The fight over the Gilroy Visitors Bureau’s plans to sell retail
items when it moves to the Gilroy Premium Outlets next week hasn’t
fizzled, and opponents say they’re hoping it won’t take legal
action to get what they want. full story
The fight over the Gilroy Visitors Bureau’s plans to sell retail items when it moves to the Gilroy Premium Outlets next week hasn’t fizzled, and opponents say they’re hoping it won’t take legal action to get what they want.
For several weeks, brothers and local business owners Alex and Charles Larson have spoken out against the tourism organization’s decision to sell between $10,000-$15,000 worth of locally themed retail items annually after it reopens Sept. 29 as the Gilroy Welcome Center, arguing a city funded group shouldn’t compete with other local shops.
But Jane Howard, the center’s executive director, and other city officials say there’s nothing illegal or underhanded about the nonprofit’s retail plans and that the Gilroy Welcome Center isn’t trying to drive down the sales of homegrown businesses.
“We’re trying to take care of this through political means and common sense,” said Alex Larson, who sought legal advice from attorney and radio talk show host on KGO 810, Len Tillem, but has not hired him as counsel. “We don’t think there’s ever going to be a need to hire an attorney.”
Howard, who unveiled to the City Council – which funds the Visitors Bureau – the retail plans in May, said the center intends to sell a “small amount” of items including keepsakes from nearby Casa de Fruta, Gilroy Gardens, the Gilroy Garlic Festival and an array of trinkets aimed at tourists that bear the City of Gilroy logo, including breath mints, tote bags, magnets and coffee mugs.
Many of the items will be sold on consignment, where the center won’t pay for the items unless they are sold, Howard said.
“Depending upon the season and how the items are moving, some of these items could be changed or eliminated,” she said.
The center also plans to feature and sell area wines, though that section of the Welcome Center won’t be ready for the opening, Howard said.
The bureau receives its funding from the City of Gilroy – $300,000 worth per year for the next two years, according to the city budget.
Alex Larson, who railed against the Center’s plans during a Sept. 12 Gilroy City Council meeting, said he plans to meet with each Council members individually soon to argue his position.
The controversy has created a stir on the Dispatch’s online comment boards with a back and forth between opponents of the Center’s plans for retail along with supporters who vocalize their importance.
Other local business owners have started voicing their opposition as well.
“I just don’t think that the Visitors Bureau should be selling merchandise,” said Diane Sturla, owner of Sturla Electric in Gilroy. “I think the focus should be referring people to the businesses, the culture, the diversity, the whole town of Gilroy.”
Sturla said the Gilroy Welcome Center should leave it to nearby stores to sell “trinkets” and other local merchandise.
“You don’t get that at a Visitors Bureau, at least not in the cities I’ve been to,” she said.
Councilwoman Cat Tucker, who is a member of the Visitors Bureau’s board of directors, said she understands local business owners’ concerns but said the Center wasn’t in the wrong.
“I just think a few businesses are worried and concerned. Time will tell and prove to them that the Visitors Bureau is not competing with them,” Tucker said.
Howard gave an annual presentation to the Council Sept. 12, but was asked to return Oct. 3 to answer questions about the Center’s retail plans.
She said she isn’t sure there’s much more she can say, however.
Councilman Perry Woodward said Howard shouldn’t have to re-address the Council, calling it an “unnecessary step.”
“She answered all of those questions when she gave her presentation. If my colleagues had been listening, they would have heard answers to all the questions they’re going to ask,” he said.
Not everyone has picked a side, however.
“I haven’t made up my mind yet,” said Councilman Bob Dillon, who added he’s spoken with Howard and Alex Larson about the issue. “I’m going to have to sit down and think about it.”
When asked if he was leaning to one side, Dillon said, “I’m leaning toward Jane Howard’s position, but that could change.”
