iversifying D eadwood D
BUSINESS BOOMING, GAMING GOING STRONG Story and photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson
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hile Deadwood has been a tourist destination since the onset of legalized gambling, welcoming 3-4 million visitors annually, the diversification transformation slowly happening up and down Main Street is fostering a burgeoning retail business boom bolstered by a vibrant, innovative gaming industry. Deadwood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lee Harstad said, like many other destinations, the Deadwood visitor has evolved and in order to continue to be relevant as a successful visitor destination, businesses and community organizations, alike, need to make adjustments to better position themselves for growth. “Deadwood’s Main Street has diversified offerings to appease a much wider range of guests, and our forward-thinking business owners continue to make changes to be successful,” Harstad said.
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“The past decade, when many of the gaming establishments switched gears to be more retail and food and drink oriented, it was a slow but somewhat shocking change as slot machines and table games were replaced by store counters and restaurant tables. While a big change, many visitors who haven’t been to Deadwood in some time definitely comment on these changes in a favorable way.” Bars and saloons to cabins, condos, and lodges and arts and entertainment to spas, wedding services, even a little bit of chainsaw sculpting and lots of recreating, Deadwood is diversifying to stay fresh and relevant to visitors and locals. “We see an increase annually in all categories of businesses at the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce. However, what’s more important is our extremely high percentage of retained members,” Harstad said. “We keep
Destination Deadwood©
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Fall, Winter • 2021–2022
