Some Mexican Merchants Setting Up Shop on Other Side of Border

Posted: Jan 30, 2012 6:22 PM
Updated: Jan 30, 2012 7:32 PM

BROWNSVILLE - With the increased violence in Matamoros, some Mexican merchants are saying if you can't come to us, we'll go to you. It's a new door for merchants and customers.

Matamoros merchants struggling to make money are coming to Brownsville to recoup their losses. Omar Sanchez is a merchant in Matamoros. He left because of the violence in the border city. Business isn't the same as it was a few years ago.

"The shopper not shopping anymore in Mexico. They don't want to go. They're scared," says Sanchez.

He's one of many merchants who has relocated to Mercado Juarez in downtown Brownsville. They have left a mercado by the same name in Matamoros. Others believe they'll get more business in Brownsville.

"We have a lot of Spanish people from the community. They cannot go to the Mexican side due to they have no passports or anything like this. This is safer for them here," says Obed Verdiales, a vendor.

Nancy Waddington, a Winter Texan, came to Mercado Juarez for the first time Monday. She agrees about the danger element.

"I think it's a real good idea to bring it over here so it's more accessible because we are quite nervous about going across the border," says Waddington.

Shoppers hope this new sense of safety will last on our side of the border. The merchants believe this new venture may make a difference and help them to get back on their feet.

Some Mexican Merchants Setting Up Shop on Other Side of Border | KRGV.com | CHANNEL 5 NEWS | Breaking News Breaking Stories