Main Street Is Alive And Well

Neal Peirce, of the Washington Post Writers Group, visits Plymouth, NH and finds a "survival strategy" for local businesses on Main Street in the face of Wal-mart. Plymouth is one of 1600 communities participating in the National Trust for Historic Presevation's Main Street program. Plymouth's Main Street program has a director and a strategy that features marketing and special events, beautification and management. As an example, Peirce highlights the local hardware store which remains "solidly profitable" as a result of specialized products, knowledgeable staff and expanded store hours.

Thanks to Irene Sherr