Chama Merchants - A Opinion

Chama Merchants - A Opinion
Chama - Lodging - Retail - 2006
This is just my opinion no more no less. This is information thru July 2006.
Price of gas causing people to change the way they travel?? True. How has this effected Chama in 2006? If a business and or the community didn't start making changes back in the early part of the year keeping in mind that the price of gas could and would cause a drop in sales they probably are down compared to the last couple of years.
Village of Chama: At the last council meeting the village is ahead by about 3% in gross receipts tax. Why?? They have more destination style events they have partnered with. They also are spending their advertising money on destination guests not one day drive in guests.
1. Ride the Rockies
2. 1st annual Fourth of July weekend
3. 1st annual Osprey Festival
4. 1st annual Outdoor quilt show
All of the above brought destination visitors to town. This helps the village with additional lodgers tax and gross receipts tax.
Merchants:
If you are going to be in business in Chama you better put in the time and effort to find out what is going on and what is coming up. My hotel & gift shop business and both up from last year. Why?? I made numerous changes because I figured peoples spending habits would change with the extra money they are having to spend on gasoline. A couple of examples.
1. My camera hunt company has averaged a two night stay per customer. Plus we have camera hunts related merchandise available for them to take home.
2. Ride the Rockies. Numerous ride the rockies merchandise available. Limited edition ride the rockies pin, posters, magnets and etc.
The bottom line: Pay attention and take advantage of the different events that are coming up and have product for each event. A good example is we are waiting on some merchandise we have designed for Chama Fall Colors 2006 merchandise. Some with the train and some without the train. If people are going to have less money to spend on their souvenirs then you better have some items they can afford.
IMHO: Nobody owes you a good living so you better take care of yourself and this takes planning. If the railroad is running on the plus side as far as riders is concerned then a Chama merchant should be on the plus side as well.
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