San Antonio Fiesta Icon Fights To Keep The Party Going

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Amols' Party and Fiesta Store, a family-run shop that has been decking out San Antonians for Fiesta since 1949, is still open at 227 Fredericksburg Road, even as heavy pandemic losses leave its future in limbo. The store, founded by Julian Amols and now run by his grandson Jeffrey Weiss, is a local tradition that predates many of the city's modern festivals, but Weiss says the business 'has not recovered' from the impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns.

Why it matters

Amols' is an iconic part of San Antonio's Fiesta tradition, providing decorations and supplies for the city's flagship festival since 1891. The store's potential closure would be a significant loss for the local community and the annual celebrations.

The details

Amols' moved into a larger showroom in 2018, taking over a space four times bigger than its former location. The store sources many of its decorative pieces from artisans in Mexico and across Latin America, and it also ships nationwide to hotels, clubs, and restaurants. However, Weiss says the pandemic was 'a double whammy' for Amols', as Fiesta was dampened and New Year's Eve business vanished, with many of the store's wholesale clients closing or scaling back during lockdowns.

• Amols' Party and Fiesta Store was founded in 1949.
• The store moved into its current larger showroom at 227 Fredericksburg Road in 2018.
• Fiesta San Antonio has been celebrated since 1891.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Weiss says he is proud Amols' is still standing and the store continues to outfit hotels and restaurants nationwide, but the future of the iconic business remains uncertain.