Airport Commons
 

Has anyone heard what's going on at the plaza across from the airport in Gilford. They spent a lot of money updating it and they don't appear to have any new tenants.

With two supermarkets, A Walmart Supercenter, Lowes, pet stores, Tilton outlets, etc all in the area, I'm not even sure what's needed there.

I think you answered your own question as no one is sure what’s needed there! They did spend a lot of money fixing it up which it needed desperately. Hopefully some of that space gets leased soon!

Dan

Parking lot was full when we drove by Saturday afternoon 5/19.
Probably need a destination store or something that can just make it on local. Steeplegate is about the same distance as Tanger in Tilton, but I'm not sure I think of them as "in the area". I don't know the zoning there, but perhaps a light industrial business that wants to be close to the airport.

Did they ever get the approval for a ramp off of the Rte 3 bypass?

They had put in to have an n/b exit-only ramp right into their parking lot.

A bass pro shop would be nice!

That new entrance has been installed and completed.

Yes I agree but not nearly big enough...

Dan

Yes Bass Pro Shop, Cabelas ect even Sam’s Club but unfortunately I don’t think the area can support a large store such as those.


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Boat store...
 

Bass Pro/Cabelas should place at least a small store along with a boat center, either there and/or with water access. Nitro, Alumacraft, & Ranger sales could be impressive if you didnt have to schlep those boats to Hooksett for dealer work.

Not a bad idea it’s just not their corporate model.


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A few years ago, I would have agreed. Now I look at Lowe's a few hundred yards down the street and I'm not so sure. Bass Pro in Hooksett and Cabela's in Kittery aren't even close to fishing and hunting areas, to me, and they both seem to be OK. I';d also vote for West Marine, but I feel like boating is a shorter season than hunting and fishing. Regardless, Cabela's is a great idea

I would expect Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's require interstate highway access.

I honestly don’t think Lowe’s does very well there and was worried it was going to be closed when they announced they were shutting down many locations across the country last year. I have been there many times off and in season, even on sale holidays and it never seems to be too busy. The volume of sales to support a huge location such as Bass Pro/Cabelas cannot be sustained in this area in my opinion.


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Home Depot puts Lowes to shame. I went into Lowes with my wife Saturday to buy a shade and needed it cut. Because it wasn't a Levelor they wouldn't cut it because the machine was only there to cut Levelor shades which were 3 times the price. We went to Home Depot, picked out a shade, and the guy cut it right away, no issues.

You're saying Lowe's doesn't cut it for you! I prefer HD as well.

Are you thinking of Kittey Trading Post in Kittery?
Cabela’s is much further north in Maine in Scarborough...
Regardless, we could use a big sporting goods/boating store in the Lakes Region.

Yes, I prefer HD. As we discuss Lowes they just announced the hiring of JC Penney former CEO. Hopefully he can improve their customer service so they can better compete with Home Depot.

We go to Lowe’s for the 5% off of everything we buy (HD used to give this) but when Lowe’s falls short in an item we head over to HD. Luckily, they are close to each other so it’s convenient to go to either.

I was there a few weekends ago, and was advised this is only on Tuesday now, I was there on a Sunday

By the way, Bass Pro Shops now owns Cabelas. Too bad, in my opinion. I always liked Cabelas, but wasn't impressed with Bass Pro Shops.

I absolutely agree!!!! Cabelas quality was much better

The Gilford Lowes has exceeded corporate dollar volume expectations every year since it opened. I wouldn't worry about it closing real soon.

The one in Tilton is dead every time I've been in there.
Speaking of Lowes and HD, I noticed a big display of Craftsman tools when I walked into HD this weekend. I guess Sears is selling off their rights to the only things they have left of value. I think I read earlier this month that Amazon was selling Kenmore appliances now.

The Gilford Lowe’s has always exceeded my expectation. Home Depot is good, I just find Lowe’s to be more organized and better stocked.

I always try to use Trustworthy, as it is just as close to me (ok maybe a minute longer) but Lowe's hours help me out a lot early morning, and late at night and sundays open at 7, but mid day Trustworthy

I find Lowe's has better finish items and HD has the better price on basic Building materials. Lowe's is a 30 minute savings in time, so even if was a touch pricier I still would go to Lowe's i have spoken to others and the location is what does it for them, I got a feeling they could be much higher and it wouldn't change, SHHHHhh.......

Yes that’s my pet peeve. HD is never as organized or staffed as well as Lowe’s.


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One thing that has always made me wonder, and I have sent notes to these stores in the past, why is there no Cabella's (or Basspro now), West Marine, or any large outdoor store in the area, Basspro in Manchester being the closest
doesn't make sense, I could see a West Marine not getting large business in off season, but an outdoor store would see business all year round in the area. Was a Great opportunity when the Hannford's moved to put something in there

Honestly do not think the area can support them. Their store is tremendous with a large overhead. The old Hannaford is not a large enough foot print for their model stores.


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while i agree, there is a huge trend for smaller scale stores across MA that I am seeing, stores like Khol's for example are doing it, also I have seen Market Basket do it

I do not see why they couldn't scale down a store and do it

That’s right! Think outside the “box store” and support the region’s outdoorsmen and women! What we don’t need is another ladies clothing store.

Customers get the 5% off every day, but they have to use a Lowe's charge card.

Here is an interesting fact: When I inquired at Home Depot why they didn't offer the 5% discount like Lowe's they said that they did. The manager said when you get to the register just ask for the "Lowe's Discount". I did, and the cashier scanned a bar code she had behind the register that took 5% off of my total. It just seemed odd that Home Depot would handle it that way. I haven't gone there recently but I don't think they do it any more.

Entrance from Rte 3
 

Yes that entrance is open now.