Move Means Bigger Space, More Opportunities for Greenovations

Everyone knows what it’s like to need a change of scenery. Sometimes, even a successful business can benefit from a move onward and upward.

Two years after launching Greenovations – a catch all store chock full of environmentally-friendly home improvement products –  owner Christopher Ring recognized that a different, bigger space was becoming more and more of a necessity.

To that end, the store plans to move out of its current Bowl-A-Rama Plaza digs, and into a larger space just off Route 1 in York, Maine at the end of this month.

“There were a lot of things I wanted to do with the space that I just couldn’t,” says Ring, who also cited the new store’s abundant natural sunlight as a real draw. “Now I’ll have a lot more room to work with, and that should open up a lot more opportunities.”

Opportunities for new, cutting edge green products, certainly. But also an opportunity to expand on his store’s growing commitment to green, do-it-yourself education.

In particular, Ring plans to set up a 10-by-5-foot mini-display that will highlight a “smart wall” system encompassing a number of Greenovations-sourced insulation and other products.

“We want it to be a kind of educational display piece on how to build a green home stud-to-wall,” Ring explains., who says he’s looked forward to building such a model since opening the Portsmouth store. “We’ll have each layer peel back to people can see what a truly efficient home entails in terms of the envelope.”

Along with the new smart wall model, Ring says he hopes to use the new space as an educational launching pad of sorts, and aims to foster long-lasting relationships with community members and local businesses alike.

“I’ve spent countless hours over the years connecting with people, creating circles, so I want to eventually get to a point where the store can feature a tight-knit group of resources,” exclaims Ring. “I’ve been out to the sites, I know how they build – what their ethics and efforts towards sustainability are. Why not try and turn that into a resource?”

Ring also intends to double the amount of hardwood – all of it certified by the sustainability-driven Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – available by the square foot through the store, as well as a new window line.

Yet while Ring sees many business benefits for moving shop just a shot up Route 1, the more personal fringe benefits aren’t too far behind: The new store will sit no more than a mile-and-a-half from where Ring makes his York home.

“This way I’ll be able to walk my son to school, which is right around the corner,” notes Ring, before adding with a chuckle, “My bike ride will be reduced, though, so I’m going to have to figure out a way to get a little more exercise.”

In fact, Ring actually put off the purchase of a new car upon deciding on moving the business to York.

“I had my car up for sale,” he says. “But not anymore!”

While the imminent move is right around the corner, Ring is still offering a bevy of deep discounts in an effort to lighten the move’s load.

In particular, from now until March 24th, Greenovations will feature a bevy of deep discounts for members of Green Alliance, the Portsmouth-based organization that certifies and promotes sustainability-minded businesses throughout the region.

In particular, Ring is offering GA “Green Card” holders 20% on select items including paints, household wares, cleaning products, and solar fans, and 10-15% off all flooring – a potential savings of hundreds of dollars for anyone looking to renovate.

To learn more about Greenovations, go to www.seacoastgreenovations.com
Learn more about Green Alliance at www.greenalliance.biz