MONTREAL An association representing Quebec retailers says it s pleased with the provincial government s decision to lift COVID-19 capacity restrictions on retail stores. Jean-Guy Cote, executive director of the Quebec Retail Council, says retailers had been calling for an end to the pandemic-related restrictions on the number of clients allowed in stores. He says his members are worried that customers have decided to reduce shopping in person because of the long lines outside their stores. Starting today, capacity limits imposed during the pandemic are lifted, but retailers still need to ensure customers can stay one metre apart from each other. Mask-wearing, however, remains mandatory.
It took about a year for the owner of AutoMile Motors to find property to buy on U.S. Route 1 in Saco.
Justin “Jay” Gould and a partner were looking to have the security of ownership, rather than a lease, and also wanted to expand the auto dealership. The “AutoMile” brand meant the search was limited to just that a mile-long stretch on Route 1 known for its automotive dealerships and services.
“AutoMile Motors has to exist on the auto-mile,” says Gould.
Initially the partners looked at properties in the $300,000 range, an affordable price based on what they assumed would require a 20% to 25% down payment for a bank loan, with future upgrades paid for out-of-pocket when possible.