Exeter's Best Businesses Of 2020: Readers Speak

EXETER, NH — Last month, Patch in Exeter asked readers to offer some thoughts about local businesses who had gone above and beyond for customers in the community.

The year 2020 has been a difficult one for everyone but businesses are doing everything they can to help customers and stay afloat during the pandemic.

Water Street Bookstore received a few accolades from readers.

"Water Street Bookstore is my favorite business for the following reasons: When the Covid19pandemic shutdowns began, Water Street Bookstore immediately made online book ordering simple and fast, communicating by phone or e-mail when one's book order was ready for curbside pickup — in clearly identified bags," Pat wrote. "When the weather might be threatening that the bags containing book orders would be ruined, protection for the bags or messages on the bookstore door assured safe, clear protection and pickup possibilities. When limited-entry store openings were allowed, Water Street Bookstore posted signs: 'Masks Required,' and, of course, store employees were all masked, and plastic screens for protection of employees and customers were installed at check-out counters. The number of customers allowed inside at one time were limited, spacing was encouraged - and monitored — by staff and customers alike. Frequent updates by email of bookstore policies were sent out to their regular contacts, as well as reviews and titles of newly stocked books! Oh yes: when you entered the bookstore, hand sanitizers and masks - for those who came unprepared - were available right inside the entrance. In a time when staying at home has been stressed by all who care about heir health and that of this society, Water Street Bookstore staff has responded responsibly, carefully, thoughtfully, and kept our mental and emotional lives active with new books! In normal times, Water Street Bookstore is a hub of community activity, with frequent author readings from their new books, or occasional forums on banned books or political issues. That vitality is apparent in this bookstore's atmosphere even now, when our lives have been upended by a virus. Water Street Bookstore is a lifesaver, in good times and in bad! That's why this is my favorite business of the year in Exeter!"

Arjay Ace Hardware on Lincoln Street also received praise.

"Service, service, service! Everyone is always so helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable about the products and the right item for the need," said David and Susan. "For four+ months we at RiverWoods Exeter were unable to leave the campus. During these months, Arjay provided a valuable and much-appreciated service, delivering items to residents. We're so happy that our town has a locally owned hardware store; we find ourselves shopping there at least once a week. We don't know what we'd do without Arjay!"

Donut Love on Water Street was also praised as having the best donuts in New Hampshire by Dennis, a reader.

"I really appreciate that Donut Love offers vegan donuts," Julia added. "It is quite difficult to find vegan sweet/dessert options without driving at least 30 minutes from this area. (I wish that the vegan donuts were available all week rather than just on weekends, but I'm not complaining.) I think that more and more people are going plant-based in recent years and it is nice to see businesses that are accommodating and conscientious of this change."

Other stores receiving commendations include Alchemy & Herbs; Joan Sullivan Salon; Donut Love; Brookside Market; Trends Gift Gallery; Enna Chocolate; and On The Vine Market. 110 Grille in Stratham also received praise from a reader.

If you have a local business are looking to get more customers, check out the free Patch Local Business Directory here, post classified ads here, and list events and happenings in your business here. To advertise, use this link.

Got a news tip? Send it to tony.schinella@patch.com. View videos on Tony Schinella's YouTube.com channel or Rumble.com channel.