Trade shows. Art and craft fairs. Flea markets. Tourist season...Montanans are starting to think spring and beyond. From huckleberry goodies to fishing lures, if you've been considering developing some Montana-made products, or already have some items on the table, maybe this report will help you with your decision. I'd say things look pretty favorable. Our thanks to the University of Montana Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research for taking the temperature of the average out-of-state customer:

Montana visitors who bought Montana-made products, Montana-grown food or who used local services in 2015 spent, on average, about $185 more in the state each day than visitors who did not purchase local products and services, according to a new study.

In the first three quarters of 2015, visitors spent an average of $147 daily. However, once the visitors were grouped into whether they purchased local products or services on their trip, significant differences emerged. Visitors who reported buying local goods and services spent an average $296 a day, while those who did not make local purchases averaged about $112 a day.

Visitors who made local purchases spent more money in every spending category except gasoline/diesel. Sixteen percent of Montana’s visitors reported spending money on local products and services during the first three quarters of 2015. The products purchased most frequently include food such as huckleberry items, baked goods and candy, followed by locally brewed beer and alcohol from local distilleries. Of course! :-)

Despite the overall decrease in the amount spent by travelers from 2014 to 2015 (much cheaper gasoline seems to be the big factor there), spending in retail categories, which include “Made in Montana” products and services, increased in 2015, which UM researchers say is a significant indication that nonresident visitors are interested in purchasing items and services they can’t find elsewhere, or products that can “bring them back” to Montana after their visit to the state.

If you are an aspiring Made-in-Montana entrepreneur, here's wishing you successful 2016 season!  DB

 

More From 94.9 KYSS FM