Posts Categorized: Retail

Bare Bones Handsewn – Lewiston

Bare Bones Handsewn is a very small team of outstandingly skilled craftspeople who are working earnestly to nurture and encourage the pride, history, and integrity of Maine shoe manufacturing community. Renee Robitaille and partner Roland Gauthier love having the creative freedom to practice fine shoe-making while celebrating the skills learned from past generations of family… Read more »

Rangeley Adventure Co. – Rangeley

Michelle and Seth Laliberte are passionate educators who have enjoyed the Rangeley Region for over 20 years. And like so many others, the COVID pandemic had them re-evaluating their career and life goals. Having always dreamed of owning a small store they began exploring the options in their local area. Simultaneously, the owner of “Ecopelagicon”… Read more »

The Nexus Arcade and Gaming Lounge – Winslow

Mark Blaschke and Nicholas Murray, the partners behind The Nexus Arcade and Gaming Lounge at the front desk.

Mark Blaschke and Nicholas Murray, the partners behind The Nexus Arcade and Gaming Lounge, wanted to create a place that brought the local gaming community together around their shared passions. They brought a lot of enthusiasm to the project but not much knowledge about the business side of things, Mark knew he needed help making… Read more »

Aegir’s Den Meadery – Palermo

Mark and Carrie Mancini both come from families familiar with fermentation and preserving, but a friendly competition leading to the accidental brewing of a honey mead made Aegir’s Den Meadery possible! After nearly a decade of experimenting and testing different meads with friends and family encouraging them, they opened their Pittsfield storefront in 2019 and… Read more »

Wine House on Main – Kennebunk

External photo of Wine House on Main's red building and large sign with logo and open flag.

Betsy Ross owns the Wine House on Main, a small wine shop and bar located in downtown Kennebunk. Since 2021, Wine House on Main has offered wine selections from small families around the world. With decades of experience in hospitality and the wine industry, Betsy shares the stories of winemakers, vineyards and regions with her… Read more »

Little Mainer – Yarmouth

After retiring from teaching in 2020, Kathie Bradeen started using her crafting skills to print Maine-themed designs on toddler and babywear.  She wanted an alternative to the ubiquitous “touristy” designs printed on low-quality clothing, to give as gifts to the babies and toddlers in her life.  Frustrated by the lack of options she was finding,… Read more »

Katharine Jane Jewelry – Morrill

There are so many reasons to shop small, especially when looking for a special or unique gift! Small-scale production means you’ll be supporting a specific small business and supporting a more local economy. Focusing in even further, you’ll be supporting a small business owner; like Katharine Mason, of Katharine Jane Jewelry!

Midcoast Comics – Brunswick

When Steven Thanos first began working with Maine SBDC at CEI Business Advisor Bradshaw Swanson, he had a vision of building a successful comic book store in downtown Brunswick. With a wide collection of current issues, historic collector’s editions, and graphic novels there would be something to attract both long-time fans and new hobbyists. Brad… Read more »

TuneTown Music Gear – Wells

John and Pam Edwards have owned TuneTown Music Gear in Wells for 18 years. They brought decades of musical industry experience to a vision of providing positive and nurturing experiences within music instruction, service, and sales. Their business features nine large state of the art lesson studios, a recording studio and a live performance stage…. Read more »