Breathing New Life into Hidden Local Treasures

Greg Pruitt traveled all over the country when he was a young boy with his father who was a traveling minister. His father refinished furniture and would visit many barns in his travels. Greg accompanied his dad and enjoyed walking into the barn and climbing over the junk to find the hidden treasures that were everywhere. This began his love for antiques.

Five years ago, Greg and his husband, Lionel, moved to New Hampshire and bought an existing shop called, “The Collector's Eye” in Stratham. This well-known coop shop always has something new and interesting featuring all types of antiques from numerous dealers and amazing artists. It has been a favorite magical destination for over 45 years and continues to be so under this new ownership. In 2018 a new opportunity presented itself, a shop they frequently visited was on the market. They ended up purchasing this second location known as ‘Route 1 Antiques,’ in Hampton Falls.

They utilized the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 504 loan program through Bangor Savings Bank and Granite State Development Corporation to secure the property. “We are extremely happy and blessed to be where we are. Buying these existing businesses allowed us to bring new energy into two business with tremendous history in the area,” stated Lionel co-owner.

After the pandemic started and they were forced to close for several months, they were thrilled to find out that the SBA would be paying their loan for 6 months under the agency’s debt relief program. Greg commented, “I cannot thank the SBA enough. It was incredible to receive those payments and is the only reason we were able to make it until we could reopen.” The company also utilized the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to keep their employees on the payroll and they are currently looking to apply for the next round of assistance and helping their many vendors do the same.

Despite the variety of economic challenges and trying to make everyone comfortable while at the same time complying with Covid restrictions, they manage to keep their customers coming back for the experience and the continuous new treasures offered by their amazing vendors.