Here is the thing. The stores on Sutter Street are owned and operated by people, not corporations. They often can't afford to hire employees, given the burdens of running a small business in California. Some people want them open at night. Some people want them open earlier. Some people want them to be open seven days a week. That is hard to do if its just you. Some of the larger ones are able to be cooperatives, so different members can provide additional coverage for extended hours. But I know one of the owners told me her 13 year old daughter would cry when she wouldn't come home until 7 pm to be with her at night. That is a tough decision for a small business owner to make. Karen and her employees probably need a day off once a week too.
Sutter Street isn't a mall, but that can be a good thing. I do know some stores have started opening earlier on Saturdays now that the market is there. That is a great thing and I think they do much better during those hours than they do staying open for a Second Saturday. Time and again I have heard them say they tried staying open for those night time events, but just didn't make any sales. Believe me, the people who own those stores are not lazy or stupid. And, personally, I find more gifts and fun items on Sutter Street than I do at Palladio or Broadstone. I just bought two turquoise necklaces at Betty's House of Turquoise last week that I LOVE! And Clouds is my go-to store for wedding and Christmas gifts. Love my Clouds!!
It is tough on small business owners. It is like running a farm, it isn't just a "job" but a lifestyle. (I've worked on a family business, lived on a farm, had a "desk job" and been a stay-at-home mom.) There are things you gain and other things you sacrifice with each one.
Saturday Nights: As a customer I often wish I could go to Sutter Street on date nights to look around but as neither my husband nor I drink there isn't much to do. (I guess it goes for most of Folsom, drinking is a big deal.) If I were a shop owner I am not sure I would want to have my shop open when people around are heavily imbibing.
Sunday Mornings: Maybe Karen's has needs or beliefs or a philosophy that means they do not open on Sundays. I can respect that. I can also scratch my head and wonder why as most bakeries that I know of (and I know far too many of them, LOL) in other regions are doing very brisk business on Sunday morning. (Considering Karen's chic reputation and popularity they probably makes tons of money with catering anyway.) I just think it would be cool to go to Old Folsom on a Sunday and grab a pastry and a coffee and take a stroll around. If wishes were fishes...or muffins...
As a side note (should I start a new discussion or can we talk here?), I have been wondering about the atmosphere of small business in Folsom. The consumer in me is glad to have easy access to big chain shops but the community-minded part of me wonders if Folsom is squeezing out small business to it's detriment. When I see a local shop or café go out of business it gets to me.
