Sundial Shop no more...
 

I just wanted to get some people's thoughts or reactions to the recent closure of the Sundial Shop in downtown Laconia. Is this a sign of the economic times? Or has the Internet ruined another local business?

Yes and yes. :eek:

There is so much you don't know about this. For example, building has been on the market for almost two years, since before the financial chaos hit. The owner's age and desire to retire is also unrelated to the economic hard times. Additionally, over the past 10 years, the SunDial has shrunk from 3 (I think, maybe 4) stores to one store. So the simple answer of "yes and yes" is rather uninformed.

Than said, the economic climate is very difficult right now and may have had something to do with the timing. But to chalk this up entirely to a bad economy is to be too superficial about this situation.

Business Loans
 

Plus the fact that business loans are much harder to procure. many loan companies want to see enough liquid assets to cover the loan. Not too many people are in that position after losing their money in the market. :(

The owner wants to retire. That's the main reason. The other reasons are secondary.

From the Citizen
 

Here is an article in the Citizen on I think May 6th.

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll...WS02/705069610

The Sundial Shop has always been a favorite of mine, and I shopped there for many special occasions over the years! Including just this morning, in fact! I will certainly miss them. To me, this is the kind of shop that locals made a point to visit when the occasion arose.

On my stop in this morning, the staff is busily working and right now and the inventory is entirely 30% discounted. They still have Yankee Candles, books, cards, gifts galore, candies and seasonal items.

I can only wish Warren Clement the best in his retirement! It was a good run!