Local Business Shows a Profit on Papal Visit

Local businesses can give thanks to Pope John Paul II for generating an estimated $10 million in sales during his two-day visit, according to the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.

About $1 million was probably generated by refreshment sales at Memorial Coliseum and Dodger Stadium during the two papal Masses, said Jack Kyser, the chamber’s chief economist. “It’s not of the magnitude of the Super Bowl,” he said, “but it’s a nice shot in the arm.”

Increased Sales

Local hotels and car rental agencies boosted their coffers by an estimated $500,000 from traveling media representatives, Vatican officials and U.S. Secret Service agents, Kyser said. Retailers and malls also reported increased sales, the economist added, probably because many downtown workers stayed home from their jobs and away from the anticipated traffic problems.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles also planned on spending $2.5 million preparing for the pontiff’s 48-hour stay.

The hunger for papal memorabilia was evident at the San Fernando Mission, where 200 empty wine bottles used at a luncheon Wednesday for John Paul and 320 bishops were sold for $2 apiece. The bottle’s labels commemorated the Pope’s visit and were nearly sold out by Thursday afternoon.

“You never know who touched this,” said Gloria Amador as she lovingly fingered her purchase. “I keep thinking maybe the Pope did.”