What are/aren't we short of in the Lakes Region area?

[Coolbreeze]

I'd like so see less of a few things, I think the major brand chain store franchises are drowning out the charming family businesss the area was known for.

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by Coolbreeze

I'd like so see less of a few things, I think the major brand chain store franchises are drowning out the charming family businesss the area was known for.

Without a doubt, that's true. The busiest New Hampshire store that's north of Concord has got to be the Plymouth Super Wal-Mart. It's always open and almost always busy. People drive from all over to shop there.

In Meredith, it's all chains: McDonald's, Aubuchon, Shaw's Jackson Star, Cumberland Farm, Rite Aid, and a Hannaford's now on the way.

Where's the best little independant hardware store around for inventory and price? Amsoil synthetic oils-paint-glass & screen repairs & a million different items is in the exact central geographical spot of the entire state, and that's Ashland, NH, and at hardworking prices.....at the ....ASH HARDWARE in Ashland NH, one mile up the hill from Rt 93-exit 24, and don't be going over the 30mph Ashland speed limit or it will cost you 88 bucks!

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by Coolbreeze

I'd like so see less of a few things, I think the major brand chain store franchises are drowning out the charming family businesss the area was known for.

My wife and sister in law opened a yarn shop in Wolfeboro 3 1/2 years ago. It became necessary to close it down this past year in November. The yarn and products they featured were higher end. After having paid the rent out of our pocket for several months, it was time to close.

Once they announced the closing, and started selling everything off, people (locals) would come in and say "we hate to see you go, you are so convenient), but when they looked them up on their customer base, they had never bought a thing! Many businesses in this area either have to close in the winter or hope that the locals will support them during the slow months of winter.

I believe that in the past year in Wolfeboro alone, there are 10 business that have closed their doors.

the quaint little shops are slowly going away, not just because of the big box stores or chains, but because of a lack of support from the locals. The locals will drive 15 or 20 miles each way to go to a chain store rather than support the local economy. JMHO

[jogator1]

I agree with upthesaukee. There are a lot of locals complaining about big business and chain stores taking over but they are the ones supporting them financially. A lot of the above posts discuss previous businesses that have closed and how the area needs them but there is a reason they went out of business. It's because the local area could not support them. There's a reason why the boutique store closed and there's a reason why there aren't more movie theatres. It's a very difficult region to sustain a business year round and it's much easier for large chains to draw customers from a greater geographical area.

[tis]

upthesaukee, I am very sorry to hear that. Your sister in law is a friend of mine. It is too bad that the mentality is that things are cheaper at the big box stores when in reality, if you compare apples for apples, the boxes are not usually cheaper.

[phoenix]

when you factor in gas at $3-4 per gallon maybe people will stay closer to home