• Editor’s note: This is the first article of a three part series about North Shore businesses coping with economic challenges. Karen Meyer, the owner of Bali Hai Photo Company, has been in business on the ground floor of Ching
• Editor’s note: This is the first article of a three part series about North Shore businesses coping with economic challenges.
Karen Meyer, the owner of Bali Hai Photo Company, has been in business on the ground floor of Ching Young Village Shopping Center in the heart of Hanalei for 16 years. Meyer adapted to the diminishing demand for film several years ago by providing services for photographers using digital cameras, and creating new artwork of her own to sell in her shop on the ground floor of Ching Young Village Shopping Center.
When gasoline prices soared in 2008, and airfares increased, the wedding industry on Kaua‘i was affected immensely because brides stopped planning weddings here, and a large part of Bali Hai Photo’s business disappeared. The general economic downturn meant fewer visitors and less shopping for locals, shrinking daily revenue.
The opportunity arose in Sept. 2009 to move upstairs at Ching Young Village Shopping Center, where the rent was considerably lower, but where foot traffic — which was a large part of the business — is virtually nonexistent. By moving upstairs, Bali Hai Photo has succeeded in lowering the monthly costs, but has lost much of the walk-in business. However, they continue to be the only provider on the North Shore of indispensable services such as Internet, passport photos, copies, fax, digital and film photo printing, photo enlargements, scanning, and downloading of digital images.
During the economic downturn, they have expanded in ways they could, including providing more business services. Their computer programs have been upgraded to meet the business needs of both their local clients and visitors, and they are now providing assistance with resumes, business cards, brochures, signs, and other business and professional products.
The staff has always been happy to provide equipment advice and assistance to visitors and locals alike, and their products include camera care items, digital media supplies, batteries, camera bags, and cables. They also book photo shoots and go on location to photograph clients.
The shop walls are lined with unique images of Kaua‘i which have been well received, and they have broadened their market by making their artwork available for sale at balihaiphoto.com.
They have also made it easier for their clients to have prints of their photos made by e-mailing their order ahead through the Web site.
Bali Hai Photo has increased their visibility to the foot traffic by adding a kiosk at the ground level of Ching Young Village Shopping Center over Thanksgiving weekend, where the lively artwork is displayed.
They are getting through these difficult economic times with longer hours and lots of hard work.
