East side shopping center sees spike in traffic before closure
Reporter: Cory Marshall
TUCSON(KGUN9-TV) - Julie Geesling and her family are like many Tucsonans making an effort to visit shops at El Mercado before they close for good.
"I think everyone should, especially everyone from Tucson. Support your locals," Geesling said.
Last month, El Mercado store owners were given a 90-day notice to vacate the property after the previous landlords sold the plaza to CVS.
David Guerrero is the manager at El Charro restaurant. He says El Charro owners were initially given ten days to leave. SInce then, they worked out an extension. Their last day of business at the Broadway and Wilmot location will be March 3.
"We've been here for almost 17 years. They just want to make sure we have another location they can have their home on the east side," Guerrero told 9OYS.
Other El Mercado merchants have seen the same outpour of support.
"Everybody that came in today [said] I saw your story on channel 9 last night. We just couldn't get away from it. What else is happening?" Susana Kopplin, co-owner of Maya Palace said.
Maya Palace has a new location set at Plaza Palomino on Swan Road and Ft. Lowell Road.
On the KGUN9 facebook page the sentiment is similar. Since Wednesday's story aired, locals have posted their pledge of patronage, promising to follow the shops to their new locations.
Guerrero says the restaurant is still searching for a new site but customers should not worry.
"It's going to be sad. A lot of us grew up in this place. A lot of friendships, relationships were formed here but you know, new is good too -- bigger and better," Guerrero said.
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