Santa Monica's famous Third Street Promenade has become a homeless hotspot since the pandemic began, and some business owners say it continues to be an issue that's affecting sales.
Fehime Betts, owner of Hair Designers Studio, said she has been serving clients on the boardwalk for 40 years, navigating challenges like the pandemic.
“People complain more about homelessness than they do about traffic and parking,” Betts said. “I don't know what to do. After 40 years, I can't move out and I've lost about 60 percent of my customers.”
In May, there were two attacks involving homeless people in Santa Monica, including one in which two German tourists were stabbed.
Betts added that she has also been attacked by homeless people.
Other store owners say the homeless population has only gotten worse since the pandemic.
“Since COVID-19, our sales have dropped because of the increase in homelessness,” said Tazga owner Anna Menard.
The owner of the family-run clothing store, which has had a shop on Third Street Promenade since 2019, added that he has also been battling shoplifters.
“We've had a few instances where they've come in and stolen our clothes,” Menard said, “and sometimes we'd check the fitting rooms and find urine on them.”
Business owners like Menard's say they expect the trend of bringing customers back to continue, with some improvement expected in 2024 and beyond.
Meanwhile, Betts is grateful for his loyal customers.
“Thankfully, I have some customers who are really supportive of me,” Betts said. “The city of Santa Monica has to do something for the city, for the citizens, for us.”
The city of Santa Monica said it responded to concerns and is working with local businesses to improve safety in the area.
“Our efforts to bring new businesses and activity to Downtown and Third Street Promenade would not have been possible without the great partnerships we have with local businesses and ongoing dialogue with our partners. The City is also committed to a comprehensive clean and safe initiative, including increasing our public safety presence and outreach efforts in the Downtown district with the hiring of new officers, expanding the City's Homeless Multidisciplinary Team and increasing investments in the maintenance of public spaces,” the city said in a statement.
