The past few years have generally been good for retail in Newton’s village centers, especially with all of the new restaurants coming into the City. Even so, we have also lost stores that have been part of our community for quite a while. We 
have also lost a few new additions that seemed like they were locally loved, but which didn’t quite make it.
Newtonville Pets have announced that they will be closing soon, and Waban’s Freeze will shut its doors today for the last time. Newbury comics closed its Newton Store on Needham Street a few months ago. All appear to be closing for very different reasons, but it does mean that we have empty storefronts in our village centers and commercial corridors.
Economically, times are better than they have been in a while. We see this in all of the different development projects that are either going on now or which are being discussed around the City. However, is the small village merchant feeling the same prosperity?
I have spoken with many of the local business owners and have my own opinions about what is and
is not working. What do you think about our local shops and merchants? What challenges do they face that we can and should address as a City?
Also, what would you like to see go into the vacant storefronts? What kinds of stores would you be willing to shop at and support?
Random wishlist:
1) A shop selling real European bicycles, rather than the junk bikes from China and Vietnam that fall apart after a year.
2) Someplace selling milk and bread in Oak Hill, which is by far the deadest village from a commercial point of view – the only establishments are over in Oak Hill Park, i.e. Oak Hill Pizza and Oak Hill Pizza (both of which I highly recommend, by the way). I guess if there were ever a new shop in this village, it would have to be in that complex (which once housed a supermarket and gas station, 30 years ago).
3) I wish there were a garden center in the Garden City. Bring back the Harry Quint greenhouses on Centre St. in the Highlands!
…Oak Hill Pizza and Oak Hill Cleaners, I meant.
My wish list.
1. Waban – a CVS where 1800 Flowers was – there is nothing in Waban that makes me drive there and stop; it is more of a drive through village for me
2. I already miss Newbury Comics – wish they would re-open somewhere else
3. A chocolatier – not prepackaged candy or commercial candy by the pound, but a place where I could go to pick up a hostess gift that says “Newton Chocolates.”
4. A Boloco or an Ana’s Taqueria – not a big fan of Tango Mango.
Local Places that I love, love, love
1. Green Planet in Toys – Newton Highlands – The very best toy store EVER and great neighborhood business
2. Newtonville Books and the Book Fair – our family loves to read
3. Brread and Chocolate – YUM
4. New England Soup Factory – Yum
5. China Fair – never know what I will find there, but it will be at a great price!
6. The New Farmers Market on Saturdays – so working people can attend the market and not feel as though we get the last of the days supplies!
@NewtonMom you might check out Los Amigos in Newtonville, we are big fans.
It is my observation in Newtonville at least that a lot of the places that remain open are ones that sell a service rather than a good: coffee, food, yoga, fitness training, hair salon, drycleaning, grocery store.
I assume this is because if you sell something that can be bought online… more and more it’s being bought online.
@NewtonMom You would have loved Barbara Jean’s in West Newton Square next to the Cinema in the ’80s (and maybe before). They made chocolates and ice cream on the premises. My parents were down there all the time buying bark (the chocolate and nut kind, not the tree kind), and were quite heartbroken when Ralph and Barbara Jean retired and moved to New Hampshire.
A first-class newstand like Out-of-town News in Harvard Square or the one at South Station would be a good addition to Riverside and other transit hubs. So would a very compact but full book store like the one that used to be at South Station.
Newtonville used to have a little gift shop that was great for housewarming/engagement/wedding gifts, cards and stationary. I’d love to see something like that back in the village. No more banks in Newtonville…Please!
Ice cream and frozen yogurt on Needham Street. I’ve never gotten over the closing of Spoonfuls!
A bakery like Great Harvest Bread Co. in Newton Highlands.
OK, oddly in all of the time I’ve been asking my kids what kinds of stores they’d like to see in Newton, the one thing they have wanted to see that we no longer have is… a newsstand! They like to have actual printed magazines and books. They can get the latter at Newtonville (Centre) Books, but not the former.
I myself am still mentally thinking like 15-year-old me and would like to see a hobby shop (model planes, slot cars, model rockets). To @Emily’s point above, the only ones I can still find in existence are ones that also offer classes and leagues. The others have lost out to internet shopping and videogames.
I miss the hardware store in Newton Highlands and would also love to have a pharmacy on Lincoln St. As for lunch places, I’d like a great soup and salad place and perhaps a seafood restaurant.
I used to love newstands when I was a kid. The original idea was to pick out the latest Archie or Mad magazine. Later, I actually bought the newspapers.
I’d love a computer store similar to Micro Center. There are days when you need that hard drive replacement, or a gadget breaks and there’s nothing close to us.
@Chris. Thanks for posting this. Probably the biggest problem working against small and specialty stores in Newton Highlands is the very high rents that most of the landlords charge. They are so out of whack. I’m a member of the Newton Highlands Area Council and we have been trying to come up with every imaginable strategy possible to reverse the loss of so many gifted and innovative small businesses and eating establishments here. But as long as rents remain as high as they are, we will be bucking an extremely high headwind. It’s great for nail salons and banks, but not so good for almost every other kind of business endeavor. I wish I had a ready made answer, but I don’t.
