Two years after the pandemic business remains slow in south El Paso

EL PASO, Texas – Pandemic-related border closures, many expected to last a month, stretched on for nearly two years. When traffic opened back up to non-essential travelers, south El Paso businesses didn't see the long lines many anticipated.

ABC-7 followed businesses throughout the pandemic. Month after month, business owners learned the closure would be extended. As Covid-19 cases spiked, there appeared little hope that life would return to normal any time soon.

When the border finally opened back up in November of 2021, the bump was temporary.

"We had an increase of sales, which was excellent, was good, we were all happy. Somehow right now, business is slower than what it was in November," said Gustavo Talavera, General Manager of Krystal Jeans.

Now, with vaccines, mitigation protocols, and the border reopened, shopping habits have changed.

"Mexican nationals, who used to be the core of downtown business, discovered there were alternatives in Mexico and that they necessarily didn't have to come over here," said Tanny Berg, founder of the Central Business Association.

Berg says businesses haven't addressed the basic needs of shoppers, whether they're Mexican or American.

Berg suggests the city bring back free weekend parking downtown as one solution.

According to data from the International Bridges Department, vehicle crossings were down by 40% in the fiscal year 2021 compared to 2019.