Tourism in Virginia City begins to bounce back
Retailers in Virginia City hope the start of summer brings about an increase in business, which for many has plummeted in recent years.
Many of the small gift and antiques shops in Virginia City live and die on tourism generated by popular Virginia City events such as the Mountain Oyster Festival and International Camel Races.
But visitors to the famed Storey County town have tightened their spending over the past few years, many store owners say. As a result, owners worked longer hours and laid off employees to reduce their overhead.
But some feel optimistic that tourism is picking up in Virginia City. Pascal Baboulin, owner of Pioneer Emporium, which sells custom-made hats as well as jewelry, clothing and souvenirs, recently hired two employees after working the business as sole proprietor the past two years. Business at Pioneer Emporium has declined 15 to 20 percent each year since 2008.
“For the last three years it has slowed down, but my feeling is that this year it is picking up,” Baboulin says. “Things are going to get better — I feel that we touched the bottom.”
