possible by a commitment of $50,000 from the City of South Pasadena. City Council approved the funding in March for implementation of plans created by the Chamber and nexusplex, parent company of The South Pasadenan newspaper.

Nexusplex is handling a 90-day program of advertising on their print, online and social media platforms for local businesses at no cost to those businesses. At the same time, the Chamber is spearheading an ongoing program of events and promotion, as well as creation of educational resources to help merchants with a variety of business needs.

“It is important for our business community to know that the City recognizes that local businesses are the backbone of our local economy and that they need our support during these extraordinary times,” said Interim City Manager Sean Joyce. “We have come to count on our business community to provide jobs and to create unique retail and dining opportunities for us all to enjoy. We also have the benefit of many terrific local professional and personal services on which we routinely rely. Now, when they need our support the most, is the time for the City to invest in the success of our local businesses.”

Joyce said city leaders have received positive feedback from local merchants and anecdotal reports indicate that the investment is resulting in dividends for the business community. “Our business community’s success is a win-win for everyone,” Joyce continued. “Sales tax generated by retail sales and healthy local employment have a multiplier effect that provide funding for essential city services that directly enhance residents’ quality of life.

“We never take for granted the importance of the relationship between the economic health of our local businesses and the vitality of our residential community.”

For Saturday’s al fresco experience, residents of South Pasadena and surrounding communities are invited to browse sidewalk shopping displays and enjoy numerous opportunities for outdoor dining. Hours may vary, so customers are encouraged to check with their favorite shops and eateries.

For more information, visit the Chamber website at southpasadena.net. Face coverings and social distancing are required for al fresco shoppers and diners, in compliance with public health protocols for the coronavirus pandemic.