Small businesses in Hanford are seeing resurgence of shoppers coming back to their shops

HANFORD, Calif. (KFSN) -- A glance of the store Porches will leave your eyes wandering for a great find.

Porches Co-Owner Grady harp said, "We call it the not so garden shop. We didn't want to be pigeonholed into being an antique shop or a gift shop. So we just combined everything we wanted to do into porches."

Harp said they have been in business less than a year and have been selling items to customers across the Valley. Hanford businesses are seeing some growth.

Michele Brown, of Main Street Hanford, said, "I think businesses want to be a part of that uniqueness and the artistic nature of downtown Hanford."

Brown attributes unique finds and the improving economy to the growth. More than half a dozen new businesses have opened or expanded in the last year.

The Soaking Tub along Irwin has also grown in this space, which is filled with the fragrant smells of lavender and other bath products.

"The bath Bombs are definitely the best sellers, and recently we just came out with bubble truffles," said Kalish Morrow of the Soaking Tub.

Morrow's donut bath bombs are another unique item customers can't get enough of as they try to relax. They've also added a kids store as well.

Nearby business is Fulton Cycle Works, which relocated from Downtown Fresno to Hanford is also experiencing growth.

Darren Johnson of Fulton cycle works said, "It's been nothing but good. We're growing, I have employees now, and we've added space."

Downtown enthusiasts said these stores are offering a personal experience that's bringing back customers for more.

"I think people are focused more on the small business and less on the big box stores and chain restaurants," said Brown. "People are looking for something unique and special and they're seeing it."