Add the Party Shop in Newton Center to the list of recent retail loses.
Bob you’re right, high rents are a big problem. But perhaps the biggest reason local merchants are suffering is loss of sales to the internet. If we all made a commitment to shopping locally — rather than online — we’d make a significant contribution to so many merchants’ bottom line.
I love New England Mobile Book Fair but I’m worried that they don’t have a model they can sustain – in fact I believe they are not profitable.
I’m not sure if people realize it, but you can buy books online from them, often cheaper than Amazon. I encourage everyone to open an account with them and compare prices.
http://www.nebookfair.com/
I have absolutely no connection to the store – just would hate to see them close.
I have the conversation shop locally with several people, including my sister in law! She loves a bargain and free shipping, and the whole thing, and then wonders why there are no local stores to window shop. She likes the idea of window shopping. She doesn’t understand that the mom and pop shops support local things, like Village Day, and make raffle donations to schools. She sees the bottom dollar – only.
The Green Planet will never complete with Target. I don’t want to shop at Target for birthday presents. I love going to see Annabelle, and saying I have a 9 year old neice who likes games. . . . what do you have? Perfect every time.
Newtonville Books is great at stocking great books for me and the kids!
But if we don’t support local stores, then there will be empty stores, and the village centers won’t be a gathering spot. When I go to Newton Centre, I visit the bagel store and JP Licks, and maybe my bank, but that is about it. I am not a nail person, and I only visit one bank . . . .
I feel lucky to live in walking distance of Waban Center. I give as much business as possible to Waban Market and Waban Hardware in particular. I’m not sorry to see Freeze go—it was overpriced and not very tasty, IMO. When I first moved to Waban, we also had Bob’s News (sorely missed), a small drugstore, and a wine shop that also rented videos (this was the old days!).
I like Los Amigos, too, a great addition to Newtonville. I too would like a chocolatier like the one in Cambridge or like Munsons in CT. I miss the atmosphere at Lincoln Street Coffie shop and would love a comfortable bookstore/cafe.
I’m hesitant to just walk around one of the villages and browse or stop in a cafe because I’ve been ticketed so many times when I’m just barely late. I’ve been in the Highlands at Bread and Chocolate, like it a lot, with a friend after poking around and had a ticket while in the lot right beside it, missing it by minutes. So I tend to shop locally when I know what I’m looking for and can make a quick trip. I do love the Cinema in West Newton and hope it’s there forever.
The garden center would be nice. I was in Needam today enjoying theirs and running in their hardware store, although I do like the one in Nonantum. If Newtonville’s sidewalks were wider, I would like a soup/sandwich place with chairs and tables outside. (I know some try now, but there’s really not enough room, except at Rox’s.)
I wish Subway would either open or leave.
New England Mobile Bookstore is a great place for a lot of things. I have special ed teacher friends who find supplemental books there for their students and I like the kid’s room. But they are not good for just browsing and checking out books that look interesting for me because of the way they are on the shelves and there is no place to sit down for a minute. They do great gift wrapping though and I have gone there for gifts.
I concur about the meters and would love to see some more user friendly meters installed that don’t require quarters. Options like the Boston Meter Cards or the IPS Credit Card meters would be nice. (I keep a stash of quarters in my car and try to overestimate the time. That worked well until a bottle of hand sanitizer leaked all over the quarters!)
The internet and rents are a factor, but some odd individuals still like shopping. (I know, really?) One article I remember said it’s another one of those brain endorphin rushes were you search for something and then get the gratification of finding it. As Chuck Tanowitz eluded to in another thread, Newton is missing high foot traffic zones. It’s impossible to sell something like ice cream, often an impulse purchase, in low traffic area. Similar, almost identical, businesses in the same spot aren’t at all a bad thing. Take a look at Needham St where you have Marshalls, TJ Maxx and Home Goods on the same block. For a shopping, continuing the search is continuing a positive experience. We need small gift shops with local crafts and such clustered together.
Clean Quaters! In Rehoboth Beach they have an app you can download onto your phone. It signals when the meter time is down to 15 minutes and lets you add time from the app, if you want to stay longer (these are meters for long stays.) They also have meters that have a pay station every few cars that takes cards, or cash, and is able to set your time without having to go back to the car with a ticket. (Have no idea how it works.) They also have 30 minute meters scattered around for pop ins which makes the likelihood of finding a space greater. I guess I really like their system as I ramble on.
Add Second Time Around in Newton Highlands to the list of businesses that are closing. I just noticed that the print store across from McDonald’s on Needham Street is no longer there either anymore. Not sure if they moved or just closed. The only way that I have found to be profitable in retail is to own the real estate that your business is housed in. Quite a few Newton businesses are housed in buildings that the proprietors of those businesses own and they are very successful and can withstand downturns in the economy. That is the only way to be truly in control of your fate as an independent merchant. I know of many commercial landlords in Newton who own buildings that they either inherited or lucked into buying decades ago and are very greedy when it comes to their dealings with their tenants because they support many family members from the rents on these buildings. If they want a new fancy car or their adult children want a house on the Vineyard they just jack up the rents on their poor tenants the next time the lease comes up for renewal which is usually every three years. I have also reviewed the city’s assessors database on what the valuations are on many commercial building in Newton and find the values to be very low in comparison to residential values. I think that most lay people in Newton would be shocked to learn what the rents are on small commercial spaces in Newton. If you couple the outrageous rents with the saavy clientele in Newton that is always looking for the best deal as well as for constant donations to their various charities it is a sucker’s bet to set up shop here in my experience and opinion.
