Palm Springs launches new campaign encouraging local support of small businesses
Palm Springs has launched a new campaign with the slogan “We Are Palm Springs” — encouraging people to support local businesses that need support during the shutdown.
With travel and traditional tourism discouraged right now, longtime business owners say shopping local has never been more important.
The new digital campaign is designed to showcase small businesses you can support that you might not know about.
On the website, you can scroll through businesses, watch videos and learn more about each unique spot.
“It’s really to have locals support locals so that Palm Springs remains the gem that it is," said Randy Garner, Public Relations Manager, Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.
The campaign highlights unique local spots like Bouchet, which not only sells liquor from around the world, but also has a bistro, delicatessen, and gift shop on site. And once things reopen, they plan to host regular wine tastings and live entertainment.
"The the slogan ‘We are Palm Springs’ couldn’t be more perfect," said Tom Beatty, owner, Bouchet.
“If there’s anything I’ve learned from this experience, it’s that we really are a small village and it’s the people of the village that are keeping us alive," said Dennis Costa, owner, Bouchet.
Beatty also showed News Channel 3's Madison Weil their secret "speakeasy" in the back called "PS Air," a lounge designed to look and feel like a posh airline in the sky — providing the perfect getaway for guests.
“The inspiration came from my career being an international flight attendant for 34 years," said Beatty.
Just up Palm Canyon, News Channel 3 also spoke with Wabi Sabi Japan Living, also featured in the We Are Palm Springs campaign.
“We specialize in imported goods from Japan so we’re all about tableware, Japanese knives or pretty much anything for home entertaining," said Darrell Baum, owner, Wabi Sabi Japan Living.
Baum says he and his partner created the store based on their own life experiences. "We started off my partner and I...going to Japan to visit his family. He grew up outside Hiroshima. We just so enjoyed our travels there."
Once things reopen, Baum says customers can also enjoy sake tastings and cooking demos. "It's all of our experiences over the last 12 years in Japan," he added.
News Channel 3's Madison Weil also spoke with El Mirasol, a family-owned Mexican restaurant and staple in Palm Springs since 1985.
Felipe Castañeda, the owner, says the secret to their success? “We are consistent with our product. Everything is cooked today the same way it was cooked in 1985."
And the loyalty of local customers, which the restaurant says has gotten them through the pandemic so far: “Locals are the bread and butter. They have always been. Since day one.”
