business
Olvera Street shopkeepers thought LA’s World Cup would revive business – it hasn’t
By Destiny Torres at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 3, 2026
· 7 min read
Vendors at Olvera Street hoped the World Cup would be a lifeline for businesses, but say that has yet to happen. Some shopkeepers don't open every single day because of the lack of foot traffic.(Destiny Torres / LAist)Olvera Street sits in the oldest plaza in California –the heart of El Pueblo d...
Key takeaway Some shopkeepers don't open every single day because of the lack of foot traffic.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The struggles of Olvera Street vendors are a microcosm of the broader challenges facing small businesses in Los Angeles . The decline of foot traffic and sales has forced many shopkeepers to reduce their operating hours, with some only opening three days a week. This trend is not unique to Olvera Street, as many local businesses in the city have been impacted by the slowing economy and lingering effects of the COVID-19 shutdown. The fact that the World Cup, a major international event, has not brought the expected boost to Olvera Street's economy is particularly concerning. It suggests that the area's traditional appeal as a tourist destination is waning, and that new strategies are needed to revitalize the local economy. As the city looks to support its small businesses, it will be important to consider the specific needs and challenges of areas like Olvera Street, which are critical to the cultural and economic fabric of Los Angeles.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Vendors at Olvera Street hoped the World Cup would be a lifeline for businesses, but say that has yet to happen. Some shopkeepers don't open every single day because of the lack of foot traffic.(Destiny Torres / LAist)Olvera Street sits in the oldest plaza in California –the heart of El Pueblo d...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 3, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Destiny Torres at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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