How about a REALLY good bakery with fabulous eclairs in Waban? No other hardware store can ever match Harvey’s in Needham. That’s a supposed “chain” store that has a family running it forever and has been written up nationally for its comprehensive inventory! Just drive or cycle there! Do we have a wonderful artisanal cheese store? A fresh spice and/or pickled veggies store? Does anyone remember Bailey’s in Boston? It was an old-fashioned ice cream soda-fountain on Boylston St. near the Public Garden. Bring something like that back. How about a really nice gift store like Joy that used to be in Newton Highlands and closed because its owner moved (not a decision due to the economy)? What about a handbag store that discounts leather handbags like the ones that used to be in Newton Corner and Newton Centre and Chestnut Hill? The big stores require a mortgage from you to buy their bags! Did I say how about a REALLT good bakery with fabulous eclairs in Waban?
Someone would have to sell a heck of a lot of eclairs in Waban to justify the $4ooo per month rent triple net that a landlord in Newton would charge for a 1,000 square foot space not including the basement or a parking space for the owner of the business as that would be extra dough ray me. A business should only pay rent equal to 10% of their sales so in this example the baker would have to take in $40K per month at least in eclair sales just to break even on the rent. Now we add in the insurance, employees, phone, credit card fees (cause Newton folks love to use their Amex cards and Fidelity reward credit cards) and it is no longer a profitable venture.
@Newton Gal: So how does Starbucks make money, especially with their free Wi-Fi and national advertising, etc.? Maybe the eclairs would have to be $5 each…But, I’m sure that if they were REALLY good, people would flock to Waban for them!
To Bob’s point about the effect of high rents, there was a news article today stating that Market Basket has been able to offer their low prices because it has no property debt or rent expense, a major component in the brick and mortar business pricing structure.
Count me among the people who enjoy spending time “lost” in the NEMB’s aisles. It is more fun than surfing the internet. I am like a kid in a candy store. I also like to stop at Waban Hardware. If Mr. Thurston does not have what I need, I continue on to Home Depot.
I will miss Freeze like I miss all of the village Brighams we had at one time and Dooley’s drugstore in N’ville.
Smart entrepreneurs could use this thread as part of their market research.
I would love a bakery that had really good rugelach (Baker’s Best had my vote, but the only way to order them is by the dozen, and my waist line won’t tolerate that). Rox doesn’t fill the void that Baker’s Best left. . . .
I would love a GREAT cheese shop like the one in Cambridge or Wellesley. Would love one in Newton Highlands.
There used to be a great baby store near where the Walnut Street Grille is, and I loved it, although I am out of the baby gift stage!
The local newstand used to sell baseball cards, magazines, etc. Stuff that kids could buy with pocket change. I don’t think it could make a living in Newton. If Newbury Comics couldn’t make it. . . . . I would support a Newbury Comics in Newton!!!
In Waltham, there used to be the rail yard and construction zone, which was a great place to buy a kid a present!!!!
JP Licks is great, but The Ice Cream Works, used to be in Newton Highlands, also a walk from my house. . . . . I would love a Bailey’s. . . . .
Penzys in Arlington is great, and I love smelling the spices. The Walnut Street market has same great middle eastern/Indian frozen foods.
A crepe place would be nice (a girl could dream) . . . .
Back in the day, there was a petite shop in BEVERLY, that I drove to, in order to purchase stylish clothes for women like me. They landed up closing up shop because of the long retail hours. I would LOVE a clothing shop like that ANYWHERE in Newton . . . . yes, I am still dreaming.
The Silversmith in Rockport is a place I really like. http://villagesilversmith.net/
Shubie’s Market in Marblehead is another place I really like. Great food, and great stuff, and they offer cooking classes! http://shubies.com/
Don’t know if kids use dollhouses, but as a kid I spent alot of my allowance at the Doll House shop in my hometown.
I admit. I use my credit cards instead of cash, and that increases the costs.
“Smart entrepreneurs could use this thread as part of their market research.”
@Patrick: Why do you think I keep talking about eclairs? Hope springs…
Sallee- I will tell you how Starbucks makes money in general. It is the same way as BJ’s Wholesale Clubs and all the mass merchants make money and it is on volume. Starbucks has thousands of stores throughout the world. Some of those stores make a lot of money and some break even and some may even lose money. The large corporations look at their retail holdings as a group or by region to determine their profit margins. The profitable outlets offset the losses on the poorer performing ones and in the end they come up with one number that represents the chains total profit or total loss. An independent retailer who rents a space from a greedy landlord only has that one location to make or break it in. Sam Walton the founder of Walmart learned this lesson the hard way when he had his first store in Arkansas and made it into a huge success only to have the landlord kick him out when his lease expired and set his son in law up in the space selling the same stuff as Sam Walton had been doing. After this happened to Sam Walton he vowed never to rent again and only would open stores in spaces that he owned. The 99 restaurant chain has adopted this policy in recent years. They will only operate in spaces they own. The days of Mom and Pop stores in Newton are over with. The landscape is changing rapidly and there is now a plethora of mass merchandisers moving in. The greedy landlords of the run down commercial buildings might want to start examining Bob Engler’s business plan and consider turning there outdated and undersized spaces into low income rentals. One thing for sure is the Mass merchants won’t be renting any of these 1000 square foot dilapidated spaces for their new stores in Newton. They need much larger footprints than what most of the greedy one block merchants in Newton can offer.
