By Whitney Donohue

Moapa Valley Progress

The Tourist Trap, a new gift shop in downtown Overton, opened its doors on August 27. Photo by Whitney Donohue.

Shopping in Moapa Valley just got a little bit easier. The Tourist Trap gift shop opened in downtown Overton on Saturday, August 27, just in time for the Labor Day holiday. Owner Charlotte Salyer is hoping that people will stop in her store and check out her line of unique gifts; most of which are priced under $20.

Salyer opened the store with a selection of books, t-shirts, toys, bulk candy, and more. She would like to partner with local artists and crafters, with a spot reserved to sell locally made items.

“Our economy is so bad right now that I want to help our neighbors by offering gifts at a low cost,” Salyer explained. “I also want to purchase items from local artists. I can’t pay retail prices for the art, but I’m hoping that I can work out something with artists to help us both thrive.”

Salyer has a degree in business. For a while she worked in Vegas, but she wanted to start something closer to home.

Many people have told her that she’s brave for starting a business in this economy, but Salyer doesn’t feel brave.

“People still need to buy gifts,” she said. “If I can offer a place to buy a gift inexpensively, people will save money on gas, and it will help our local economy.”

Salyer realizes that many people think she’s crazy, but she thinks it might just be the thing to help the local economy turn around.

A gift shop is a niche that Salyer has wanted to fill in Moapa Valley. Pair that with the opportunity to work with local artisans, and Salyer sees it as a win-win situation.

“Who knows how long we’ll be able to stay open,” she said. “But if I can support local artists and still make a profit, it will be worth it.”

The Tourist Trap is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm. Salyer invites the community to come in and take a look around.