Ortega Shoes opened in 1923 in Douglas, AZThe relationship between Mexico and the U.S is a very big deal to the economic health of southern Arizona. Nancy Montoya profiles one border business that would likely be out of business without its Mexican clients.
It was a simple business plan– people need shoes.
“My grandfather started the business in 1923,” said Danny Ortega of Ortega shoes. After almost a century in business, Ortega’s Shoes is hurting.
“It’s more because the growth on the American side has diminished. It’s really slowed down here locally,” Ortega said.
Ortega has a secret retail weapon, his Mexican clients.
“We get most of our business from Mexico and any growth we see is from the Mexican side.”
Ortega said that is thanks to a growing Mexican middle class across the border from Douglas in Agua Prieta, and reinvestment into the Mexican copper mining industry.
“Grupo Mexico is investing $6 billion over the next 3 or 4 years in the Cananea Mine. We have the Nacozari mine which is 60 miles south of here and the middle class wants American products. So Douglas is the first stop when they come across the Border.”
Danny Ortega Jr. is also the Mayor of Douglas. He says he knows that it is vital not only to his company, but to his city, that Mexican shoppers are treated with respect and valued.
“The previous administration were not business people and they didn’t realize the importance of the Mexican consumer to Douglas.”
Elected city officials say they are working to make sure Mexican shoppers, part of that growing middle class, know that Douglas has rolled out the welcome rug.
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