Did anyone ever shop at Patty-Ann’s in Salem? It was a single family residence in downtown Salem that had children’s clothing in every room by size and sex! (One room for boys’ 4T, one for girls’ 4T, etc.) They had the best choice of kid’s clothing and you could outfit all your offspring twice a year with everything they needed. And they had end of season sales, too! Alas, they have gone and I now have grandkids who could be outfitted there! Unfortunately they didn’t sell eclairs!
Speaking of NEMBF, it just won Boston Parent’s Paper’s best book store in Boston area:
http://bostonparentspaper.com/article/top-5-book-stores-around-boston-in-2014.html
Now let’s help keep them in business!
Regarding bakeries and rugelach, a shout out for Karen Blacker! Would love to have a Blacker’s bakeshop in the highlands.
Here’s a listing of current retail space in Newton: http://www.newtonma.gov/gov/planning/lrplan/econdev/reconnect.asp
Newton Gal — Your guess of $4,000 for 1,000 rsf is about twice the going cost.
Sallee, there was also a Bailey’s in Newton on Rt 9 East in Chestnut Hill. Dooley’s in N’ville had an old-fashioned ice cream soda-fountain, which daily filled with kids walking home from various schools.
Maybe Volante Farms could be induced to move from Needham back to Dedham Street.
I do not think the new owners of Swartz True Value in Nonantum and Waban Hardware would appreciate the president of the WAC praising Harvey’s in Needham. Though Greg may support your endorsement.
Newton Gal: Isn’t Starbucks a combo of company and franchisee owned stores? Wouldn’t a franchisee be somewhat like a small business owner?
Steven- The highlands already has a very nice bakery. Why would you encourage someone to duplicate efforts there? That is exactly the mindset that makes owning a small business in Newton impossible. Between the greedy landlords and the delusional clientele there is just no upside for a small merchant. Get used to the chain stores folks cause you are going to have a lot more of them, nail salons and banks filling the vacanices. Say goodbye to Mom and Pop!
I am not a true politician…I cannot tell a lie. I love Harvey’s! So, don’t vote for me!
Hoss-I know what the commercial rents in Newton go for and they are upwards of $40 PLUS per foot NNN. Call the owner of the Second Time Around space and see what he is looking for for that small space.
How about an éclair food truck?
@NewtonGal – I retract my comment about Blacker’s – I am so sorry. We have a truly wonderful bakery already, it’s true.
@Bob – Thanks much. And yes, the landlord/rent conversation is one that MUST be addressed.
@Patrick – “Smart entrepreneurs could use this thread as part of their market research.” Yes, as well as a few City departments and/or commissions.
Steven- Thank you. I appreciate your apology a lot. I now a lot of business owners in Newton. Some are very wealthy but a good number of them are extremely hardworking individuals who work 7 days per week in pursuit of the American dream of owning their own business and barely can make ends meet. Many have taken second mortgages out on their homes to fund these businesses only to fail miserably and often lose everything they own. Newton is a tough crowd to service because most of the people who live in Newton nowadays have never worked retail and are so far removed from what it is like to sweat out a day in your business hoping that you will take in enough money to pay the landlord or the electric bill that they don’t know how painful it is when an entitled Newton person comes into their shop making demands or asking for donations when the shop owner is barely making it.
Sallee, that you are not a true politician is why people voted for you. Just understand that you are poking the bear with your honesty.
@NewtonGal – I get your reference to Village Day. I’m on the Highlands area council and will be involved in discussing changes to Village Day for next year. I encourage you to contact me directly to give input. Email me at [email protected].
Steven- I would love to help with Village Day next year. I will contact you. Did you now that one man owns the bulk of the buildings on Lincoln Street in Newton Highlands? There are only 5 landlords/families controlling all the commercial real estate on Lincoln Street in the Highlands and I know them all. I love business and marketing. I am happy to see that the Huntington TV space is being filled partially with a dance studio after a long vacancy.
