NEWPORT — Expansion and growth seem to be on the horizon for Newport in the coming year with developers and business owners banking on the successes they experienced in 1994.

Greg Lovely of Lovely Investments has a large project planned for the Triangle Plaza. The motor supply business is expanding, he said, and another new business will join the dozen already located at the Triangle Plaza.

“We have been very fortunate,” said Lovely. “The businesses in there are doing quite well.” He said the expansion not only will allow for the motor supply to serve patrons better, but will provide space for another new business. One of his tenants, Dianne’s Bridal Shoppe, recently moved to Route 7. Lovely said two other businesses have been seriously considering that rental location.

Frank Giordano, owner of the Hob Nob Shop on Route 7, said, “We’re getting more and more variety in Newport all the time. For example, in our store, we offer the things you might have to travel to Bangor or Waterville for. You can shop close to home and spend your money locally.”

Giordano said 1994 was a very good year for his business, and Christmas season shopping was extraordinary. “It was a good year and it ended with a real bang,” he said. Giordano and his wife, Pat, said they do not plan any major expansions in 1995 except for possibly adding on to their miniature golf course. This year, he said, they have added and successfully marketed a line of gift baskets. “These are a very big thing,” he said. Gift baskets can be prearranged or created for the individual customer.

“We have a little clam basket that we put Maine-made jams and jellies in and other all Maine made products,” said Giordano. The baskets have become very popular with tourists using the Moosehead Trail.

Newport Floral, also on Route 7, had a good year as well, said owner Colleen “Cocoa” Ayer. “The answer is diversification. You’ve got to have everything. Everthing from something for the outdoorsman to the new baby. Homemade things. Not just potted plants.” This diversification keeps the shopper and the shopper’s money at home, said Ayer.

Shoppers in Newport can stay closer to home by patronizing a new music store on Main Street.

Hugh Flye opened The Peanut Gallery a month before Christmas. He said his business took off and “did much better than I thought it would.”