What do you want/need in the region for business?
 

Recent threads here have got me wondering. What types of business would do well in the area? We have seen the ones that do not do well and they go under faster than a 20 lb rock in the lake. So what service is lacking up here that people would call a business that would be successful? We know what doesn't do well so lets leave those out. Concentrate on services that are needed in the area, and that would actually be used. Maybe we could help someone out.:D

Well
 

AS much as I love mom and Pop Stores I think a Bass Pro or even better a boaters world or a West Marine would be Great in the Gilford area in the Walmart is or even if the TJ Maxx is nto there any longer beside the Shaws

The Quonsset Hut
 

What the Lakes Region needs is a store like The Quonnset Hut in Rumney. Located about three miles from the Plymouth Wal-Mart, on Route 25, on the Plymouth-Rumney line, just north of the west side rotary, the Quonsset Hut is a bigger version of J C's Discount, which is located on Route 104, in New Hampton, about one mile east of exit 23-Route 93.

An interesting store!

Businesses are plenty all around the lake. As a consumer, I do not have to travel far to purchase food. There are enough restaurants, stores,sub shops around. If I need to purchase anything from Walmart or Target, I make the shopping trip! Keep the area green! I would hate to end up like exit 20.:(

I would still say that anything goes. The secret is that it's no secret ......if you work hard, keep your word and keep your customers happy, you can succeed in most any business. Although, I wouldn't want to be selling R.V's,snowmobiles or boats right now. But any service business will do fine as your reputation spreads...good example is Wineing Butcher. They opened in a less than prime location and did a great job and they are now expanding to Meredith right in the middle of a recession. Shows it can be done.

I'm not sure of the need, but perhaps a "rent an office" business would do well. Lots of people seem to be working down south while their family spends the week at their summer home. There are also folks that want to move into the area, but need a professional office type environment. How about a business that offers a receptionist, office supplies and equipment, private space, phone, internet, technical support and meeting rooms with video conferencing capability? One could rent by the hour, day, week or longer.

In relation to another thread on businesses in Moultonborough, I would appreciate having more businesses located east of Center Harbor. Tilton's Exit 20 is pretty good for most needs, but that is 45 minutes away. I feel like a kid in a candy store when I get as far south as Concord. Going to Boston just has my head spinning.... Rural life is nice, but I think the make-up of the year-round population is changing so that more businesses could be supported - at least after the current crisis of economic confidence is over.

Ocean State Job Lot :)

We need some skin in the game
 

Unless things have changed since last year there is not one dermatolgist in the Lakes Region ! That is not good:(
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Yes there is,Irish Mist.....and a good one.His name is Ryan Scannell he is also a surgeon doing facial reconstruction and all that.A young guy with great bedside manner....you'll love him.Went to him for some sun damage (pre cancerous) and he fixed me right up.....he's the real deal 524-7402

Pharmacy in Center Harbor
 

I believe the closest pharmacy is in Meredith. Many years ago Alford pharmacy occupied the old Post Office building. I don't know why they closed, but I would think with more year round people now in the area, if it was a lack of business, things might be better now.

Thank you for that infomation:) I'm happy to hear this.
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I've had some various thoughts about that concept in the old Fitzgerald Motorsports building (it has docks!).

I'm not sure that I want to start another retail store, though (Home Theater and Automation in the late 90's). And I'm involved in another technology startup which consumes the majority of my time right now.

Maybe in another year...

This is interesting because I've looked at doing this in the MA tech loop.

I worked at another company at the CIC (Cambridge Innovation Center) at One Broadway. That is setup where you pay $250/mo/employee and you get office space, desk, chair (Aeron!), Full access to a VERY well stocked kitchen, conference rooms, Internet, Phone and a few other amenities.

These businesses are difficult to run both properly and profitably (although you can do 1 of those 2 in most cases ;) )

The idea of doing this in the Lakes Region has a lot of appeal, but you'd likely need to get some sort of guaranteed tenant to help cover the basic costs. The Angel Investor idea has a lot of appeal to me and I've had thoughts of doing 6-12mo Angel/Incubator things in the Lakes region. Basically get people who have mobility to come in for contract positions doing startup programming for incubator concepts to spin off to be taken over by an EIR at a VC firm. Couple this 4-10 person workforce with a building that could accommodate 30 workstations and you could start to carve out an interesting niche.

I know of a few people who do this sort of contracting work and just live in various parts of the country (or world) for variable amounts of time.