If anyone on this blog knows Alicia Bowman, try to get her to comment. She is the Pedestrian Comissioner appointed by Mayor Setti Warren. About a year ago, she and a city planner whose name escapes me went around to all the villages and area councils and had round table discussions about walking and safe transportation in Newton. There was also a meeting at the Countryside auditorium not too far back, with a presentation of Needham St, and huge wall posters with different plans and routes, and the attendees were able to draw and comment on the maps. The residents of Newton themselves have to be willing to change their mindset about shopping and not doing everything in a hurry. There are many senior residents, and people of all ages who do not own a car, and would be very happy to shop locally on a frequent basis to purchase items and be able to carry them home on foot. My neighbor used to hop into her car to drive 2 blocks to get to the little shop that sold lottery tickets and sundries. I also agree with the posters who commented about the rising commercial rents. If we are going to support local shops, the owners have to have a chance at success by paying reasonable rents. With the number of stores in a block that are owned by one landlord, and in many cases, the block has been owned by the same landlord for 30-50 years, the high rents just push out the shops we would like to see, and replace them with (UGH) nail salons, banks, hair salons. How many nail salons and banks do you need?
Jo-Louise Allen- Thank you for that very thoughtful and informative post. The thing about a lot of these commercial landlords in Newton is that they are invisible and usually not involved in the community that they make their money from even though a lot of them reside in Newton. They also are not very charitable. I wish that this blog would start spotlighting the owners of these commercial districts with their names and phone numbers and even their photographs and start asking them what their visions are for the blocks of retail that they own into the future? I also wish that schools and other charities in Newton would start hitting these landlords up for donations on a regular basis like they do the small shopkeepers. Two of the the biggest pet peeves that I hear from my small business owner friends are the outrageous number of donation requests that they receive from the Newton public schools plus people using their credit cards for nominal purchases. Do you know that it can cost a small business person 23 cents to swipe your credit card to obtain authorization and it also then costs 2.3% of the sale on top of that plus the credit card receipt tape isn’t cheap either! Next time you whip out that Amex card for your $5 purchase at the local Mom and Pop store think twice about it and maybe cough over a little cash instead.
We were very sad to see Jamjuli go – it had been in Newton Highlands for a long time and I gather they were forced out by rising rents. The changes in the Highlands over the past 2 decades make me very sad – I understand landlords wanting to make as much money as they can, but am angry when good local businesses get forced out.
Lincoln St. Coffee was another big loss. It was a great meeting place.
mgwa- In the last few months I have watched as B Street Bistro, Appetito, The Party Shop, The print shop on Needham Street, Jamjuli, Second Time Around, Brussel Sprouts, The Bead Shop on Washington Street, Barnes and Noble and many many more have closed or are closing. This is an epidemic and there are no easy cures. I can name at least one hundred businesses that have opened and closed in Newton in the past 20 years. It is an extremely competitive climate in Newton with the cards stacked against the small business owners. The next time you are in Newtonville go into Newtonville Pet and ask them why they are closing.
@Patrick. If they don’t have it at Waban Hardware, I’d head east to Swartz’s in Nonantum before going to Home Depot. The great thing about Swartz’s is that, unlike Home Depot, every staff member knows what they are doing, where to find something in the store, or where to get it if it’s not actually present on the shelves. And if you have a moment to be entertained, a guy named Marshall who manages their paint operation, has a warm welcome and great repertoire of songs that he belts out whenever he’s not helping a customer.
Love Waban Hardware and Swartz (and Harvey’s) but let’s not forget National Lumber, another locally owned merchant.
Greg, you are correct; thank you for reminding me. I need to get my propane tank refilled. The staff at NL is great.
Bob, I am not perfect. My momentum takes me down Beacon to Rt 128 (not a very good excuse). I enjoy talking to Mr. Thurston at WH. I had a somewhat similar relationship with some of the people at the Newton Highland hardware store. My wife’s family is from The Lake so they lean towards Swartz as their local hardware store. To each his/her own.
@NewtonGal – I was told by someone at Second Time Around that they were consolidating their stores because they had too many, including one in Newton Centre. It’s actually a multi-state chain:
http://www.secondtimearound.net/locations.aspx#ma
mgwa-Staples is doing the same thing right now. They are closing the less profitable stores like the one in Newton Centre that they closed a few months ago. There are 26 stores in the Second Time Around chain. The original store was started in the Newton Highlands spot well over 40 years ago. Unless you are selling necessities in this city like gas, food, and manicures it is a tough place to do business. The people in Newton do not spend their money freely like some people would expect. A lot of the young families that have moved here for the schools are over leveraged and the older folks can be very thrifty to deal with too. This might be hard for you to believe but it is actually easier to make money in a poorer town like Lynn or Lowell if you are selling the right products because working class folks are a lot more loyal then middle to upper middle class shoppers and they also are not constantly price comparing like the Newton people do. I would take a smoke and lottery shop in Malden over a cutsie cupcake boutique in Newton any day of the week!
Greg, I think National Lumber has technically been based in Mansfield since the 90s, with eight locations in MA, RI and NH. The Newton location is definitely special and Margie Kaitz contributed to both Waban and NH Village Days. They were headquartered in Newton for over 30 years, according to their web site.
Steve: That qualifies them as a locally owned business in my book.
Hi, I own The Party Shop in Newton Centre, our last day was today The store has been in business for 50 years.. The reason why we closed was due to no business, there is so many banks in Newton Centre, Parking is terrible always wondering if you are going to get a ticket and I actually I did for over parking they said when I left to pick up my son from school and came back and parked in a different spot I got a ticket for over parking! what a joke! .. there is no more small businesses any more and I feel the city does not support them either! anyways I could go on! Rents are to high, Commercial Taxes always going up! so are prices on retail have to be a little higher and people don’t want to pay! can I blame them no, but going into a Ma and Pa shop they can not expect Walmart prices! so there are so many reasons why! anyways I feel NEWTON does NOT support local businesses!
