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January 22, 2009 -
Retail
The Gateway at Quonset Point is marking its first successful shopping season, with visitors showing positive reactions to the new Kohl's department store and eagerly anticipating other popular retailers coming soon to the mixed-use development.
Exeter resident Joann Nelson described the Kohl's as "upscale," and "well put-together."
A survey conducted by New Boston Fund also revealed that shoppers had good things to say about their experiences, and look forward to seeing what other amenities will arrive at Quonset in the future.
The informal survey of over 100 existing Quonset Business Park tenants and residents from surrounding communities showed that even though only Kohl's is open while the rest of the center is under construction, the Gateway is already drawing high marks. 83.7% of those surveyed said they have already taken advantage of the shopping at the Gateway or plan to in the future.
"We live less than 5 miles away and have been to Kohl's numerous times already," said one respondent. Another said, "The shops are convenient for shopping prior to work, during lunch or after work. Easy access and no traffic jams."
When asked what other types of amenities they would like to see at the Gateway, a vast majority (85%) of those responding to the survey, asked for restaurants.
"This reinforces our development plans for the Gateway," said Patrick Cleary of New Boston Fund. "With over 8500 employees coming to work at the business park every day, and very limited choices for lunch, and dinner in the surrounding area, or even coffee for that matter, we knew we had to include several options for restaurants to serve not only business park tenants, but the nearby communities as well."
A majority of survey respondents also cited the need for a hotel and bank at the Gateway, while others said they'd like to see a florist, dry cleaner, print and copy shop and beauty salon.
The Gateway's open air retail center is anchored by Kohl's and Dave's Marketplace, a locally owned and operated grocer, which is scheduled to open in the spring. The Gateway also includes a Lowe's Home Improvement store that had its grand opening on January 15th. New Boston Fund is currently offering retail spaces from 1,000 to 6,500 square feet, and office spaces from 1,000 to 10,000 square feet.
"I personally will enjoy Dave's and will use the other stores," said one survey respondent. "I can't wait to see who else will be opening."
The Quonset Gateway is a mixed use development by New Boston Development Partners that serves as the front door to the Quonset Business Park. Encompassing 72.5 acres, the Gateway at full build out will represent a $144 million private investment. The first phase of the development includes the Shops at Quonset- a retail open air center, with restaurants, office space and a hotel.