SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Just south of downtown San Antonio, in one of the oldest neighborhoods of the Alamo City, you’ll find a store that’s particular about passing on the perception they like to party.
Jeffery Weiss has owned Amols’ since 1991 but this store’s story goes back to 1949, when Jeffery’s grandfather Julian Amols opened the store.
“My grandfather tried to make it in Vaudeville, and traveled up and down the East Coast,” Julian said. “Met my grandmother who is from San Antonio and decided to give that up and move to San Antonio. He knew that he wanted to do something that was fun, something that was entertaining. And after a couple failed ideas he ended up opening up this originally as a magic and trick shop.”
Originally on the St. Mary’s strip, Amols’ moved to South Flores in 1962 and has been there ever since. Jeffery started helping out dear ol’ granddad in the 70s.
“He really instilled the hard work ethic and all that, and I just really love coming down here.”
While party supplies are their forte, fiesta is what flames the fires of the famed business. Becky Flores has been working here since 1993, and can attest to fiesta’s popularity at Amols’.
“It’s pretty busy,” Becky said. “Pretty busy.”
April can be bit crazy around Amols’ but you can find the colorful Mexican goods any time of year here at Amols’, and when you see the splashy selection it is an eyeful.
Some of the most popular items include the paper flowers, and piñatas are a big seller as well.
“We’ve got books, we’ve got your little cactus, we’ve even got your margaritas,” Becky said.
While at Amols’ you’ve got to slip on a sombrero, but you never know what’s going to happen after that. You just might find yourself in a dance party or joining in the chores of “Three Amigos” like we did.
Jessica Keno was born and raised in San Antonio. She visits Amols once a year.
“When we get here we always pick one item or focus, and we’ll leave with a basketful,” Jessica said. “So that’s why it’s a once a year trip.”
Margie Bautista is another native that loves the connection Amols’ has to the town and their annual Fiesta.
“We have our own taste here in San Antonio,” Margie informed us. “[Amols’] is part of the history, the culture of this city, and then also the prices are reasonable. San Antonio wouldn’t be what it is if it wasn’t for Amol’s, especially during Fiesta.”
According to Jeffery Amols’ takes pride in the role it plays in the annual Fiesta celebration.
“The great thing about coming in here is that people are here because they’re looking to have fun, and we think we do a pretty good job of helping them out,” Jeffery said.