Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Aroostook Centre Mall continues to evolve, with a number of businesses coming and going since the first of the year. The economy and changing tastes and interests are the main reasons for the recent departure of some businesses and arrival of others, according to Patti Crooks, mall manager. She said despite last year’s economic slump, the mall is seeing continued interest — from both shoppers and entrepreneurs looking to set up shop.
“There’s been more interest, opportunity and more potential,” said Crooks. “We’re seeing more leasing this year than last, as we come out of the economic slump that hit not just nationwide but globally.”
Those looking for Christmas bargains were both pleased and shocked to discover the B. Dalton bookstore and F.Y.E. — which specialized in music, DVDs and related merchandise — were holding discount sales over the holidays, with both closing their doors with the arrival of 2010.
Carolyn Brown, director of corporate communications for B. Dalton — owned and operated by Barnes & Noble, a New York-based company — said the local store’s closing had nothing to do with the mall and everything to do with a corporate decision that affected stores in several states. She said plans included closing the 50 remaining B. Dalton stores by January 2010.
“These were small format, low-volume stores in malls and their leases expired. This is in line with what we’ve been doing over the last eight years, closing 35-40 stores per year as their leases expire,” said Brown.
Brown said two B. Daltons will remain open until their leases expire in Washington, D.C., and Long Island.
“About 75 percent of our new Barnes & Noble stores are in malls,” she said.
Barnes & Noble also has seen growth in its Internet sales.
Crooks said the space wasn’t vacant long before a familiar retailer moved in.
“Mr. Paperback opened just a few months after B. Dalton closed, filling a void for local readers. There are several of these stores in Maine, including a Mr. Paperback in Caribou. Jim McCree saw the potential and was quick to snap up the opportunity to open a branch here,” said Crooks.
As with B. Dalton, F.Y.E.’s decision to close was made at the corporate level. Nationally, many businesses opted not to renew leases, cutting costs during one of the country’s worst economic times on record. Retailers have struggled with dropping sales as consumers tightened their own budgets to weather the economic storm. Crooks said that storm is slowly but surely moving along and skies look brighter on the retail horizon.
“F.Y.E.’s lease was up and they opted not to renew. I’ve been in contact with a few parties interested in operating something similar. Several of our tenants, including K-Mart and Staples, have renewed their leases. We’ve also had other businesses open in the last few months,” said Crooks, noting rumors that other stores were closing was just that — rumors.
“The Staples store at the Aroostook Centre Mall does not have plans to close. The lease was recently renewed with the landlord,” said Mark Crowley, public relations representative for Staples.
Caribou-based Monkey Publishing, owned by William Tasker, also expanded to the mall earlier this year. The publisher and on-demand printer announced an agreement to open the company’s first full-time store at the mall in February, after having had a kiosk selling products there for several years.
Tasker said it made good sense to open now.
“We started out four years ago with one book and that sold well and a kiosk made sense. But we now have 27 products, with more on the way and we needed room to grow,” said Tasker. “Plus, we are doing a lot of on-demand printing these days and the store gives us a better meeting place for those interested in our services.”
Crooks said the activity “is an indication of the next wave.”
“Terry Burtchell, who owns the seamstress business, is doing well and the business is growing. Acadia Medical, Staples, K-Mart and Sears have all renewed or have existing leases for several more years. Penney’s renewed last year,” said Crooks. “Koko’s Kafe is now open and doing well.”
Crooks said in addition to the stores, a number of kiosks provide a starter point for local entrepreneurs.
“The kiosks are good launching pads for businesses. Rustic Attic started out selling from a kiosk, as did Monkey Publishing,” Crooks said.
She said it’s normal for businesses to come and go at a mall, as trends change and consumers’ interests change.
“It’s all about the evolution and makeup of the market. It’s about listening to consumers and working to meet their needs,” said Crooks. “We continue to look for ways to better serve the public. We’re open to suggestions and love to receive feedback.”
For more information on the mall and the businesses that call it home, call 764-2616.
