Tijuana Shops Eye Big Holiday Gain

Local businesses in Tijuana anticipate a 25% sales surge this holiday season, with plans to boost security and economic growth while addressing informal sector concerns for a successful and prosperous period ahead.

### Local Small Businesses Anticipate a 25% Sales Increase During Holiday Season

As the festive season approaches, small businesses in Tijuana are gearing up for what is expected to be a significant sales boost of between 20% and 25%. Gina Villalobos González, the president of the National Chamber of Commerce for Small Businesses (Canacope) in Tijuana, shared this optimistic outlook.

She emphasized the importance of the holiday period for businesses, asserting that it is unrealistic for shops to close or move to the informal sector during this peak time. However, she noted that if any closures occur, they are likely to start in the first quarter of the following year. Businesses are advised not to close just as the holiday festivities, which drive substantial commerce, begin. It’s a time when businesses can recover from any losses suffered throughout the year and aim for a positive financial outcome.

Villalobos González also addressed concerns regarding the informal sector. Despite some family-run businesses opting for informality due to increased employer obligations, such as rising salaries, there hasn’t been a significant surge in such transitions.

Security is another focus for the sector, with heightened vigilance and preparations to curb potential theft, which tends to rise during this time. Local businesses have been encouraged to conduct shorter, more frequent cash register reconciliations and to consider hiring private security to safeguard their premises.

### Secondary Article: Wider Economic Impacts Expected in Tijuana Amid Holiday Season

With the anticipated surge in sales for small businesses in Tijuana, the broader economic landscape of the region is also predicted to see favorable impacts. The increase in consumer activity is expected to drive growth not only in retail but also in related sectors such as tourism and hospitality.

Local authorities have been urged to enhance security measures to prevent the common rise in thefts during this bustling period. This includes stepped-up police patrols to ensure a safe shopping environment for both locals and tourists. Business leaders stress that a secure setting is crucial for maintaining consumer confidence and driving retail success.

Additionally, the informal economy remains a topic of discussion among experts, with calls for more structured policies to address the balance between formal and informal trade. This is particularly pertinent in Tijuana’s bustling downtown areas where informal vendors frequently affect pedestrian traffic and formal businesses.

Moreover, governmental interventions are anticipated to address broader community concerns, including ongoing initiatives to improve air quality, heavily impacted by vehicular pollution. As Tijuana braces for an economic upswing during the holiday season, local leaders and business owners are poised to tackle these challenges head-on to sustain growth and development in the region.