OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – Carol Liao, a 30-year vendor of herbs and massage chairs in Oakland’s Chinatown, opens her shop doors only for customers she knows, those who have visited before, or better, placed a phone order for one of her $9,000 massage chairs.
Some shopkeepers and restaurant owners in Chinatown say business is gradually improving so far this year. Liao isn’t so sure. She was broken into once last year.