Things are looking up in the downtown.
I have heard that we have at least 4 new businesses coming to the downtown area and that is some great news.
2 of those businesses are "food businesses" and are located on East Broadway. The dividing line is the center crosswalk area near the Depot Steak House.
1 of those businesses will be serving breakfast and lunch and is located next to the friendship center ( same building )
The other will be Italian food and will locate in the building which was once the home of the BAGEL BOY.
My opinion of why Bagel Boy went out was because he specialized in morning and lunch but was not open at night. Lets remember that most in Derry are out working jobs in other areas and that could be a reason for "lack of business".
We also live in a technology world and websites and looking for patrons is also necessary until the downtown becomes more pedestrian friendly, companies will need to drive business to them.
The other two businesses are in West Broadway and the rumblings are a flower shop and the other I'm not sure as of yet but they are coming!
Also I have seen the new owners of the building that housed the hunting shop ( across from friendship center) painting their building and possibly getting it ready for a new business.
All in all-things are looking up in the downtown.
What kind of business would you like to see in the Downtown! leave a comment or two
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22 comments:
I think a "national" bookstore - Borders, Barnes and Noble, or Waldens would be a great fit and would be a great encouragement to people spending time in the area.
I often find myself driving to either Manchester, Salem, or Nashua to get various things. I also often stop at the Staples/Home Depot/Hannaford area in Londonderry on the way home from work.
Here are some ideas for new businesses in Derry:
- Bicycle shop (with rentals to use on the bike path)
- Sewing/Quilt shop
- Specialty Beer/Wine shop (though the local supermarkets are decent)
- European style bakery
- Indian restaurant
- Greek Restaurant
Although I do find some businesses by stumbling upon them, if I'm looking for something in particular, I start with Google Maps. So if you are a Derry business owner, try to see if your business shows up there. If not, update your listing at the Google Business Center. It's also very useful to have a website with at least minimal information like address, phone, operating hours. It's very convenient to look at a menu before going to a restaurant.
peter,
those are some great ideas! Thanks for the post and thanks for the info for those business owners on how they can make sure they are in Google's map database. I also think website is important to drive customers to stores as well.
I also believe that Derry needs chain stores and restaurants. Everyone knows there are certain restaurants that will be profitable no matter they are, for instance, the Olive Garden or Friday's. Try going to the Olive Garden in Manchester at dinner time on almost any day of the week. This is a restaurant chain that would easily be successful in Derry.
What about Target or Lowe's?
Here's a great idea, a shoe store! It's ridiculous that you can't even buy a name brand pair of shoes in a town with 35,000 residents!
Just a few suggestions...
D3,
Yes I agree as well. Derry the 4th largest community should have some more of these type stores.
BC ... let's look at this from a tax burden perspective. What stores will lower taxes? Is it specialty stores in town or cookie cutter ones one the edges? Until we have water and sewer on 28south of town, can we get these tax lowering places in here? I love the quaint downtown feeling, but we have grown beyond that and our building regs aren't going to curtail our growth ... so the only answer is 28south of town.
anonymous 8:17,
You raise a very good point and I agree larger commercial buildings bring in $$ to offset resident taxes- however my point is that the downtown is our first impression to the business world. If they come in from Exit 4A and through a downtown that either looks good or bad would in my mind tell me what kind of community I'm in. If first impressions are important-we need a vibrant downtown! But as far as tax dollars are concerned- you are correct! and we are looking at bringing those businesses in as well. Rte 28 water & sewer would be a big step in the right direction
Whoops, I meant to say EXIT 4 in the last post.
4A is important as well though- we will save for another post
You all bring up great ideas/points...As the original anonymous, I meant to suggest a National Bookstore for Downtown...the specialty wine/beer/cheese shop is another great idea. My thought was the bookstore would encourage more foot traffic - people spend hours at Borders or Barnes and Noble...with the right store front look, it would fit well...
I also agree with Brian, I think, that (otherwise) the downtown should be quaint AND vibrant - not the typical strip mall look alike.
I love Olive Garden (not for downtown, though) and they have competition as well --- a card to play to get one here --- Carrabas or Macaroni Grill are very similar.
Dare I say as well that a few of the downtown businesses need to be upgraded as they are doing nothing for the overall vision for downtown.
And lastly, I think Exit 4 or 4A are crying for a hotel --- why not in Derry?
anonymous 10:26,
I actual like that as a slogan....
"why not Derry"
sort of like the 2004 Boston Red Sox slogan
"why not Boston Red Sox"
They broke the curse- We can too...
