November 30, 2025 — Old Town Clovis was packed with foot traffic on Small Business Saturday as residents and visitors turned out to support local shops, enjoy the crisp fall weather, and kick off the holiday shopping season. By midmorning, clusters of shoppers filled Pollasky and the surrounding streets, giving the district the lively, familiar feel business owners hope for each year.
Outside the Clovis Antique Mall, a woman named Mercedes flipped through vinyl records. A few steps away, friends and Fresno State alumni Lenny and Judy took a break on a bench in front of Sassano’s, resting after making their way through several Old Town stores.
The crowds reflected the strong national participation in Small Business Saturday, a tradition launched by American Express in 2010 and cosponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2011. The day encourages shoppers to support the more than 36 million small businesses that make up the backbone of local economies.
Across Old Town, restaurants, boutiques, antique vendors, and specialty shops reported steady traffic throughout the day. Among them was Clovis Appliance, a longtime Valley staple that welcomed a solid flow of customers browsing its ongoing Black November savings event. Shoppers took advantage of deals—up to 43% off select GE appliances—but many were just as charmed by Cody, the shop’s golden retriever “pawfessional greeter,” who spent the day offering wagging-tail hellos to visitors.
Business owners throughout the district noted that the event continues to serve as an important reminder of how much community support means during the holiday season. The combination of hometown service, unique finds, and familiar faces made Old Town a popular stop for families spending the weekend together.
With the holiday season now officially underway, local shops hope the momentum from Small Business Saturday will carry through December as residents continue to choose small businesses for gifts, meals, and gatherings.