@NewtonGal – I have no trouble believing that, because I’m on a tight budget myself. There are many of us in Newton who would happily support lower priced businesses and be loyal to them – the problem is that they can’t survive on the rents being charged in our village centers. Many of the restaurants that have closed due to raised rents had very loyal customers who are upset by their closing (Lam’s, Jamjuli, …)
However, I do NOT consider manicures to be necessities!
Yes!! That is what I could never understand.. I am selling products for $2.99 and people still complaining.. but making themselves look good they will pay for or eating ice cream! I live in Newton and my kids go to Newton Public Schools.. I sacrificed my time with my kids for the store and for what! to get yelled at by rude customers.. and treated like crap! believe me I did not get rich from store nor did I get a paycheck each week and I have to pay for my own health insurance people just don’t get it they don’t realize that we have to buy the products for the store! wake up people! they ask for discounts, but honestly would you ask for a gallon of milk or bread for a discount! no they would not! I could never understand how people think! anyways I am glad the store is closed now I can be happy again! :) :) :)
I’m not surprised to see Newton losing businesses. When Newton passes three extravagantly expensive override property tax increases, that makes it more expensive for businesses to operate in Newton.
It’s no surprise that at least four people who endorsed the override last year moved out less than 12 months after it passed. And another person who endorsed it sold their house and traded down to a lower cost house. Taxes will influence people’s economic decisions, particularly in how to avoid them.
HMMM override now lets go there! they are BUILDING BUILDING apartments everywhere so there schools systems will be the best! in the UNITED STATES! but at what cost! so children will hurt themselves! like what happened this past year! at Newton South,, both my boys attend Newton South but again it is all about NEWTON LOOKING GOOD!!!! I think Newton City Hall needs to take a deep long look at themselves! and see what it is costing others! but really I DON’T THINK THEY CARE!! I spent the past 8 years with two businesses in Newton .. and really no support from the City.. owning a Party Shop do you think they ordered Balloon from us NEVER!! they never supported us and I am guessing they went to I Party! really what a joke this CITY IS!!!! if my kids were not in school here I would leave and tell people not to move to NEWTON! sad part is now I have to LOOK for a job at 47 Hmmm do you think the city would hire me! LOL
Being the Owner of The Party Shop, but no longer in business, Newton Centre is becoming Bank Central and Restaurants everywhere and they are opening up two more.. I don’t understand people will pay top dollar for food that will last in you for 24 hours but will not buy a Balloon for there child or a toy when there child is screaming crying! why bring them in the store or any store, buy them FOOD!!! instead why cook at home and have quality time playing with there toy or playing with a balloon! let kids be kids and don’t say that is junk! in front of us. I feel like I am in Epcot center in the countries when I am in Newton Centre all different kinds of restaurants! and Coffee shoppes! SAD Just SAD! :( no more Ma & Pa shoppes anymore no more little candy stores, like we had penny candy at The Party Shop trying to make it old school.. but no more! lets get Franchises in now YEAH!! Eat Food and be merry! Ughhhh!
Gail-I am so sorry about the closing of The Party Shop. Your store was a much loved institution in our community and I know how generous you are in supporting the Newton Public Schools with donations. It doesn’t surprise me what you are writing about here. I think that it is absolutely disgraceful that the Newton Cultural Society as well as other organizations in City Hall never came and bought their balloons or paper goods from you. The ice cream cones at JP Licks are around $5 for a small cone so I guess the over leveraged residents of this city just simply can’t afford to buy a cone and a balloon for their kid. I definitely would not take that personally. When I was house shopping in Newton I was always amazed at the shabby interiors of many of the homes that I viewed. Many were barely even furnished even though the residents had resided in them for years. The exteriors of these homes would look great but it was all for show. They had no living room furniture in many of the homes! I am sure that you will be much happier now that the store is closed and that you have more time to spend with your family. You did a great job with The Party Shop and I know that you will be very missed!
Sallee, I grew up going to Patty Ann’s!!! During their sales! I got some great dresses there as a little girl! In that little stretch there was Cherry Webb, Empire and other small businesses. They are all gone, filled with “witch” stores and other stores that come and go.
I am much more likely now to go to a store that supports local charities and businesses. I am shocked at how generous Whole Foods is to our school. Yes, they have high prices, but if I am “running” in to get a few things, I go there, instead of Star or Waban Market now.
I love the dry cleaners in Newton Highlands and the tailor in Newton Highlands. They know me by site. . . . I have never been to Zoots. I loved Lincon Street coffee . . . . and support Bread and Chocolate when I can.
Of course, I also shop at Target for kids clothes, and other things, but in reality I am taking away business from CVS when I shop at Target for shampoo, soap, etc. Village Kids has clothing that is too expensive for every day school clothes (at least for my budget). But I think that there are many people that shopping at Amazon (gives % back to your non profit if you know how to use it) and Lands End don’t even think about community spirit.