[QUOTE=Lakegeezer;88934]I'm not sure of the need, but perhaps a "rent an office" business would do well. Lots of people seem to be working down south while their family spends the week at their summer home. There are also folks that want to move into the area, but need a professional office type environment. How about a business that offers a receptionist, office supplies and equipment, private space, phone, internet, technical support and meeting rooms with video conferencing capability? One could rent by the hour, day, week or longer."

Bill: There is a newly renovated building in Alton Bay as you make the corner(there was a fire and the building was rebuilt last year) that has some residential condos on the top floor and office space on the main level, and in the basement area. I believe the builder, Lee, is offering just what you mention.

Donna

Alternative Healthy Choices
 

I would like to see a health care facility or clinic employ alternative health care practitioners, as well as mainstream healers, in order to offer people choices and educate them as to what each can do for them. This could include massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors, psychotherapists, physical therapists, nutritionists, yoga practitioners, among others.

The objective is to heal the patient, and by offering "alternative therapies" and natural approaches to healing, this will empower people to take responsibility for their health. Prevention is key in avoiding many common ailments, and good health involves the whole person - mind, body and spirit.

Along those lines, I would also like to see a health food store, such as Whole Foods, since diet is integral to good health, along with exercise. My favorite place in season is Beans and Greens, but a larger store open all year would be a wonderful option.:liplick:

I know what the surgeon general says
 

What we need in LR is a good cigar store/ cigar bar. I know there is Jacks in Laconia but if more than one customer in the store at once it is crowded. A place where you can sit back and try a good cigar before buying a box. In a bad economy people do tend to drink and smoke more. I need somebody to step up and play into my vices.

Couldn't agree more! The few places that do sell cigars have no idea how to keep them properly humidified and everyone I have ever bought has been spoiled.

Even better, someone previous mentioned a high end steakhouse...How about a Ruths Chris of old when they had cigar lounges. You could go there have a fantastic steak then go relax in the cigar bar and enjoy desert with some vintage Gran Marnier. You could even have your own humidor there!

I know an establishment like this would never make it in the Lakes Region, but I can dream can't I...:D

Dan

Hey ishoot308, what you want has been here since years. The Black Cat Cafe; (603) 528-3233 http://www.blackcatcafe.com/blackcat/about.htm

I just want a laundry mat and car wash in Alton.

If I had some $$$...

I'd buy McGrath's little 5-And-Dime and turn it into a laundry mat/gym/carwash combo. A couple of car wash bays, a little gym with some Nautilus equipment and free weights, and some speedy washer/dryers.

We need a laundromat!!
 

Alton/Alton Bay does not have a laundromat anymore. The Whitneys did a great business in Alton for years despite the dangerous parking lot. Unfortunately, when the old folks died their family let in run into the ground and finally it closed altogether. Now the nearest laundromats are in Pittsfield, Wolfeboro, or Gilford (next to Patrick's Pub) -- the closest being 12 miles away. A new laundromat with safer parking facilities would be a welcome addition for those in Alton/Alton Bay and New Durham. Too bad they opened a 3rd bank in Alton instead of a laundry in the Hannaford shopping center. Maybe operating a laundromat doesn't sound exciting enough, but it is sure needed. Not only do the summer camps need it, but there are many renters year round who are not allowed to have washer/dryers due to septic issues.

As far as cigar stores, the Fermentation Station in Meredith has a pretty good humidor but you have to brew your own drinks (hence the name).

A good Sport Compact Car parts store. I'm building my Corolla up and I need to order everything I need online. It would be nice to have a store around where I won't have to pay shipping if I do have to order it! LOL We could use a Border's Bookstore too, cause there really aren't any bookstores around with much of a selection in stock. They ought to put a Target and Best Buy here too, instead of more drugstores that we already have an abundance of. LOL and they're building 2 more drugstores just in Laconia. So,yeah, the places I mentioned, we could sure use.

Where is he located? I saw one in Concord for "pre cancerous" spots on my back and face. Did the "peel" thing 4 years ago; due to see one again.
Where?

Target? Best Buy? Borders?

You're channeling Nashua into Laconia if you go that route.

No thanks for all of the above.

I'd rather see a little mom-n-pop bookstore/coffeeshop/open mic/chess tournament sorta thing go in with some charm and not the corporate signage and industrial atmosphere that Borders has... I loathe big stores and don't feel like they really do much for the area. I'll go to them only if I have to and prefer small-town charm over big-city blitz any day!

