### Commercial Sector Falls Short of Economic Expectations for Vacation Closure – TJGringo
The Tijuana commercial sector did not meet expected sales during the vacation period, according to Julián Palombo Saucedo, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Services (Canaco) of Tijuana. Palombo attributed the disappointing figures primarily to long wait times at the San Ysidro and Otay border crossings, along with various protests over the last few weeks, which hindered tourist attraction to the city.
“I’m surprised because our projections were higher, given that this period marks the official end of the high summer season, and we usually see a very high influx during these long weekend dates,” Palombo stated. He noted that, compared to last year, sales were down 15% in Tijuana. Last year saw an increase in both sales and tourist traffic.
Despite favorable weather, vacation time, the dollar increase nearing 19 pesos, and the long weekend for Labor Day in the U.S., the sector did not meet its expectations. Palombo mentioned that the commercial sector will likely have to wait until the long weekend in November, when the American Thanksgiving holiday occurs, to see a recovery in sales.
“In the case of artisans, sales were less than 20%, but on averaging all sectors, we see an overall drop to 20%,” he added. The commercial sector expected higher revenue, mirroring the 35% increase in sales and tourist traffic they experienced the previous year. However, last weekend saw only a 20% increase, followed by a steep decline with everyone returning to work and school.
### Secondary Article:
**Cross-Border Shopping Declines Amid Long Wait Times and Protests**
Long wait times at the border crossings in San Ysidro and Otay, coupled with recent protests, have negatively impacted cross-border shopping. Local businesses have reported a significant drop in sales, with the decrease being noticeable compared to the previous year. Shoppers from the U.S. who might generally cross for deals and purchases are deterred by the inconveniences, adding strain to the Tijuana commercial sector already facing challenges from currency fluctuations and shifting travel patterns.
Analysts predict that without interventions to ease border congestion and manage demonstrations effectively, the commercial impact could extend into subsequent high-potential sales periods, further destabilizing small businesses reliant on consistent tourist traffic. Local officials are urged to engage with both Mexican and U.S. authorities to find timely solutions that will help restore the usual cross-border flow ahead of major holidays like Thanksgiving.