Shiretown Office Emporium

    HOULTON — Finding the right niche for a new business is often the key to whether a new venture succeeds or fails.
    Heather Maker of Houlton believes she has found just such a niche with her new business venture — Shiretown Office Emporium. Along with her husband, Hal, their dream of opening their own store is now a reality. The Maker’s opened for business in July.
    Located at 70 Bangor St. at the intersection of Bangor Street and Florence Avenue, Shiretown Office Emporium offers a wide array of office, school and art supplies. Filling the shelves of the store are stacks of copy paper, markers, and numerous educational tools for teachers and home-schooled children to use in the classrooms.
    “We were looking to fill a void here in Houlton, where the average working family could go and shop for school and office supplies,” she said. “I’m really excited about the art supply aspect of the business. We are currently working with several art suppliers and product is starting to arrive. Artists input will continue to be valuable as we move forward in our inventory.
    While her husband, who serves in the military, is a partner in the business, her sister Holly Ross works in the shop. The two siblings got their first exposure to the business world working in the their parents’ restaurant, “A & A Sub Shop” in Houlton while in their youth.
    Maker admitted she is not a salesman, but is busy visiting area businesses; introducing the Shiretown Office Emporium and seeing if her store can help fill their office supply needs.
    “In a time when everyone is making their dollars stretch, our aim is to give our area customers the best deal for their dollar,” Maker said. “Customer service is the main stay to our store. We strive to ensure the best quality experience and service, while trying not to let outside problems with vendors interfere. We will get your product for you, if you give us that opportunity.”
    Shiretown Office Emporium is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the business, call 532-3030 or email shiretownofficeemporium@ pwless.net.