Amols' Party and Fiesta Store, the 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 Five Points storefront is instantly recognizable for its bright papier-mâché, handmade flowers and piñatas that wind up on parade floats and front porches all over the city, as per MySA.
The shop was founded in 1949 by Julian Amols and is now run by his grandson, Jeffrey Weiss, who told MySA he started working there back in fifth grade and has been running the business for nearly 35 years. Weiss describes the store as both a family legacy and a local tradition that predates many of the city's modern festivals. Even now, customers stream in ahead of the spring season looking for Fiesta standards, from wreaths to blouses.
Where Amols Sits Now
In 2018, the shop moved into a larger showroom at Fredericksburg and Culebra, taking over a space Weiss says is about four times bigger than the former South Flores Street location, according to the store's website. Amols' lists its showroom at 227 Fredericksburg Road and notes that many of its decorative pieces come from artisans in Mexico and across Latin America. The site also points to the company's ability to ship decorations nationwide to hotels, clubs and restaurants.
Pandemic Left a 'Huge Hole' in the Business
Weiss told MySA that the pandemic was "a double whammy" for Amols' because Fiesta was dampened and New Year's Eve business vanished, and that the store "has not recovered" from those hits. He said many of the shop's wholesale clients, including restaurants and nightclubs, closed or scaled back during lockdowns, which only deepened the damage to inventory and sales.
A Fiesta Fixture for Generations
Amols' decades-long run has made it part of Fiesta's fabric. The city's flagship festival dates back to 1891, and local coverage has highlighted Amols' place in that tradition. As reported during the shop's 75th anniversary, Amols' was a go-to spot for revelers, while the San Antonio Current has singled it out as a top place to pick up piñatas and wreaths. Fiesta organizers say the celebration began in 1891 and continues to drive seasonal demand for Amols' products, according to Fiesta San Antonio.
Weiss says he is proud Amols' is still standing and that the store continues to outfit hotels and restaurants nationwide, a capability highlighted on the company's contact page. Even with uncertainty hanging over the business, the shop is busy gearing up for the next Fiesta season and leans on loyal customers and event planners to keep the shelves turning over. For hours and shipping details, the store's contact page lists its address and phone number.
