By Barb Scott
Staff Writer
Bramble-a bush such as raspberry, blackberry or rose – brambleberry – the fruit of a bramble including raspberry, blackberry or rose hip.
If you haven’t finished your holiday shopping, make sure you mark Wednesday Dec,. 15 on your calendar and amble down to Brambleberry Market in Caribou.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Experienced crafter Debbie Sutherland has announced the opening of Brambleberry Market on Wednesday, Dec. 15. The store will feature country and primitive style gifts, candles, greeting cards, jewelry, home floral décor and even collection of bibles.
Debbie Sutherland has always wanted to open her own business and is now seeing her dream become a reality. Located in Caribou’s Downtown mall, in the space formerly occupied by radio shack, Brambleberry Market promises to be a shop one will want to visit time and again.
“When fully stocked,” said Sutherland, “Brambleberry market will offer country and primitive style gifts, candles, greeting cards, jewelry, home floral décor as well as a collection of bibles. I will also have a few handcrafted items tucked in among all the other treasures. Other gifts will include prints, tabletop lamps, Treenware, dishes and cookware.
“There will be a surprise around every corner, and we want our customers to truly enjoy their shopping experience,” said Sutherland.
“We [Sutherland and her husband Kendal] are very excited about our downtown location which provides great parking.”
In order to celebrate the many talented individuals that we have here in Maine, Sutherland also plans in the future to showcase an Artisan of the Month by displaying their handcrafted works.
“Please come in and check out the great talent we have amongst us,” she encouraged. “I am always intrigued by the local talent that we have around here and many of these artists keep their talents a secret, known only within a small circle of family and friends.”
The new business owner is no stranger to hand crafted items as she has worked creating silk and dried flower arrangements, wreaths, swags and painted rock animals for the past 20 years. Over the past 5 holiday seasons she has held four open-house events at her home. Last year, at the former Powers Theater building she joined forces with her sister in law, Alison Masse, along with friends Brenda Sirois and Denise Green, each whom specialize in a different craft.
During the 2009 shopping season the women were open for 9 days “the four of us were very sad when he closed up shop last year,” Sutherland said. “We heard many comments from our customers who wished we’d remain open all the time.”
“Opening this shop is a dream come true, it’s been a lot of hard work but I’ve had a tremendous amount of help from my husband and our families,” Sutherland stated. “Unfortunately we are off to a very late start this season but there is still plenty of time left for shopping,” she added. “Watch the local paper for our opening ad.”
Sutherland also welcomes customers to com in and set up a “wish list” (always appreciated by spouses who find themselves wandering for hours shopping for that special person on their list) and Brambleberry Market will also provide bridal registries.
Brambleberry Market’s extended holiday hours will be Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until 5: 30 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
For more information call 498-8000.
A new business in Caribou is always exciting and a welcome venture, so be sure to visit the Brambleberry Market opening Wednesday, Dec. 15.