I don't know if anyone seen The Hippo Press this week http://www.hippopress.com but the cover story is "Battle for Downtowns Manchester, Concord and Nashua - which one is right for you?" Gee, I didn't see a mention of Derry in there. What are they doing right that we're not? Clearly the Abbott House, the oil company, and the friendship center (can't the town do something about the loitering going on outside?) doesn't belong on main street. And yoohoo; store owners - whats up with the signage? Perhaps conforming signs - you know; no fading, falling off and dilapidated signs allowed. If you don't care about your business why should anyone else? We need more boutiques and specialty shops and we need them to be open later than 3pm on Saturday. Main Street Derry has all the workings of a vibrant downtown yet we do nothing to draw on this resource which would appeal to industry and box stores wanting to join our community.
I’m a store owner on Main Street (Poles Apart Artisan Gallery.) and I don’t usually read this blog but a customer pointed out the main street blog so I thought I’d check it out. The town has done a great job on Derry’s main street; it really has come a long way (IMO) but it does seem that things are at a standstill as far as storefronts and signage etc. I would love to line my store with awnings and roll out the red carpet but I just can’t afford it and I’m sure other business owners are in the same boat. And unless you have the time, the political affiliations and fundraising experience any efforts for business owners to form a committee would be futile. That’s where a Main Street Program comes into play. I believe they are usually set up as independent, nonprofit organizations who raise money to hire a full-time Main Street director. Okay, that’s out of my area of expertise. But I certainly would become a paying member if such an organization was set up and I’d be more than willing to volunteer my husbands time to help with projects (he loves projects.) I read those letters to the editor in the Derry News (can’t we all just get along?.) There’s a lot of intelligent (well, most of them) people out there who truly care about Derry as a community. Maybe you didn’t get elected to the position you hoped or you’re feeling frustrated as to Derry’s future. Well here’s your opportunity. I picked up a copy of the Hippo Press and it did make a small mention of the work Derry has done to its Main Street. It also made mention that Manchester is having problems with its main street businesses and how that’s good news for Concord and Nashua. I think if main street businesses were fighting to get into Derry; industry and big box stores would follow.
Now for the store plug; All imports are 50% off and they’re almost gone. One way or another we will be 100% artisan made/ made in USA by fall of this year. I’ll donate all imports that don’t sell by then to a community fundraiser so if anyone’s interested please contact me. We’re expanding our pottery and jewelry and are bringing in some wonderful new artists. Oh, and thanks for the mention of the store in an earlier blog Brian, mention it at a town meeting and theres a $50 gift certificate in it for you.
Marylee Martin
Poles Apart Artisan Gallery
Marylee@polesapartgifts.com
Marylee,
I appreciate your comments as a business owner in our downtown. It is important to listen to the people who are trying to make a living right here in Derry. I want to compliment you for the wonderful job of the flowers you put out to " dress up" your storefront. It certainly catches attention and looks very nice! I will bring up trying to bring back the Main Street program as I think it would be a positive move! ( thanks for volunteering your husband for projects as well- Hope he reads this blog)
I also think it is very kind of you to donate anything that doesn't sell on remaining imports to charity too. Your shop has some great products from artisans and very unique gifts! Readers must go down and see this store!
And thank you for the offer of a gift certificate however it would not be right for me to accept but I appreciate the offer. I want the downtown to thrive with great businesses because I'm a resident and I'm proud to say so! Nothing would make me happier to see more people come out and shop OUR DOWNTOWN! Your shop is certainly a positive contribution and hope my readers get down to say hello!!!
I have personally shopped at Poles Apart a few times. It is a GREAT store with a lot to offer. Keep up the good work!
BC.
I will approach this topic from what people observe this downtown from the customer side of things.
#1 - Has anybody ever watched the people getting out of there cars at cumberland farms downtown Derry for gas.The first thing they do is put a cigarette out on the ground . How many people a day spill gas on the pavement. Who are the nitwits that allowed a gas station in the middle of town.We use to have a fire dept and building to address an issue in the immediate area .Not anymore.
# 2 BC, These are just a few thoughts to add to this blog .GO and have something to eat at Maryanns or take out from Derry xspress and learn. THE FRIENDSHIP CENTER CROWD. Women and older people avoid the shopping area at night around that center.These people should be made to go out back to smoke or the town should ban smoking downtown. AS one anonymous stated in a blog its the green thing to do.
Yes BC, You have people that would shop in town, but if you watch these guys starting up motorcycles with no mufflers on them infront of friendship center,with skulls and four letter words on their coats ., it does not warrant starting a business on that block.
