Mixed experiences with Memorial Cup foot traffic for businesses

SAGINAW, Mich. (WNEM) – Some Saginaw businesses are saying they haven’t seen the increase in foot traffic that they were hoping for from the Memorial Cup, presented by Dow, while others say business is doing well.

Some of the businesses in Old Town said they feel like they were sold a dream, that didn’t come true.

“We’ve been sold a dream that hasn’t really panned out,” said barber Nick Gallardo.

Old Town business owners are frustrated with the lack of foot traffic they were hoping the Memorial Cup would bring.

“We were waiting for all this flux of people that they promised, 10,000 to 17,000 people. We haven’t seen no walk-in from no foreigners, or Canadians, or anybody who’s supposed to be coming into town here,” said Jeremiah Gallardo, owner of Designers 3, Inc.

He is affiliated with the Old Town Business Association, and he said all the preparation that went into planning for the cup was a waste.

“They spent all this nice money with all these poles down here to slow the traffic for people to be okay to see something. We barely see any buses coming through the routes that they’re saying they’re coming through. I don’t see nobody stopping like they were saying they were supposed to stop. There’s nobody getting off of the buses to go to Jakes, to go down here to the pub to eat food, to Robbie D’s at the corner.”

Robert Delgado, the owner of Robbie D’s, said he shares a similar sentiment. Outside of his regular locals, he hasn’t seen the influx he prepared for.

“I did hire, you know, I brought in a couple of more people just because they said, ‘Oh Saginaw is going to get $25 million, they’re expected to get $25 million for the Memorial Cup and thousands of visitors,’” he said.

While some Old Town businesses didn’t feel the boom they expected, some in downtown Saginaw for the SVRC Marketplace’s Shop Sensational promotion said they did experience a boost in visitors.

“Over the weekend, I think we did have a pretty good increase in traffic coming into the SVRC building. I think the community did a good job as far as coming out. They definitely came out and supported. We had a lot of locals coming in. As far as out-of-towners, I think we had a good flow and increase of sales and things like that that came in the building as well,” said Isaiah Garcia, Manager of Cob King.

“We’re just happy to be a part of it and definitely seen a lot more foot traffic coming in toward the SVRC building and Goose Tooth as well, especially on game nights. We’re also televising the game, so please come through on game nights,” said Raul Varadi, Co-owner of Goose Tooth Co.

The Memorial Cup semi-final game between the Saginaw Spirit and Moose Jaw Warriors is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31. The winner will take on the London Knights in the finals on Sunday.

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