BY ISAIAH FRIZZELL
Slack is upon us or is it? It can be weird to view the Valley as a tourist town, but it is. The influx and efflux of tourists is noticeable and while Hailey and Bellevue are somewhat protected from the barrage, there are economic effects to the entire Valley.
The most noticeable changes are in the smaller industries and cottage businesses, the florists, the cafes, the ski shops—but the local population continues to visit and entertain our wonderful haunts and favorite hubs all year long while the tourists, second homeowners or seasonal ‘residents’ largely focus on the gear shops, restaurants and, to some degree, the markets.
Slack is a blessing and a curse. It gives the local workforce a breather, a moment to work on the things they couldn’t while serving so many patrons plus a time to tackle some of the less pertinent but equally essential tasks of running a business.
For the Wood River Valley or Sun Valley in general, however, you view the trio of Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue, these parts of Blaine County are the primary landing points for visitors, aka ‘tourists,’ many of whom have seasonally occupied houses here. 🙂
So how do businesses fare during these few months of slack?
After talking with many businesses, the primary theme is that slack is good, there are zero layoffs, or firings. The workforce is solid. The potential for days off, doctor’s appointments, dental work, etc., becomes refreshingly available and it’s a blessed relief to take time to do what you need or want to do.
Atkinsons’
Chip Atkinson, cheerful and helpful as always, explains, “We’ve had 60 years of this routine and we’re very used to this cycle. The ups and downs of seasonality have slightly changed with growth but, you know, April comes and things change, it gets awfully quiet. In this Ketchum store it can be maybe a 30% change in sales but you know but it’s been like this for 60 years. The quiet is good. We get to do things we kind of can’t when it’s so busy. The Hailey and Bellevue stores not so much but definitely sales are slower these few months. It’s nothing to worry about, it’s business as usual and honestly welcome. It’s been like this forever and we’re fine.” And again he was clear there have been no layoffs or anything like that. There’s just less traffic, more time to deep clean or give employees a day off, a breather, not so many hours… again, a blessing.
Grocery Outlet
Shane Gillis of Grocery Outlet was a bit taken aback by this season. “We haven’t had slack here for years, maybe ever. But we’re in it now and we’re like… (waves hands) ‘Where are they?’
“Well, yeah, exactly, and I mean I don’t know! It’s very unusual.”
When asked about layoffs or any cost-cutting measures, he adamantly replies—absolutely not. The workforce is secure. A month from now they’ll be swamped. (This discussion took place during a moment of an average 4 o’clock rush).
Hailey Liquor Store
At the Hailey Liquor Store nearly all of their wonderful employees agreed that it’s been a delightful couple of weeks allowing for a breather, maybe an extra day off here and there. It’s still busy but it certainly hasn’t been as intense as usual. “Just wait til the summer” they all say! So while the Hailey Liquor Store is pretty much always busy, this is a town that loves its cocktails and unique bourbons,after all, and so most definitely there has been a noticeable slowing of business during slack. The World Cup, interestingly, was less manic than expected, at least this far south, but this is one of the few spots that stays busy year-round.
Power House
Speaking for Power House, both bike shop and restaurant, “It always slows down some but it does not get us as bad down here in the south Valley as it does up north.” Paul Eneberg of Power House is clear and open about their dual concession which caters to diners as well as outdoor enthusiasts. “I can say we do really well during spring slack, the trails open up and we’re good and steady.”
Big Belly Deli
“It’s affected us very much, maybe 30%.” This number comes up a lot. “We only have three people that work here. We do catering and have a base clientele that keeps us afloat.” Tristan Ruiz offers an overview. “It’s been a bit slower this year than the last few. And while it typically starts in January, it fluctuates heavily, but especially this year.”
The World Cup apparently had zero effect on this favorite eatery and as mentioned on the liquor store.
Salt N’ Pepper:
Definitely the best, most progressive and delicious of upscale (food, not price) deli restaurants have not seen a ton of slack.
Kelty Jensen, owner and manager of Salt N’ Pepper, admits they’re up from last year but slack for the last couple months has maybe run a 10% claw through their business. Their online delivery system has blown up, however, and their program to serve schools has teachers ordering from three schools, including Bellevue on Wednesday, Alturas on Thursday and Wood River Middle School on Friday. Kudos to them, you can order online and they deliver: https://www.snpsandwich.com/
CK’s
Rebecca Kastner of CK’s Real Food says they’ve definitely felt slack but not to the point of worry. According to Kastner, April is generally about half of what August provides.
That’s a three-month window of uncertainty. However, CK’s is a local delight and with their quality of food and clout may fare well regardless.
Others
Multiple florists in Ketchum, as well as both Kethcum and Hailey’s Hank & Sylvie’s, declined to comment. Perhaps time, perhaps busyness.
One thing is for sure, business keeps rolling.
There are only so many places to speak to and slack, according to many spoken to, doesn’t exist anymore. The business owners say otherwise. What explains the traffic lately? That’s certainly a profound indication of the growing population.
Grocery stores never seem to be bereft of customers and while restaurants might seem light, it really depends on where you’re going.
Slack as a concept, according to some, is almost a myth.
If you have any slack stories, questions or corrections, please email to isaiah@woodriverweekly.com
All tourist towns, even a fully functioning one like Sun and the Wood River Valley, experience seasonal swings, so like Chip Atkinson said, it’s baked in.
Here’s to your trips to Twin and your dedication to keeping it local.