BC, This town needs to have an ordanance on exhaust pipe noise.They rattle the windows downtown and nobody will do anything about it.That noise dosent happen in Exeter,Rye, or Hampton Beach. BECAUSE THE POLICE DONT LET IT HAPPEN.STATE AND LOCAL POLICE DOING AN OUTSTANDING JOB .Thats one reason why business there is keeping the tax rate down, and they only work 6 months a year.
#3 I think it would be worth the DEDC TO SPEND SOME FUNDS on a thick glass door for the front of GEM JEWELERS. Taking off that iron gate would be more attractive and not resemble Brockton Mass.It looks like hell.
BC, TOWN COULD PURCHACE CUMBERLAND FARMS GAS STATION,KNOCK IT DOWN,HOT TOP IT AND THERE IT IS , A WELL LIT PARKING LOT FOR SHOPPERS IN TOWN AND NO FIRE HAZZARD. TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS BC.
Heres some more observations from one end of main street to the other from a customers point of view. Carnation/Ice Cream - canopy torn/ripped faded - building just plain ugly; Derry Express/Sundae Delite - starting to look blighted; signage is terrible. Friendship Center gotta go, Broadway Pets - enough said. Oil business doesn't belong, A to Z Sports Cards - sign is awful, building needs help. Fingers to Feet sign - fading and chipping badly. The old D&J's looks awful, the Nail Place building could use paint and whats up with the huge canopy/sign. I agree with the comment on Gem Jewelers iron security system. Can't there be an ordinance to conform signs and upkeep of buildings or no? How about a farmers market in the vacant green space next to Poles Apart? Actually that end of town is starting to look pretty decent.
Wh3,
Glad to hear from you again. Your points are well taken and I agree changes are needed to really take this downtown to the next level. As more and more business come in and property ( commercial ) goes up in value- You will see these changes. The town can and should do more with noise ordinences as well. The Cumbies has been here for a long long time- Gas station has been grandfathered so once it goes - NO MORE GAS STATIONS in the downtown.
anonymous 1:59,
You also had a great post and are very observant of what needs to be changed. Heres what i can share with everyone. Next spring crystal/birch intersection with Rte 102 will be re-configuared to line up better. A turning lane by CVS will be added. ( CVS will lose some land near the very corner) to make this next right lane turning onto crystal- next say goodbye to the Dandilyons building- That goes away and is bought by the state. ( This is why it looks beat and tired-owner will not invest when he knows it will not be there soon.
The friendship center has dug thier heels in and will not move unless the town gives them money for a new building ( I don't see this happening so we wait until the building has much morre value and then they will probably move. Broadway Pets building has some serious code issues and last i knew the owner was trying to sell. DJ's will be going away. New owners bought this building and are close to going before town to do a nice new building. Old one will get ripped down. ( this should be happening soon) And yes we do have sign ordinances- and we may have to make sure are being adhered to. Some are grandfathered but at the very least they should be maintained. I agree. Thanks for these great comments
Who owns that land between the Adams Memorial building and the the old Aubochon building? Some weed management is in order.
anonymous 4:43,
I think the owner is RED OAK properties.
I’m sorry I missed out on this post while on vacation. This is a great topic and some excellent ideas being tossed around. The issue I’d like to raise that often gets forgotten and/or taken for granted is the role of the people in the community in helping establish and maintain local businesses.
No business will thrive without patrons. And if we hope to have a vibrant downtown here in Derry, we can all help in that endeavor by doing our part to patronize local and downtown businesses. And when you find establishments that you like, pass the word along to others.
I’ve generally found the experience you get doing business with the smaller local guy is far superior to what you get in some of the larger mass market places. Try going into a Home Depot to get information and the blank stares abound, whereas you walk into a place like Benson’s or Derry Feed and you will almost always find friendly and knowledgeable people who are willing to spend a little extra time in the interest of customer satisfaction, a phrase that is often forgotten in today’s business world.
I hope when the town hires its economic development director, they will put some focus on promoting and getting the word out about downtown businesses. It’s a shame what happened to the Bagel Boy, he had some of the best bagels I’ve ever had, he’s been successful in Plaistow for years and he seemed like a good community oriented guy. Could he or should he have done more to advertise his business or been prepared to give it more time to become profitable? Maybe.
But if we as a community want to have nice shops in the downtown, then we as a community need to do our part to be aware of them and support them. Kudos to BC for continuing to get the word out this important topic.
FYI, Derry had a Main St Corp that was successful and did a lot of good, unfortunately politics ruined it.
Derry also has an independent book store on Crystal Ave
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