WATSONVILLE — Everywhere else has Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, but only Watsonville has the Holiday Factory Sale.
Ten Watsonville businesses participated in the annual event Saturday, offering Christmas gifts at a discount.
Those participating this year were La Selva Designs, American Hatmakers, El Pajaro CDC Commercial Kitchen, Martinelli’s Company Store, Annieglass, Smith & Vandiver, Integrity Wines, Hidden Fortress Coffee, Roche Leather Company and Creator Haven.
Watsonville Administrative Analyst Doug Mattos said the Factory Sale drew not only locals, but people from the Bay Area and other places.
“I love to see not only local residents taking advantage of the bargains, but when they come out of town, it puts Watsonville on the map,” he said.
Creator Haven and Integrity Wines were new vendors participating this year.
Despite S. Martinelli & Co. being founded nearly 150 years ago, and its Company Store opening three years ago, store manager Lyza Gianelli said many people still don’t know the company is based in Watsonville.
Participating in the Holiday Factory Sale allows Martinelli’s to open its doors to the public and show customers what it has to offer, she said.
“We want to support the community as much as we can,” Gianelli said. “Customers have been loving it.”
Across the street on Harvest Drive, Annieglass has been a part of the Holiday Factory Sale since its beginnings. In fact, as owner Annie Morhauser points out, its holiday sales predate the annual event.
Customers filled Annieglass’ warehouse and adjoining store, purchasing all manner of glass decor, dinnerware and more. In addition, Soroptimist International of Watsonville set up a small craft fair, raising funds for scholarships.
“We love being part of it,” Morhauser said.
