By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Sears officials notified employees of the Sears store at the Aroostook Centre Mall the facility would be closing sometime in January 2015.
The store began its liquidation sale on Oct. 31.
Howard Riefs, director of corporate communications said store closures “are part of a series of actions we’re taking to reduce ongoing expenses, adjust our asset base and accelerate the transformation of our business model.” The store opened in 1994 as an original mall anchor.
“These actions will better enable us to focus our investments on serving our customers and members through integrated retail — at the store, online and in the home. Our investments in ‘Shop Your Way’ and ‘Integrated Retail’ enable us to migrate the shopping activity of highly engaged members, who previously shopped these closed stores, to alternative channels,” Rief said.
As a result, Rief said they hope to “retain a portion of the sales previously associated with these stores by nurturing and maintaining our relationships with the members that shopped these locations.”
The store has about 63 employees.
Mall officials had no comment on the announcement but did express concern over what it will mean to the local economy.
“It’s a tragic loss of jobs — even one lost job is hard to take. I can’t comment at this time on the Presque Isle closure but I am aware Sears is looking to close about 200 locations this year, with another 300-plus next year throughout the U.S.,” said Patti Crooks, mall manager.
Despite the news, Crooks said the mall outlook is looking good.
“Denise Carter has acquired the seamstress shop, changing the name to Denise’s Creative Touch. She’s more than just a seamstress. She’s adding crafts and supplies, plans to offer scrapbooking classes,” she said.
Youth activities are also growing at the mall.
“All-Star Gymnastics has expanded this past month, due to increased interest. Class enrollment is up at Moondance by 20-25 percent. They’re ideal compliments to the Aroostook Centre Mall. The parents can shop or get a coffee and watch their kids. There’s plenty of parking;” said Crooks.
A new furniture store has also joined the mall lineup.
“The Amish from Smyrna have a unique type of cooperative situation going. We lease with the Amish but they’re partnered with Works of Heart in Caribou, taking advantage of that retail experience. It’s a collaborative effort that benefits all,” said Crooks.
Crooks said she continues to look for new and exciting opportunities for the mall, especially locally-based ventures.
“We have a nice blend of national retailers and locally-owned businesses. I’m constantly on the lookout for new options, especially ideas that originate here in The County,” she said. “We continue to pursue options best suited for the region.”
