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| Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet Since the business first started 50 years ago, the Caribou Trading Post continues to be a family owned and operated business. Tony Disy, center, is the second-generation owner of the store; his wife Garnet, at right, owns the five-year-old expansion store, the Caribou Trading Post and Gun Shop. Their son, Cole, helps manage the stores and even the chocolate labrador Link does his part to help out. |
By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — The Caribou Trading Post has been a business staple in the community for the past 50 years, providing customers from central Aroostook and beyond with quality merchandise, rare items and bargains on everything from jewelry to guitars and seemingly everything in between — from Star trek bobble heads to vintage stereos and gaming gear to classic guns.
Founded in 1962 by Edward Disy, the trading post occupied only one storefront at less than half the space — and that was the store current owner Tony Disy grew up in, learning the industry from his father.
Since then, the business has expanded greatly.
Tony became the owner in 1984, and since then they’ve converted the then-neighboring four-bedroom apartment into additional store space. About five years ago, the business expanded even more, splitting its services and opening a second storefront just down the street.
Tony still owns and operates the Caribou Trading Post and Pawn Shop; his wife of 34 years, Garnet, owns and operates the Caribou Trading Post and Gun Shop. While the shop has grown and expanded, the Caribou Trading Post has remained a family business; after returning from four years in the service, Tony and Garnet’s son, Cole, has entered into the business as well.
But if not for the love of the industry, the family-oriented business may not have lasted to the post-Loring years; when the base was closing, Tony entertained the idea of getting out of the business.
“I decided to stick it out,” he said, describing how there were tough times all over. Tony said that one large reason he decided to keep the family business open is because he enjoys meeting the different people who come through his door every day.
Of course, owning a trading post and pawnshop means having an extensive knowledge of all things.
“I learned the ropes from Dad,” Tony said. Knowing more than a bit about everything, Tony remembers the most memorable item that came through the Trading Post’s doors since he was the owner.
“It was a Winchester Model 71, 348 caliber in perfect condition,” Tony recalled.
Whether they’re looking for a rare find or a common commodity, people in Caribou know that the Caribou Trading Post is the place to find everything and anything at a reasonable price.
If, by chance, someone in the region hasn’t taken the opportunity to peruse the Trading Post’s isles, Tony offers three of the friendliest words a shopkeeper can utter.
“Come on in,” he said with a smile.
The stores literally have thousands of items and keep accommodating hours for their patrons.
The Caribou Trading Post and Pawn Shop is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Caribou Trading Post and Gun Shop is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Additional information about the Caribou Trading Post can be obtained by calling 496-0351.
