regancolston1214
Posts:180
 | | 06/16/2008 10:06 AM |
 Alert | I would like some input as to what type of small businesses that people would like to see here in Maricopa. My husband and I are starting to toss the idea around of opening a business. What we are looking for is some ideas of what the community wants here and if it would be a success. We have lived here long enought o see quite a few other small businesses open and then after a few months close their doors. I was thinking at first maybe some sort of small mom and pop pet store. With all of the basic nessescities of pet ownership; food, toys, collars, leashes that sort of thing. But we are thinking that since so many people have to go into town regularly, we would go under due to the big box pet stores  . I also thought that somethin for the kids here would work, but I am at a mental block. Any suggestions would really help. | | | |
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thick
Posts:310
| | 06/16/2008 10:32 AM |
Alert | Things that I would like to be able to shop for locally: clothing & shoes (all ages), sporting goods, nice stationary & office/art supplies, another "Entrees Made Easy"  , NICE home goods like towels, sheets, etc... (Frys does not qualify). If you could combine all that in one place, I'd be much obliged. | | | |
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regancolston1214
Posts:180
| | 06/16/2008 10:42 AM |
Alert | Sounds like a Bed Bath Beyond meets Target
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thick
Posts:310
| | 06/16/2008 10:52 AM |
Alert | | My mouth is watering at that! | | | |
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regancolston1214
Posts:180
| | 06/16/2008 10:56 AM |
Alert | Wish we could do something that big, but I was thinking alittle smaller to start out.
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CaliGurl~n~Copa
Posts:321
| | 06/16/2008 10:56 AM |
Alert | A pet store would be nice, although, I thought there is a big box pet store going in the walmart shopping center... (WHENEVER THAT GETS DONE???!!) Some people have unique pets, such as a reptile, turtle, pig, etc. and to get supplies for those pets, it is a trip in town for those things. Yes a clothing/shoe store would be a great addition.
I think with all of the sports we have going on here in copa, a Uniform supply store would be a great idea. And to take off on that idea, you could offer access to team banners, trophies, team photos, sports shoes, etc. Also a uniform store, could also carry more than just sports, but nursing scrubs, kids' school uniforms!!, & maybe even ROTC uniforms (IF we can get that program in our schools!). Just an idea I have always thought might be a good one for the Copa. Good luck! | |
"Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent."
-Marilyn vos Savant | |
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regancolston1214
Posts:180
| | 06/16/2008 11:02 AM |
Alert | | WOW... what a great idea. Never thought about a uniforn store. | | | |
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love@hm
Posts:486
| | 06/16/2008 11:09 AM |
Alert | Sew and Vac store - with repair center. I need to pick up vacuum belts, Walmart/Target doesn't have what I need and by the time I hit those places I'm out of time in PHX for the belts -- I also have a sewing machine that needs to have it's timing adjusted, but again I don't want to take it to PHX.
I have not seen a store that deals with the SALE of video games, etc. The rental places and some and sell some, but some sort of a retail gaming place would likely do well.
Is there a pool supply store in town???? That *might* do OK - but I don't know how many private pools there are. . .
A uniform store is a GREAT idea, - be certain to be able to beat prices online. I know of an online store where I can get school uniform shirts for $4, the shipping has to get paid, but that is still less than my gas and my time, so I scoff at going to Walmart for $5.88. Sell me shirts for $4.50 $4.75 and it makes it worth my money!
I want a fun place to take my kids that isn't going to cost a lot, but where they can play and enjoy themselves. . . I've never been to those Little Gym places because I thought they were over-priced, but if I could take my kids somewhere, get them in for $3 a piece and let them play where it wasn't HOT it would be worth it.
We could also use a LOW-PRICED home goods/gift shoppe, BUT with Walmart coming I don't know how that would fair. . .
A Bug and Weed store would probably do really well!!!!
GL | | | |
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thick
Posts:310
| | 06/16/2008 11:27 AM |
Alert | | There's a pool supply place by Brooklyn Boys and Ace has bug & weed stuff. Sounds like there might be a need for low-priced, but decent quality uniforms. The problem I see with a Sew/Vac/Whatever repair center is that it would require someone with knowledge & experience. Some sort of a children's gym sounds like a good idea. I'd love to see a Cold Stone here, but given the Baskin Robbins & Water n Ice, I don't know if it would be a real draw. | | | |
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thick
Posts:310
| | 06/16/2008 11:29 AM |
Alert | | Don't know if it'd be a money maker, but a craft place where folks could paint pottery (like that place up at the Mills?) would be fun. | | | |
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Serpthia...
Posts:175
| | 06/16/2008 12:14 PM |
Alert | "Posted By love@hm on 06/16/2008 11:09 AM
Sew and Vac store - with repair center. " I agree. | | | |
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Rubyfox
Posts:41
| | 06/16/2008 12:48 PM |
Alert | | I don't know if this is considered "Small" but a bowling alley would be nice to give people something to do out here. Works well because we have a good mix of young and old. Plus being the only family friendly joint open after 10 pm would probably be good for business. | |
"Don't mistake lack of talent for genius" | |
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regancolston1214
Posts:180
| | 06/16/2008 12:53 PM |
Alert | Rubyfox I have thought about that myself. I wouldn't know where to begin the process though
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Rubyfox
Posts:41
| | 06/16/2008 1:17 PM |
Alert | I would start by looking to see if AMF or Brunswick do franchises. Looks like Brunswick might.
With the power of Google, I found a link:
http://www.brunswickbowling.com/new_center_development?op=setScratch&scratchName=country&scratchValue=US
Probably, just contact them through each company website for information. | |
"Don't mistake lack of talent for genius" | |
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thick
Posts:310
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vinny
Posts:668
| | 06/16/2008 1:50 PM |
Alert | I'm actually working up a thread like this for the future of maricopa section, but to answer your questions I really think a mom and pop pet shop would be terrific.
A mom and pop pet shop offers more than the big box shops. Generally the employees are a little more knowledgeable, prices are comparable and they could have adoptions plus puppies and kittens. Don't forget fish keepers in your plans, a nice section for marine aquarists would be great. Its a pain driving all the way to chandler when i need some salt for a water change. I'm not in the know, but i have heard profit margins for these stores are low. So you would need to love it more than you love the money.
Also restaurants would be stellar. Something more family geared than bar geared would be good. I'm not saying don't serve beer, but focus more on the menu than the beer. A bowling alley would be good, sporting goods and gun shop would be good too. Hobby, crafts and fabric? The list goes on.
Here is a store from my home area that was always fun to visit. Something new, and usually cheap every time you go there.
http://www.olliesbargainoutlet.com/ | |
Follow your bliss. Happiness is a conscious decision | |
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Takingabreak
Posts:334
| | 06/16/2008 2:52 PM |
Alert | | A car wash where someone actually vacuums the inside and washes the windows | |
Need a tax write off? Donate to the Maricopa SALVATION ARMY EMERGENCY SERVICES FUND. | |
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TwoBigDawgs
Posts:56
| | 06/16/2008 3:50 PM |
Alert | A wine store with a little bar that offers wine tastings and a small menu of cheese plates and breads, etc...
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Shogun
Posts:250
| | 06/16/2008 4:27 PM |
Alert | | Gun Store/Rental with Indoor Shooting Range | | | |
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Shogun
Posts:250
| | 06/16/2008 4:28 PM |
Alert | Posted By Takingabreak on 06/16/2008 2:52 PM
A car wash where someone actually vacuums the inside and washes the windows I agree...Need a Good Car Wash here | | | |
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