Having a child in an elementary school in Newton is an eye opening experience, and now I see how our elementary school relies on community business to donate items so the PTO can fund raise for technology in the classroom, supplies for teacher classrooms and copier maintenance (things that belong in the NPS budget but aren’t there). Cabots is always happy to give us something to use, as is Green Planet Toys and Whole Foods. And a sign at the school function is always a nice reminder for me to frequent the local shops more!
So sorry to see your store closing, Gail.
I do have to take issue with one common thread I am seeing, though. Everybody likes to slam banks, and then say how they support local businesses, businesses that give back to the community. There is one bank in this City that has been here for 104 years. All of its charitable donations and volunteer time stays in Newton and Wayland where its only non-Newton branch is located. This bank supports most nonprofits that serve Newton, and this includes cultural and social service agencies. So, if you do not bank with The Village Bank, you do not support local business! One person said earlier that she always supports Newton businesses and gets mad at those who do not. She said she only needs one bank – since that bank is in Newton Centre, it obviously is not Newton’s only local bank! Do you want your deposited money to stay local? To be donated and loaned back into our City? Bank local! If you don’t, that’s your choice and that’s perfectly fine…but please stop saying that you support local business!!
Found this link to a similar discussion relevant to Coolidge Corner in Brookline, (where I grew up in the 1960’s – 1980’s) – the article was written about 9 years ago, but it echoes exactly what is being written about today on this thread.
http://journalism.emerson.edu/jr610/spring03/cit/brookline/economy/main.html
Thanks @Jo-Lousie. That’s a great article, and interesting historic perspective.
For those looking for a Home Depot alternative, if you need quality, specialized items, I suggest these two:
For plumbing supplies, say you need a reliable, commercial-grade sump pump (HD has lower-grade pumps), I suggest Ferguson. They are located on Ramsdell St, which off Rt 9, near Elliot (in back of the Dunkin Donuts)
For electrical supplies, like the newer, energy efficient products and specialized stuff HD would not carry, I suggest Newton Electric. They are on Mechanic St which off Elliot St.
Both of these businesses have a large showroom
I’ll echo NativeNewtons comments about Village Bank. They are an enormous asset to the city of newton and contribute generously to all sorts of local causes. Give them your banking business!
What Jerry said. The Village Bank are an absolute pleasure to deal with.
I second the recommendation for Newton Electric. I wouldn’t have known about them had I not been directed there by the people at National Lumber (another local store), but now they’re the first place I go for lighting and electrical fixtures. They were friendly and helpful even when I was looking for things at the very low end of the price range, explained to me why I didn’t want to replace my ceiling fan (thereby talking themselves out of a sale), and even have a play corner for little ones!
Newton Electric is terrific. I have bought multiple overhead fans from them, after the many times my 8 year old broke ours. (They love us!)
Also ditto to the remarks about Village Bank and I am proud to be a Village banker myself.
Great thread! I see Newtonville Books and NEMB getting their due, but I’m surprised that I haven’t seen mention of Limited Editions in Newton Highlands or Learning Express in Newton Centre (which I believe is a locally owned franchise, if that counts). I love those places for gifts. I visited the toy store in the Highlands once and didn’t get a welcoming feel, while at Learning Express the staff have always treated us well. But maybe I should give it another go.
I’m also really sorry to hear about the Party Shop and Gail, we bought balloons and other supplies from them when we had the occasion.
Maybe what we really need is a “keep newton local” campaign to try and raise awareness for shoppers and residents. We try to shop local stores as we really don’t want to loose more of our small stores (Barnes and nobles made us redouble our efforts. Maybe that would help grow support for our local stores.
Great idea Matt!
Thanks Greg. I’ve seen the stickers and fliers in Portland, ME for their local campaign. And it definitely makes me think twice about which shops, cafés, restaurants, ect., that I’m visiting.
And for another local business, Abraxis Framing in Auburndale is fantastic!
My family has lived in Newtonville for a year now, after having lived in several other areas of the country. This is my first experience with urban living, and being able to walk to stores and restaurants. We made a quick count, and had been to 12 area businesses, on foot, within the last couple of weeks.
That said, I would love to see a few more niches filled nearby-
A fast food restaurant, or at least an inexpensive one that is open on Sunday evenings and after 10:00 pm.
A pet food/ grooming/ boarding / dog wash type store that DOES NOT sell dogs and cats and which would support area rescues by hosting events.
A card and gift shop.
A book store (independent, like Brookline Booksmith, preferred, but chain would be OK, too).
A True Value or Ace hardware.
A butcher shop.
Places to sit outside to eat.
Would one of you informed readers and commenters please let us know why the pet store on Walnut is closing, and why the Subway is on hold?
My pipe dream, though is for the opening of a really good, smoked-onsite, Southern-style BBQ joint (with sweet sauce, mac n cheese, and french fries., real pulled pork, and brisket). Actually, I would be willing to drive if there was a good one of these within 20 miles or so.
We are starting to really know how to find things, what to do, and how to live here now, and are happy to be here and part of the community.
