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You’ve paid the fees and filled out the paperwork. You’re now licensed to do business in New Jersey. But how do you really make it as a local business that’s around for the long haul in North Jersey?
Throughout North Jersey, our towns and counties are peppered with enduring gems of local commerce. Selling everything from sandwiches to comic books and tattoos to medical supplies, these mainstays of Main Street have stood the test of time. Business owners here have seen a lot change over the years, and they’ve learned a thing or two along the way.
But what sets these businesses apart from the rest? How did they become successful, beloved by their customers and all while staying true to themselves and their communities? What have these owners and operators learned that might help others who are just starting out?
We asked the operators of six such businesses for practical tips geared toward anyone thinking of starting a local business in North Jersey. Here’s what they had to say.
Starting a music business
Buzzy Levine owns Lark Street Music, a legendary haven for vintage guitar lovers located on Teaneck’s Cedar Lane. Something Buzzy wants you to know: “Don’t get into something that you don’t know anything about.”
Lark Street MusicMusic/Instruments479 Cedar Lane, Teaneck, 07666Since 1968
Small business advice: Lark Street Music in Teaneck NJ
Lark Street Music shop owner Buzzy Levine gives advice to local businesses.
Miguel Fernandez and Paul Wood Jr, NorthJersey.com
Opening a trading card shop
Anthony Gugino owns The Game Zone in Hillsdale, a pefectly organized shop full of classics, collectables and the latest releases. Something he wants you to know: “Keep it clean,” in more ways than one.
The Game ZoneVideo Games/ Trading Cards/ Toys106 Broadway, Hillsdale, NJ, 07642Since 1996
Small business advice: The Game Zone in Hillsdale NJ
The Game Zone’s Anthony Gugino on what he does right to keep customers coming back.
Miguel Fernandez and Paul Wood Jr, NorthJersey.com
Opening a comic book store
Len Catz operates Joker’s Child Comics on River Road in Fair Lawn. You’ll find him there surrounded by thousands of of comic books, action figures and more. Something Len wants you to know: Once you find a good employee, doing “whatever you can to hold onto them is very important.”
Joker’s ChildComic books/Toys12-23 River Rd., Fair Lawn, NJ, 07410Since 1988
Opening a comic book store: The Joker’s Child owner shares advice
For over 30 years, The Joker’s Child has offered something not usually found on on-line retail shops. Owner Len Cats shares advice he’s learned.
Miguel Fernandez and Paul Wood Jr, NorthJersey.com
Starting a tattoo shop
John Newcomb is the man behind Lola’s Tattoos in Bogota, where artists and clients chat amid the buzzing sound of tattoo guns bouncing off the art-lined walls and black-and-white checkered floor. Something John wants you to know: “Doing something you love doesn’t feel like work.”
Lola’s Tattoo’sTattoo shop117 E Main St. Bogota, NJ, 07603Since 1973
Starting a tattoo shop: Lola’s Tattoos in Bogota NJ shares advice
John Newcomb, owner of Lola’s Tattoos, shares this advice to keep customers coming back.
Miguel Fernandez and Paul Wood Jr, NorthJersey.com
Opening a custom picture frame shop
Susan Boni’s Frames of Mine in Fort Lee has been going strong since 1977. She has a golden rule about communicating with customers. “Everyone gets a call back by 5 p.m.”
Frames of MineCustom picture frames482 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ, 07024Since 1977
Custom framing business advice: Frames of Mine owner shares tips
Since 1977, Susan Boni has followed these simple rules to keep Frames of Mine open and thriving.
Miguel Fernandez and Paul Wood Jr, NorthJersey.com
Opening a specialty food store
Paul Vitamia owns Vitamia & Sons in Lodi, specializing in Italian food staples based on his family’s recipes. He says you have to keep your customers smiling. “Business goes up and down, but everybody comes here with a happy face.”
Vitamia and Sons Ravioli Co.Homemade Italian food206 Harrison Ave, Lodi, 07644Since 1967
Specialty food store Vitamia & Sons in Lodi: Advice for small business
Vitamia & Sons owner Paul Vitamia says these simple rules have kept the business alive for over 50 years.
Miguel Fernandez and Paul Wood Jr, NorthJersey.com
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