Sisters businesses see strong start

Snowy days last week did not dampen the spirits of Sisters merchants. After all, it was the second week of Sisters month-long spring vacation tourist season, and the outlook for a bright and profitable high season is in the air.

Chris Wilder, owner of Sisters Log Furniture, told The Nugget that 80 percent of his business is from tourists and individuals who have second homes at Black Butte Ranch, Aspen Lakes, Eagle Crest and even Sunriver. He sees this high percentage of tourist traffic as very positive.

"People will spend money while they are on vacation, even if they have to go home and eat beans and hot dogs," he said.

Even with the bad weather last week, Wilder found more traffic than normal in his store.

"It's nice to see people back in town. This week versus the California (spring break) week was much better," he said.

The week also brought steady occupancy at the FivePine campus, events manager Kendra Littrell told The Nugget. "We had quite a few skiers at the lodge, as well as at (the new Pleiades) restaurant," she said. "It seems like the locals have kind of been on spring break, as well, and have been coming in to visit us for lunch and dinner."

Last week, however, was slow at Sisters Drug and Gift, according to clerk Julie Ritchie.

"I think the snow slowed people down, but the week before when California had their spring break there were quite a few, and that Saturday before Easter was really busy," she said.

At Sisters Bakery business has been a blend of tourists and locals.

"Things have been pretty busy," said clerk Michelle Vetter. "It's been steady busy. All through the week with the two holidays (St. Patrick's Day and Easter), we were really busy."

Mitch Mansfield, who only last month purchased Sisters Olive and Nut Co, found himself pleasantly surprised with his traffic all week.

"It's just been amazing to me. Most days I wake up and think, 'What's the point of even opening the shop. No one's going to be out walking around the town today.' And sure enough they are out there, rain, snow, cold, sleet, hail.... We've had some good days."

Sharon McVay, owner of Silli Chili, is finding her new, larger location at 220 Cascade Avenue an asset to her business.

"There's a lot more window exposure," she said.

She told The Nugget that she has been experiencing both very good and very slow days and that she is finding her new location attracting locals she never saw at her former location.

"I'm so convenient between Martolli's (Pizza) and Depot Deli," she said.

According to McVay, tourists seem to be taking the higher gas prices in stride.

"I haven't heard any comments about gas prices," she said, noting that gas prices did not slow California tourists from coming to the area during their spring vacation the week before Easter. "I had a very good week that week," she said.

Terry Mumey, owner of Mackenzie Creek Trading Company, thinks that gas prices will make a difference in Sisters but will not keep people away.

"They're going to drive here, but when they spend an extra $200 bucks a month on gas, they may not be buying that extra tee shirt or hat or whatever," he said.