Do you think the City Council should allow the Gilroy Visitors
Bureau to sell items from area businesses on consignment at its new
location in the outlet mall?
THIS WEEK’S WEB POLL:
Do you think the City Council should allow the Gilroy Visitors Bureau to sell items from area businesses on consignment at its new location in the outlet mall?
– Yes. Throughout California, welcome centers offer a small selection of regional items, including logo apparel and related. I find it completely ridiculous that a few people with a selfish and myopic point of view have caused such a divisive ruckus, by putting out false facts and twisting the intentions and focus of the Gilroy Welcome Center’s primary activity, which is to drive business to ALL of Gilroy. It is unfortunate that these people have garnered any attention and are resorting to personal attacks and offensive behavior, instead of engaging in an honest and productive dialogue.
– YES! Most visitor centers I have visited have tchotchkes about the town. In Kildare, I bought window stickers for my car and shamrock seeds. Boston has historical walking maps and post cards. I think it’s great promo for all the merchants and specialties in the area. For us, Garlic Festival stuff is a natural.
– Yes. I think the Visitors Bureau is the first stop for people unfamiliar with Gilroy. Having sample items from local businesses will only help them to get new customers which should be one of the Visitors Bureau main functions.
– Yes. The more visibility to products sold in Gilroy the better. The merchants that market these products should have brochures, coupons and directions at the GVB office for the visitors.
– Yes. I think the Visitors Bureau is the first stop for people unfamiliar with Gilroy. Having sample items from local businesses will only help them to get new customers which should be one of the Visitors Bureau main functions.
– Yes. Why not? Aren’t all sales beneficial to local businesses?
– Yes … and if the Larson’s can’t spot the many flaws in their irrational logic, maybe they shouldn’t be in business! The VB exists for the sole purpose of promoting Gilroy and attracting visitors – visitors who, coincidentally, patronize local businesses. So it begs the question, why would a business not support the VB? Maybe the Larsons should focus their anger and energy on productive marketing instead of blaming the VB for their business woes!
– No. We should not use tax dollars to help private businesses make money. Where do they draw the line on which businesses get to showcase their products? What if I want my business promoted at the Welcome Center? We generate taxes for Gilroy, too!
– Yes. This is just another way to let the local merchants sell and advertise their products and for them to get more exposure from the Visitor’s Bureau – which makes more sense for the Visitor’s Bureau to be in the outlets as that is why many people come to Gilroy in the first place. Items sold on consignment means a loan and a gift of advertising – so if the items don’t sell, the merchant has good feedback and that will help them as well. What is the issue?
– I am so amazed by all the controversy, seemed like a great idea. Their primary function should be to promote and a big part of promoting is selling … so yes.
– No. As convenient as this would be for the visitors, it would make more sense to direct them to the appropriate local businesses.
– Yes, but perhaps only sell items that would benefit local nonprofits – Garlic Festival, Gilroy Assistance League, local youth groups like scouts, etc.
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