Palm Springs businesses feel strain during festival season, calling for action

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Palm Springs business owners are reporting significant financial strain during the city's festival season. This has prompted a renewed push for a more permanent solution.

Business owners say this challenge is something they encounter every year, but the recent slowdown was particularly pronounced and harder to ignore. This pattern sees hotel guests in Palm Springs leaving to spend their money in the east end of the valley, impacting local retailers and services.

Joy Meredith, owner of Crystal Fantasy and president of Main Street Palm Springs, described the situation as particularly disappointing, noting that the start of the month was strong before the music festivals. "The beginning of the month was so good before the music festivals that it's particularly a let down," she said.

She also highlighted a perceived disparity in city support for local businesses. "I think down valley they have dedicated people working for different cities… for us it's more of a volunteer basis… we're going to need some commitment from the city to bring more focus to Palm Springs retailers."

Palm Springs City Council member and local business owner Jeffrey Bernstein is advocating for the city to establish a dedicated events director position. He believes this role would focus on planning events specifically designed to draw customers into Palm Springs, especially during festival season and other slower periods.

Bernstein emphasized the specialized nature of event creation. "Our staff works very hard… but the creation of events is a unique skill set," Bernstein said. He further explained the necessity of such a role: "We really need someone to help organize events and understand what it does for the business economy in Palm Springs."

Current city initiatives, such as "Shop Local" campaigns, are recognized as helpful but often depend on residents increasing their spending, which has its limits. Bernstein noted the need for a more targeted approach.

Local business owners generally agree that the challenge lies not in a lack of ideas, but in the execution of those ideas. "We did have the Big Gay BBQ during Stagecoach… but it's very challenging to put on events during festival or slower seasons," Bernstein stated. They also recalled previous successful events. "We had mid-week concerts in the past… and that helped keep people in Palm Springs."

Many business owners are already looking ahead, hoping to find new ways to attract customers, particularly as the slower summer months approach.

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