Dateline: Nov. 10, 2025

Aubuchon Moving to Former Rite Aid Property

Current Aubuchon Hardware store

After months of hoping for good news about the future of Allenstown's landmark hardware store, the good news has finally arrived. Sources at Town Hall have indicated that around the beginning of November, Aubuchon management had signed a long-term lease for use of the now vacant Rite Aid Pharmacy. It is assumed that the lease is with Rite Aid Corp. but that cannot yet be confirmed. It is anticipated that the hardware store will be relocated by February 2026 since it is currently a "tenant at will" with their lease ending in March 2026.

When the Aubuchon store manager was contacted recently for details about the relocation, he said the request would have to be referred to upper management.

The former Rite Aid building will be remodeled inside to make it suitable for Aubuchon's goods and services. The only change outside will be new signage. It remains to be disclosed as to whether they will continue outdoor offerings such as plants and shrubs, a propane filling station, pallets of wood pellets, or truck rentals.

Late last year the Aubuchon store manager had indicated that this store was to be rebranded as an Ace Hardware store. After the relocation, the exterior signage should confirm that rebranding.

Renovations at Allen Plaza Building

Complete exterior renovations under way

Built in 1966, the 20,000 sq. ft. commercial building next to Sully's Market is undergoing a complete exterior makeover. The Dunkin' shop on the left side is being renovated on the inside. Several work trucks are on site and numerous workers are remodeling the entire exterior of the building. Begun in early November, the old siding has been removed, repairs made to the wallboards, and water resistant fabric has been installed on all sides. The project is expected to take about three weeks.

This building and Sully's Market are owned by Allen Plaza LLC based out of North Reading, Mass. NGP Management is the parent company, also based in North Reading, Mass. Jim Clifford of NGP said, "NGP Management is a Dunkin' franchisee that operates a family-owned network of Dunkin' shops across New England. We promote a people-centered culture that cares about its people and customers."

He continued, "The project was originally to start in October but was delayed. The reason for the project was a Dunkin' corporate policy that requires their shops to be renovated every ten years. So it was time to renovate the Allenstown shop. Since it was part of our family of franchisees and the building needed some upgrades, we decided to renovate the building exterior while renovating the Dunkin' shop interior."

Dunkin' Shop gets remodeled inside and outside

Renovations of Dunkin' shops are usually paid for by the franchisee, but in this case NGP Management is covering the cost. Also, they are taking care of the Allenstown employees by relocating them to other nearby shops for the short term.

Other renovations include repaving several worn out sections of the parking lot, repairing curbing in several places along Route 3, and landscaping. Mr. Clifford said that "Due to the lateness of the season, the landscaping may have to wait until the Spring."

One interesting detail is that you can see windows on the upper right side of the building. The second floor has been vacant for many years and they decided it would be too expensive to build the necessary access to the second floor. Does anyone recall if there used to be a business on that second floor? Some residents recall that it was Suburban Furniture.

In addition, there is a large garage in the rear of the building that had been a repair shop for Hooksett Rent-a-Tool, a prior tenant. Mr. Clifford said, "For now, we will use it as a storage area for the owner."

The final touch for the renovations will be new signage mounted on the front of the building and smaller signs for the Small Town Styles Hair Salon and Mari-Vin's Deli.

What You Can Do

Be assured that the current businesses (except for Dunkin') are open during the renovations. They welcome your continued patronage while the exterior work is progressing.