VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) — In the heart of Downtown Visalia lies the soul of the city.
“I think the best compliment I have ever gotten is that our downtown feels like a Hallmark movie,” expresses City of Visalia Mayor Brett Taylor.
Whether it’s people looking for food on their lunch breaks or shopping, Main Street is usually filled with lively crowds… supporting the local economy.
“Small businesses are really the backbone of the economy; the majority of these businesses are small mom and pop shops,” Taylor says. Most businesses are owned by people who live and work in Visalia.
Among them is Brown’s Shoe Fit Company, which has been around since 1912.
“We are a sit and fit kind of business where we pay attention to you and measure your foot and make sure you are happy with the shoes that you are purchasing,” explains Renee Calvo, who is the assistant manager who has worked here for 20 years.
She’s made lifelong friendships through her shoe-selling skills…
Including Janice Sartuche, who went from being a top customer to a salesperson.
Janice has also seen generations of customers walk into the store.
“I think it’s the service and relationship we have developed with our customers throughout the years,” mentions Janice.
Sheila Walters is also a small business owner in Visalia and sees the importance of supporting local shops.
“We absolutely love supporting small businesses so that we can keep them around,” expresses Sheila.
Local shopper, Carol Lobb, echoes that, “It’s a wonderful place to shop… personalized business, they get to know you, you get to know them, it’s a nice place to shop and a wonderful experience.”
There are a few non-profits, including Downtown Visalians, that host events to increase foot traffic.
The city also continues to ensure buildings don’t sit empty for too long.
“We have a ton of new businesses coming in the second one empties, like across the street when that brewery closed down, immediately we got the sign that La Piazza is going to be opening,” continues Taylor, “Right behind us is a yogurt shop popping up, a new charcuterie place.”
For events happening in Downtown Visalia, you can visit here, for Downtown Visalia’s official website.
You can also head to Visit Visalia’s website here.
For South Valley news updates, follow Kassandra Gutierrez on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Copyright © 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.
