The slowing economy sneaked into small businesses in Evergreen and Conifer two years ago in the form of increased browsers and diminished sales receipts.
Then, in September, the stalled economy came on like a winter storm, knocking out long-established businesses and leaving others hanging on by sheer will.
Today, empty storefronts and “store closing” window signs dot the landscape along curvy roads in the picturesque mountain towns. Some remaining stores have started to put out balloons trumpeting ongoing sales, and owners are paying special attention to every precious guest.
“You have to work harder for less, but that’s how you keep your feet under you,” said Sarah Scott, manager at Bits & Pieces Boutique in Evergreen.
Conifer sits along U.S. 285, and Evergreen is between Interstate 70 and Conifer on Colorado 74. Along the thoroughfares, big-box stores such as Home Depot and Wal-Mart are visible to drivers. The smaller business, however, are either tucked in near the big stores or are farther into the towns on mountain roads. Jefferson County Commissioner Kathy Hartman estimates 90 percent of shops there are small businesses.
“It is true that small businesses typically live on the edge more so than larger businesses,” Hartman said. “And Evergreen and Conifer have far more local, small businesses and fewer chains. The local residents tend to like it like that.”
One such place, The Bleachers Casual Clothing, is dark and empty in Evergreen’s Bergen Marketplace. The economy drove David and Terre Gleason’s store off after 16 years.
“Monday, the 15th of September, when the stock market collapsed, we felt it right away,” David Gleason said. “We’ve always been very sensitive to the financial markets because apparel is such a feel-good kind of purchase. It dropped off the cliff.”
At the store, sales from September to November were down 30 to 40 percent, and in December, typically the store’s strongest month, it saw a 28 percent drop in sales from 2007.
“To lose money in December, on top of having a January that was just horrible, we decided to close in early February,” David Gleason said. “It was a hard decision to make; we weren’t going to retire for a few years.”
Across the same shopping center, Village Gourmet owner Laurie Ward in February suffered through her worst sales drop in years. Since then, recovery has come slowly but steadily.
“I’m upbeat and I’m optimistic,” she said. “I don’t think it’s going to come back gangbusters, but it shouldn’t; it should be gradual.”
Every business owner in these hamlets hopes things will improve soon, though some insist things aren’t as bad as they appear. Despite the February closing of Albertsons in Evergreen and Chili’s departure from Conifer, some stores are considering expansion while others are just opening.
Melanie Nuchols, president of the Evergreen Area Chamber of Commerce, said restaurants, a clothing store and a bakery are planning to open soon.
“It’s sad; it’s a big family up here, so when we lose a business it’s painful and it’s personal,” Nuchols said.
Despite the hometown feel, some small-business owners and other retail experts say shoppers have moved from the boutique stores to the big-box retailers in search of cheap prices and necessary items.
Sales-tax revenue was up in Evergreen in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared with 2007, but it was down in Conifer for the same period, county figures show.
After a terrible holiday season, Teresa Cabanski, owner of Alpine Gifts & Collectibles in downtown Evergreen, hung a white banner on her store window announcing its closure.
The store, doors away from the Evergreen landmark the Little Bear saloon, is full of discounted Steinbach Nutcrackers, Franz Porcelain pieces and Dept. 56 collectibles. As soon as those items go, so will Cabanski.
“Last year was the perfect storm. It wasn’t good during any season, especially Christmas,” she said. “Either you hang on by your fingernails or get out while the getting out is good.”
Next door, Janice Stutters is deciding whether to move her Seasonally Yours shop into Cabanski’s larger space.
Not far way, Bill Hancock’s Elk Meadow Liquor sits in the shadow of a now-closed Albertsons. Sales cooled in the fall, high-end Christmas whiskey and New Year’s champagne stayed on the shelf, and Albertsons’ closure in February was a third strike.
“There’s not a change of people coming in the door but (there is in) the dollar number they are spending,” Hancock said. “We’ve managed to cut expenses, and we are getting value items in for people.”
He’s traded $13.99 bottles of wine for a $7.99 variety, now a best seller.
In Evergreen’s unfinished El Rancho Town Center, near Home Depot and Wal-Mart, Dogma Pet Supply & Dog Wash has seen a slight increase in sales every month since it opened last year.
“We are fortunate that people up here treat their pets like children,” owner Craig Gulliford said.
Customers buy high-end pet foods but have cut back on pet toys. A small number of customers have asked about economical food options, but most are sticking with their brands, he said.
In Conifer, Cate Eaton moved her shop, Haley’s Closet, from Evergreen’s Marshland area a month ago. At the new site along the highway, she has added consignment to her mix of new apparel and jewelry.
“With the economy and things going on,” she said, “it’s no time to be tucked away anywhere.”
Elizabeth Aguilera: 303-954-1372 or eaguilera@denverpost.com
