By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
When Cindy and Christopher Johnson opened The Cubby, a second-hand shop, in September last year, they felt strongly that this type of business would be supported by Caribou and the surrounding area, however, the response may have been greater than they might have imagined — and it grew quickly.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
Tammy Ouellette, left, of Caribou, makes a purchase at the new location of The Cubby, from proprietor Cindy Johnson. The Cubby, which opened in September, re-opened on Jan.3, at a larger space (site of the former Fitzgerald’s Office Supply,) the result of tremendous support from the surrounding communities.
When The Cubby first opened, it occupied the right-hand side of the former lobby area of the Powers Theatre building. Within a short span of time the Johnsons found themselves opening up the back space and even that did little to allow them to display the articles of used clothing, toys, furniture and home decorating items without being cramped for space. By December The Cubby needed a larger space for operation.
“I can’t say enough about Neil Sleeper,” stated Cindy Johnson, “he was our former landlord (Powers building) and he was just so accommodating to us when we realized we needed more space and Mike and Dottie Fitzgerald were just phenomenal working with us to make the move into their building happen. This space(site of the former Fitzgerald’s Office Supply/Boise Cascade and in the 1960s — home to Day’s Jewelry and Appliance Center).
“It’s so bright in here, the big windows are great and the space was so clean and ready to go for us when we opened on January 3,” said Johnson.
With 6,000 feet of floor space The Cubby’s aisles are very maneuverable now. “We even have shopping carts now, thanks to the generosity of Scott Carlin of the Mars Hill IGA, who donated the shopping vehicles,” said Johnson.
The response to The Cubby hasn’t been limited to just the Caribou area, “ We are getting donations of items from all over the state and we even have truck drivers who are volunteering to deliver these items to us,” explained Johnson.
Due to the increased space The Cubby will soon have a bargain basement open to shoppers and the second-hand business now also offers home building supplies. “We are also getting a ton of furniture donated,” Johnson added, “and these items are selling as quickly as we bring them in.”
The Cubby is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. Donations are accepted during this time and there is no need to call ahead. The business, now located on the corner across from the post office, will also make arrangements to pick up any items that are to be donated.
“We will be featuring the work of local artists and crafters at the shop,” reminds Johnson. “This month we have hand-made quilts created by Lorraine Hafford of Presque Isle,”she added. These items are not sold at discount prices.
“We are very grateful for the support we have received from our patrons and the local communities,” stated Johnson. “This is all about helping families and it is very obvious that people out there still have a lot of heart.”