The good thing about big box stores though is they bring high tax revenue to the city, and that means less taxes they have to charge the HOMEOWNERS. Otherwise, the homeowners would be having to make up what the city isn't getting from the businesses. I see where you're coming from though, the downtown could use some small specialty shops that just sell a certain kind of thing.

I fully agree. It's not like Concord is a 3 day drive if I want to visit any of the big box stores...

Veterinary Hospital
 

Is there a Veterinary Hospital in the Alton Bay area - The kind open 24 hours in case of emergencies?

Just curious, is it still there ... equipment there ... or did another business move in?

Newington is the closest
 

There is an emergency clinic in Newington across from the Fox Run Mall, which I believe would be the closest. Here is their website:

http://www.seacoastevc.com/

We had to use them about ten years ago when one of our little kittens fell off a circular staircase and hit his face on the edge of an old fireplace mantel. Face swelled up really bad, took him down there and was seen in about 15 minutes. Great care. We had called several vets, one here in Alton and two in Rochester (including our own) and their answering machine messages all referred to this practice.

Most vets today, at least in this area tend to be one or two vet shows, and they do need a life after hours. What we do not see is these vets spending hours in the evenings (sometimes overnight) with critically ill pets. The emergency room concept is, in my opinion, a great idea. Staffed 224/7/365, just like a hospital for us.

In addition to the one mentioned in Newmarket, there is one in Concord as well. CAVES in Concord is a wonderful facility, we have had to go there a couple times now. They just moved into a great new building just off Ft Eddy Rd.
http://www.capareaves.org/

The Newington emergency vet clinic is fantastic! And, a 'no' to chain stores. Thanks to Al Gore's invention (the Internet) we can order anything we want and usually get it tomorrow. This is likely having a negative impact on independent retailers these days. My local bookstore can order a book for me and they'll have it in about 3 days, or I can order it online and have it tomorrow.

A childrens clothing store would be nice
 

There is no little kids children stores any more. I have to travel to Tilton or North Conway to purchase decent clothing for my grandchildren, nieces or nephews. I know there is TJ Maxx or Walmart but either the selection or the quality isn't there. Granted, Carters or Oshkosh is in Tilton and the same for North Conway but I would like to be able to do my Laconia/Gilford trip and find the "cute stuff" all in the same day.

Still there
 

As of this past February when I last looked, all the machines and dryers were still inside the laundromat.

Argie's Wife: Well here's your big chance! The Five & Dime (Lakeside Variety) is having a going out of business sale. 50% off everything. All sales final.

If a five and dime is having a 50% off sale, does that make it a two point five and nickel store? :laugh:

that depends
 

If they do a circuit city sale, they raise the price and then do a sale...could be a quarter and fifty cent piece sale.:D

Another business closing
 

Now where will we buy those great greeting cards? The 5 & 10 always had a great selection of cards for $0.99 - I bought $25 worth before I headed back to NJ this past October. I'm sorry to hear that the store is closing. I know Doris McGrath is no longer able to work there, but I was hoping her son would keep the place going. It was in a much better spot than the original 5&10 (now home to Marakesh and a few other businesses) and was a great addition once the store at the circle became Aubuchons.

That location would be ideal for a laundromat. Great street visibility + plenty of parking. What we don't need is another bank, hardware store, or beauty salon.

Coffee house in Moultonboro
 

I guarantee that a coffee shop (maybe close to Aubuchon in Moultonboro) would be THRIVE! I'm talking a good sit down, read the paper, converse, read a book coffee shop. There are ZERO good coffee shops in the area. We need something similar to The Met located in North Conway. Someone do it, and I'm sure I can help keep your business afloat!

Unfortunately, I can't use my looks to purchase it. :D

I'd have no idea about how to go about getting investors, etc. for that sort of thing... maybe someone will take my idea and run with it...

Shreddy....think you've hit on a great idea....we definately need another restaurant in Moultonborough......All we have is The North Shore, Arties, Buckey's, The North End, The Village kitchen, The Bobhouse, The Woodshed, Subway, Kevin's, Lee Wah's, Lemongrass and The Red hill Dairy....plus 3 0r 4 convenience stores selling sandiches, pizza's and meals to go. Why don't you open a place....you can get rich with the rest of us :laugh::laugh::laugh: