AUSTIN (KXAN) — More than 100 local businesses packed into the Palmer Event Center on Saturday for the 23rd annual Le Garage Sale.
This event helps businesses dispose of products at discounted prices to their customers.
Charlene Hardy opened her women's boutique, Earthy Spirit, over a decade ago.
“I think this probably helps me stay in business because every store owner knows that at the end of every season, there's a lot of product that doesn't move,” Hardy said. “We can move a lot of product around and reinvest that money to enhance next season’s product.”
Hardy said the event helps her deal with the ups and downs that come with owning a business.
“I think we all know that small businesses are finding it increasingly difficult when it comes to online Amazon. There have been some tough economic changes,” Hardy said. “I know people are becoming more conscious about where they spend their money, how they spend their money, and how much they spend.”
For a startup like Neon Dream, owner Allie Savienbon said the event increases her exposure.
“A lot of people don't know that I have a store,” Savienbom said. “So being here, we can market ourselves and send people to us.”
Neon Dream isn't the only new business in the area. The City of Austin's Economic Development Department said more and more facilities continue to open.
“We have over 38,000 small businesses here in Austin. It's crazy,” said Katherine Sobel, program manager for the small business division. “In fact, there are three small businesses per 100 people living in the city, which is better than the national average of two small businesses per 100 people.”
Small business owners say they chose Austin because of events like Le Garage, a place where they feel supported by the community.
“I feel like Austin really supports small businesses,” Savienbon said. “I don't know if you can do this in other cities.”
