Aroostook Dollar & Discount brings new business to downtown Houlton

Contributed photo/Michael Clark
NEW BUSINESS — Luke and Heather Jones of Houlton have opened a new Market Square business — Aroostook Dollar & Discount. The couple’s shop offers a variety of items for one dollar or less.
By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    Nestled in downtown Houlton is a new business operated by Luke and Heather Jones.
    Aroostook Dollar & Discount opened last Wednesday at 41 Market Square.
    “We’ve had a great day,” said Luke. “We had a lot of foot traffic come through, especially for a rainy day.”
    Aroostook Dollar & Discount offers an array of items for a dollar or less.
    “We offer everyday items at a lower cost that are still quality,” Heather explained. “With the economy the way it is, this gives people a way to afford party supplies, gifts and household items. We want to reach a variety of people, making items affordable, so people can still eat, drive and live a little.”
    Luke, a 2000 Houlton High School graduate, received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maine at Presque Isle last May.
    “I applied for different jobs and didn’t really come up with anything that fit in Houlton,” Luke said. “I had job offers outside of Houlton, but I wanted to stay in the area. So, I thought about a small business I could start with low overhead cost. The shop is something Houlton didn’t have at this point.”
    Heather attended several colleges before settling for the University of Maine in Presque Isle where she will graduate in the fall with a duel major in science and medical lab technology. She also works full-time at the Horn of Plenty.
    During the winter, Luke and Heather began getting in touch with multiple suppliers and distributors, looking for the right ones.
    “We are going with Pride Product,” said Heather. “They seem to give us the best quality. They are great. We’ve had really good luck with them.”
    On their first day, the couple found the popular items to be a few greeting cards, soda, water and cleaning supplies.
    “We will find out what sells and add more,” Luke said. “As we continue on, each time I order, I am going to get different items.”
    Heather said they would be stocking non-perishable items, as well.
    “We are staying away from subs and pizzas because of restrictions,” Luke added.
    As you look to the left of the counter, there is a Fieldstone Farm Product display.
    “My uncle, David Jones of Bangor, started the business about seven years ago,’ Luke said. “He sells mainly out of craft fairs and a few small shops.”
    All the jams and jellies are organic and homemade and consumers can learn more about the product by visiting its website at fieldstonefarms.com.
    “There are no preservatives,” Heather said. “It’s a good quality Maine product,” added Luke.
    Starting a business from scratch was not as difficult as Luke had imagined.
    “The main part was finding the right distributors and location,” he said. “Everyone we have talked to in the community has been extremely helpful. We have received a lot of support from downtown businesses, too.”
    Barbara Swallow of Houlton visited the store on its opening day and found the atmosphere to be welcoming.
    “It’s just what we need, a young couple starting out,” she said. “I like it. I love dollar stores. I am always looking for a bargain.”
    Swallow also commented on the paint on the exterior of the building to the wooden floors and walls within the store, as well as décor hanging. The wood shines with a natural look, while the décor consists of rounded photos of Houlton from the 1957 Bicentennial edition of the newspaper.
    “It’s light, bright and cheery,” she said. “There are lots of nice things.”
    Luke explained that before his shop, Steve Rodgers’ video store was there before he moved down the street to a larger location.
    “We painted the outside and built the counter,” he said.
    Luke’s parents, Dana and Elsie Jones, have resided in Houlton since 1982.
    “I have lived here the majority of my life,” he added.
    Heather’s is a 2005 graduate of Westbrook High School, but has local ties as her father, Garth Bailey, graduated from Houlton High School in 1982.
    With each person passing through their door, the couple is learning how to accommodate their customers.
    “We are writing down suggestions as they come,” Heather said. “We will be expanding our children’s toy section and party supplies. We can do special orders for parties if a customer comes in two weeks before the planned party.”
    For example, if someone is in need of items for a John Deere, Dora the Explorer or Barbie themed party, Aroostook Dollar & Discount can help.
    “We will try to fit, as closely as we can, to the theme the customer is trying to go with,” said Heather. “We can get hats, paper plates, cups, tablecloths and other items. It just helps get the party a bit more specialized.”
    As time goes on, the couple will look to expand.
    “Right now, we want people to come to the downtown to support all the businesses,” Luke said. “Our long-term goal is to increase merchandise, eventually hire a few employees and move to a bigger location.”
    With graduation approaching, Luke and Heather will be getting in graduation merchandise shortly.
    “Our balloons and helium tanks got stuck in the tornado,” said Heather. “But, I didn’t want to wait anymore,” said Luke. “I wanted to get open.”
    Aroostook Dollar & Discount is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are closed on Sunday.
    The couple is enthusiastic about their business and hopes to meet a need in Houlton and southern Aroostook. Part of their opening is raffling off a child’s bicycle. Stop in and sign up.
    “We are open to suggestions to make the business successful and to fit the need of everyone,” Luke said.