Who's Coming to your Town?

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Less

Less

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Jun 23, 2002
Posts
2,706
Loc
ZZ
Population 25K and growin fast.

3 Retail Framers - no chains yet! 1 McDonald's,
1 Burger King, 1 Wendy's, 1 Dominos,
1 Super Stop&Shop, 1 Big Y, 1 Kmart,
Coming soon:
1 Wal-Mart, 1 TJ Max, 1 Staple's,

Who's next? Michaels?

Well, I'll be all right!

In Danbury, CT population 60K, Corners (unnecessary business tactic) moved right next door to a 20+-year frame shop. Scared the ell out of him. Think his business is up.

Hmmmm, Danbury has Michaels, Corners, think about 7 independents, Home Depot, Staples, TJ’s, Circuit City, Office Max, Let see…
 
They tried a corners in this area. It lasted about 3-6 months and folded. They did a great job designing the place and put murals all over the building, etc. I guess it's a waste of time if no one comes in to spend money.


A new Michaels just opened up a couple miles from my house.

Two customers have come in so far and told us that we have better prices than Michael's, so I'm not too worried about them. One said we were $200 less to frame a jersey, and the other said we were $1.50 more but used better quality materials. The only frustrating thing is that they use deceiptful advertising practices; misleading folks. (50% OFF FRAMING - which translates to 50 off the marked up moulding only)

It sounds like Danbury is really growing! CT areas around Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun casinos are also growing at an amazing pace.

Providence is a heavily populated area with lots of framers, but there are enough customers to go around. The largest one is only 1 exit away and has *32,000* square feet of gallery/display space.
 
Hi Less, just curious, what town are you in?

-Mike.
 
We have a Michaels coming to a town about 8 miles from us, and there are at least 4 Michaels in Raleigh, which is about 15 miles away.

Based on our customers, who, obviously can drive to any of 4 present Michaels, I don't expect to lose any customers to them. But, I don't tend to go into the 'sky is falling' mode when the subject of BB's comes up. Our customers are many, varied and faithful. With 4 Michaels within easy driving distance, our customers just keep coming back. We're lucky, and we don't forget it!
 
I’m not really concerned about the BB’s. I have purposely decided to create a business niche based on quality, creativity and personalized service. I don’t wish to compete with them, but I’m sure I can learn from them.

I am, however, interested in these large retailers when it comes to their business decisions.

When do they become interested in a community?
How large does the population have to be before they will consider the area?
I’m sure they look at the regions growth rate and average household income.
How far apart do they feel is appropriate to spread their stores.
These BB’s don’t seem to be concerned with the independents effect on a community; a factor that appears to be haunting some of them now, especially service businesses.

I’m sure we can learn something. Opening a business in a region where they do, may save a lot of research for someone who would like to open a new shop.

Anyway, I am hoping that the Grumblers will share what their community looks like today, It may gives clues to the small independents, on how to stay one step ahead.
 
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