Great place to live or vacation but......

kjbathe · 02-12-2009, 03:03 PM

I think most businesses would argue that it's hard work to be profitable no matter where you are. I believe Handy Landing was sold by the Binette's a few years ago, and then closed after a year or two under the new owners. I'm not sure if that reflects difficult business conditions, or experience of the folks operating said business.

Burger King closes, but not for lack of business. That sounds more like a property dispute. T-Bones and Cactus Jack's seem to be thriving. Willow's is gone, but Michael's seems to be doing well in the same location.

The former Dodge dealership has been a revolving door for about 30 years... But the gas and appliance dealer across the street has been there as long I can remember.

Boston Seafood is gone, but is reportedly being replaced by a Sushi place. Surf Coaster is closed, but the Go-Karts and batting range across the street are expanding and adding bumper boats.

Mr. Fireplace seems to be a unique and unfortunate case related to unforseen demand and supplier issues, but yes, it's gone. Shaw's, TJMaxx, Lowe's, Gilford Mobil, WalMart, Dunks, Waldo Peppers, TD BankNorth... They are all relatively new additions but seem to be doing fine in the same immediate area. I do miss the Big Banana.

There is a seasonal aspect to business in the Lakes Region to be sure. But one could argue that every Mall in the nation is a "seasonal" business that doesn't reach annual profitability until sometime late in Q4.

I'm not sure the Lakes Region is necessarily any easier or harder a place to be profitable than other locations. Businesses just need to work with what they have. And good businesses weather our always-varying economic conditions.

02-12-2009, 03:03 PM	#1
kjbathe Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 286 Thanks: 3 Thanked 22 Times in 12 Posts	Depends on the business? I think most businesses would argue that it's hard work to be profitable no matter where you are. I believe Handy Landing was sold by the Binette's a few years ago, and then closed after a year or two under the new owners. I'm not sure if that reflects difficult business conditions, or experience of the folks operating said business. Burger King closes, but not for lack of business. That sounds more like a property dispute. T-Bones and Cactus Jack's seem to be thriving. Willow's is gone, but Michael's seems to be doing well in the same location. The former Dodge dealership has been a revolving door for about 30 years... But the gas and appliance dealer across the street has been there as long I can remember. Boston Seafood is gone, but is reportedly being replaced by a Sushi place. Surf Coaster is closed, but the Go-Karts and batting range across the street are expanding and adding bumper boats. Mr. Fireplace seems to be a unique and unfortunate case related to unforseen demand and supplier issues, but yes, it's gone. Shaw's, TJMaxx, Lowe's, Gilford Mobil, WalMart, Dunks, Waldo Peppers, TD BankNorth... They are all relatively new additions but seem to be doing fine in the same immediate area. I do miss the Big Banana. There is a seasonal aspect to business in the Lakes Region to be sure. But one could argue that every Mall in the nation is a "seasonal" business that doesn't reach annual profitability until sometime late in Q4. I'm not sure the Lakes Region is necessarily any easier or harder a place to be profitable than other locations. Businesses just need to work with what they have. And good businesses weather our always-varying economic conditions.