Steve, the only reason I am keeping it quiet on what kind of store I want to open is, because there have been a few people who have had interest in opening a store like this. Also, once it is known what kind of store it is, then you will know who I am, and this town loves to talk. You will know all my details soon, I promise.
NDGirl, you're killin' me here. You have absolutely piqued my curiousity. Store the size of Hallmark..hmmm...guess that rules out a Lowe's then too. Dang!
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
Retail yes, clothing no. Not a pub Steve, , I dont think anyone could open another bar in williston even if they wanted to right now. I do wish we could get a few more choices in eating establishments in town. I am looking for a store the size of Halmark (the main part with the basement) so it has ample storage below. Hopefully we will find something soon, I am ready to make this new adventure a reality. Steve--There was a gentleman a about a year ago looking for a partner to open this type of store. I have already made most of the connections with the corporate businesses for the product, displays, just waiting on the location now.
Theater pub? Does that mean no talking while drinking? Not sure how that would go here..
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
By chance would that be a maternity store? I know if that's the case my sister-in-law will love you to death.
If you decide to have a strip mall built, I know of some other businesses that this town could use...I'll open up the shoe store and the micro brewery...
Theater pub would kill in that town.
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"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." -Dr. Johnson
Good guess steve. It is not a clothing store though. Williston does need a maternity store. What I need to find is a building with lots of storage. The product in the back takes up more room than the display product. Williston does need a shoe store. We have had 2 in the past 20 years, and knowing both families that ran them, they seems to do very well. I wish they would have kept them open. I myself am a shoe fanatic and cannot find any in town.
-- Edited by NDGirl on Wednesday 17th of February 2010 03:15:41 PM
By chance would that be a maternity store? I know if that's the case my sister-in-law will love you to death.
If you decide to have a strip mall built, I know of some other businesses that this town could use...I'll open up the shoe store and the micro brewery...
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
I am still looking into everything. Trying to find a location is difficult. What is available downtown is either to large, too small, or they want way too much to rent it. It makes me wonder how the downtown businesses that are rented make it, having to pay overhead, plus such high rent. Like I said, I am looking at a retail business that Williston has had in the past (over 5 years ago). It is also the one thing that you MUST get out of town unless you are lucky enough that Penny's has your size or in desperate times go to walmart.
Just wondering if you've had any luck. Would you mind letting us know if you're still pursueing your new business? Perhaps a hint as to what it is?
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
I am looking at a retail business. I have been talking to a business owner who owned this particular type of business during and after the last boom. Their only concern for it was that so many people travel to minot for shopping. I have been in contact with the ND Small business association, and have recieved a great deal of information from them. One major issue I have come to find, is a location. I will keep everyone posted as I go.
I know quite a bit of people that would prefer to not travel to Minot for shopping. I think everyone in town would want to keep their money locally (except for that God-awful monstrosity north of town). My family for example shops at a local store, even though they disagree with the owner's personal ethics just because they know that their money is staying within the city, and when that happens the city can grow.
I say go for it. If you've done your research and especially if the particular business is something you love and can pour yourself into. If you only plan on opening it and only running it half-a**ed, don't bother.
If there's anything I know about Williston, its people really likes having new businesses in town. Word of mouth advertising is golden, and really the only viable form of marketing in town, and people will come to check it out at the very least.
Find yourself a great location that is easily accessible, and if you can offer parking that would be even better. Lord knows if locals have to walk 50 steps out of their pick-ups, they will be bitter.
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"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." -Dr. Johnson
Thanks for the info Clarke and best of luck to ya NDGirl.
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
I think it kind of depends on what type of business you are looking at.
I think Keith Olson is the guy at the college small business development center. He can probably answer some of your questions and he probably has some info on small business loans etc.
Good luck and I hope to see your new business booming soon :)
I am looking at a retail business. I have been talking to a business owner who owned this particular type of business during and after the last boom. Their only concern for it was that so many people travel to minot for shopping. I have been in contact with the ND Small business association, and have recieved a great deal of information from them. One major issue I have come to find, is a location. I will keep everyone posted as I go.
There is a gentleman at the college that is very good at helping develop a strong business plan. If you need assistance that is. I can't recall his name but I here he is very good.
I agree with VKO. The economy here is looking to be strong for several years.
I'm no business man by any stretch but I have a feeling long term success would depend on the product. Would you mind sharing more info? Any new business is good business....unless it has to do with Computer Network Administration. In that case...I here Florida is a far better market!
In fact...what Williston needs is more non-oil related jobs in order to retain it's population once the oil industry decides to pack it's bags again.
ps...Welcome to the board!!
-- Edited by Steve Powell on Thursday 7th of January 2010 06:53:53 PM
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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4
Welcome NDGirl. I personally think the oil will be in the Williston area for quite awhile. Although it was tough to be in business after the first bust, our business made it through it. Good Luck and best wishes on your plans and your business.
I am looking to start up a new business in Williston, but am unsure how to proceed. I have found a few locations that would be perfect, but I am unsure what other people think of the economy in Williston. Can a business survive once the oilfield dies out? Any input would be great.
Dang!
