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| Gifts Galore, a new shop specializing in clean burning candles and tarts, opened at 159 Bennett Drive in Caribou. |
By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — Candle lovers rejoice! A new gift shop has opened in Caribou that specializes in clean burning, scented candles and flameless tart burners.
Gifts Galore, owned and operated by Fort Fairfield’s Julie McEwen, opened for business on Oct. 9. After selling her wares at local craft fairs for approximately four or five years, McEwen finally decided to open her own store.
“Everyone kept asking me, ‘Do you have a shop? Do you have a shop?’ Now I do!” McEwen explained about her decision to take on her own business.
McEwen opened her business in Caribou because of the town’s central location in The County and the availability of space. She also felt there was a need for variety in the town.
“I thought it would bring something different to Caribou,” she said.
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| Aroostook Republican Photos/Lisa Wilcox Owner Julie McEwen stands in front of a scented tarts display in her new shop, Gifts Galore, located at 159 Bennett Drive in Caribou. |
The brand of candles, burners and tarts that McEwen sells, Mia Bella, are made with an all-natural palm vegetable wax. The candles and tarts do not produce soot and come in a wide variety of scents.
The gift shop also offers other rustic-themed items and handmade creations, such as jewelry and wooden signs, made by a few of McEwen’s fellow crafters.
McEwen said she was pleased with her sales in the first week of operation.
Gifts Galore is located at 159 Bennett Drive, between the former Department of Motor Vehicles office, which is now a campaign office for local Democrats, and the Aroostook Republican office. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store is closed on Sunday and Monday.
