Local business owners expect a positive impact from holiday tourism

"Traffic is definitely increased, says Katie Stice, The Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce President. "And many businesses are doing more with less, maybe more with less staff. So it's really important that folks out there remain really patient and kind continue to tip well and understand that these are small business owners really doing their best job."

The foot traffic at the Gardens has increased due to the Holiday weekend, says some local business owners. They are doing their best to keep the locals engaged so that they can continue to spread the word about their businesses.

News Channel 3 interviewed a business owner that opened her first location just three months before Covid hit. "it was a challenging time for everyone, we hope, and our doors three months before we were told we had to close our doors," says Stella Adena, owner of Rancho Relaxo.

"So it was a challenging time. But I think it solidified our relationship with our customers. We have a very strong loyal customer. Our word of mouth is excellent. And I think a lot of it stems from people still cheering us on through that time."

Rancho Relaxo is in an outdoor shopping mall in Palm Desert called The Garden.

As shoppers come into some of these local businesses, Stella advises other business owners to "double down" on customer service and building relationships. "I'm not about the doom and gloom story," says Adena.

She sees the increase in foot traffic as an opportunity to make a sale and build a bond so customers will come back next.

An Economic Impact presentation by Visit Greater Palm Springs says, "Visitor spending in Greater Palm Springs registered $5.6 billion in 2021, an increase of more than $2 billion in comparison to 2020.

A representative from the organization says their annual economic impact study will come out in a couple of months.