Downtown Morgan Hill’s Royal Clothiers, owned by Carlos Perez, is named the 2026 Senate District 15 Small Business of the Year in recognition of the retailer’s longstanding contributions to the community as well as its decades of service to generations of local families, according to State Sen. Dave Cortese’s office.
The announcement is part of a statewide effort to recognize small business owners, who will be honored at a May 13 dinner and award ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento hotel.
“For years, Carlos Perez and Royal Clothiers have represented the very best of what local small businesses bring to our communities,” said Cortese, who represents District 15. “Royal Clothiers is more than a store—it is a gathering place built on trust, relationships and personal connections that have lasted generations.
“Carlos has built friendships with people who became far more than customers, and his dedication to serving the community has made Royal Clothiers a true neighborhood institution.”
Royal Clothiers, located at 17375 Monterey Road, has provided service and personalized care to residents and shoppers throughout Santa Clara County and Senate District 15 for decades. Although Perez plans to retire soon and the shop’s future is uncertain, the owner hopes to find a buyer who can continue the Royal Clothiers legacy.
“Yolanda and I came to this country with very little, but through hard work, faith and the support of our community, we were able to build not only a small business, but a wonderful life and family,” Perez said. “Royal Clothiers became more than just a business—it became part of our family’s legacy and a way to serve the community that embraced us. We are deeply grateful for the support and honored to receive this recognition.
“Thank you Sen. Dave Cortese for honoring our work. Small businesses are the heart of this country, and we feel blessed to have lived the American Dream.”
A press release from Cortese’s office noted that California’s small businesses employ millions of workers and generate billions of dollars in economic activity and tax revenue every year. Minority-owned small businesses support about 2.56 million jobs—or about 15% of the state’s total employment.
Cortese added that honoring small businesses like Royal Clothiers is especially important at a time when many local businesses continue to face economic challenges and rising operating costs.
“I am honored to recognize Royal Clothiers as Senate District 15’s 2026 Small Business of the Year and hope its legacy continues for years to come,” Cortese concluded.