@Carry – Let me help with one of your pipe dreams. Go – immediately – to Blue Ribbon BBQ on Washington St in West Newton!
Carry- Check out B.Y.O.D. the next time you are in Newton Centre. You can wash your dog there yourself or have them do it for you plus they sell all sorts of great toys and treats for dogs. There is also Especially for Pets in Newton Upper Falls that is a full service pet store, groomer and they have dog training classes. Both of these stores are independently owned stores with wonderful customer service.
Thanks for the tips! I have been to BYOD and loved it.
We have also tried the restaurant mentioned, and still have the same dream, I am afraid. BBQ joints must have mac and cheese every day, as well as a good sweet sauce, and either fries or (preferably a cheap, non-kettle and not remotely healthy) potato chips, as well. No need to re-envision the basics. But, if we had not been spoiled by living in AL, TN, and TX, where BBQ reigns, we would have likely been very, very impressed.
Carry- Have you tried Cabot’s ice cream parlor on Washington Street in Newton? They have a pretty extensive menu and even offer Paleo diet friendly meals now. They are open every day but Monday’s and they only take cash but it is a great place to bring a family for a meal. Another nice place to eat is Farm Grill Rotisserie on Needham Street in Newton. They are Greek style restaurant where you can get chicken kabob dinners and all sorts of other Greek foods. They have very healthy food at fairly reasonable prices and they always have a daily lunch and dinner special that is priced right!
Carrie, I grew up in the south and I know what you mean about wanting a different type of barbecue place. Blue Ribbon is great but the slow cooked pulled pork with sweet barbecue sauce is missing. Southern mac and cheese is baked without crusted topping and I would love some Brunswick Stew and baked beans. That would be great.
Have you ever tried Firefly’s in Natick for Southern Barbecue? They are a big sit down style restaurant next to the BJ’s Wholesale Club plaza and they have red velvet cake and all the southern barbecue specialties. It is definitely worth the drive and while you are out in Natick you could check out Petworld there. This is an amazing independently owned pet store that is located in their own freestanding building and they even have a cat shelter inside the store! They work with SPIN..Stray Pets in Need to showcase and adopt out thousands of cats per year right from their store. The store is immaculate and they sell everything from hamsters to parrots to tropical fish!
@NewtonGal: Nice gravatar!
More importantly now I will stop getting you mixed up with Newton Mom.
It is great to read about some places I haven’t been. I’ll definitely check out Newton Electric soon. Thanks. I also like the gift store in Auburndale, Just Next Door, and Wally’s Wicked Good Ice Cream. Ditto Cabots.
Since Newton Gal suggested a place outside Newton for barbecue, I’ll add Sweet Cheeks Q at Fenway. It’s great.
Thanks Greg! It was fairly easy to install!
@Carry – Ah! I understand my mistake. My BBQ tastes were acquired in NC. I have a very good friend who grew up in TN and also does not recognize BR as authentic to his tastes.
Further to the note of North Carolina food, wonder if we could convince someone locally to try to make authentic shrimp and cheese grits? (Trust me, it’s worth the accelerated arteriosclerosis)
Is it too much to long for a kosher establishment?! Ta’am China is now gone. Every time I hear BBQ mentioned, I think of Smokey Joe’s in Teaneck NJ…nothing like that anywhere near Boston! Slow smoked and absolutely delicious (but no mac and cheese…LOL!!). We finally have a great kosher bake shop – Blacker’s – but no restaurants at all!
Ditto on a good gift shop like the old Nick & Nora’s in Newtonville. Just Next Door is fabulous, but not as big a selection as, say, Taylors in Needham, which is now my go-to place for house warming gifts, etc.
Sad that Newtonville Pet is going out but it is difficult to compete against the Petcos of the world.
We’re writing about the unique challenges facing Newton’s small businesses. If you’re a current or former small business owner in the city, I’d love to hear your story. Call me (Jim Morrison) at 781.433.8333
I have had my shop, DIVA, in Newtonville for four years. I love this community but the beginning of this year, despite statements of economic prosperity, was one of the worst ever for sales. This was echoed by endless numbers of colleagues in villages and at the Newton malls. Perhaps the weather and/or the additional costs for heat? While it has picked up to usual summer levels, so many businesses were sufficiently devastated that doors have closed. The huge number of banks that now occupy spaces in this and other villages has not helped. They are closed in the afternoons and weekends and space could be better used to bring more small businesses into each of the villages, generating further interest. The additional issue that is now being discussed is parking. Should parking spaces be removed, bringing customers to the village will be further compromised. The advent of restaurants is wonderful, however!
I think it would be wonderful to develop integrated opportunities where businesses work together! I am not referring to a “Village Day,” which is really about table vendors who aren’t regularly part of the village, but, for example, having senior day–working with the Senior Center to each do something special for them and seeking ways to do cross marketing, for the benefit of all!
The lady up top who talked about Barbara Jeans wa right on. I grew up in the late 50’s through the sixties on Newton Hill. Going to the Saturday matinee always involved a trib to Barbara Jeans. In 67 years I’ve never had better ice cream… not Steves, not anywhere in the country. He was a confectionary genius and I’m tickled that others remember him and his wife.