Entrepreneur finds success with opening of clothing, novelty store at mall

by Melissa Lizotte
4 years ago
Matthew Nadeau of Fort Fairfield recently opened Cosmic, a store that sells clothing and novelty items, in the Aroostook Centre Mall. (Staff photo/Melissa Lizotte)

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Matthew Nadeau of Fort Fairfield has become the latest local business owner to open a store at the Aroostook Centre Mall.

In October Nadeau opened Cosmic, a store that specializes in women’s clothing, health and beauty items and many novelty gift items such as holiday toys and clothing and customized T-shirts and decorative signs.

Cosmic is located in the former location of Claire’s, in the area of the mall that features JCPenney and Kay Jewelry. Nadeau said his inspiration for starting Cosmic came from wanting to give folks a unique shopping option that they’re hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

“We’re limited in the stores that people can find in this area, so I wanted to find merchandise that just about everybody can enjoy,” said Nadeau, who also owns Bella Vita hair salon on Main Street in Presque Isle.

Nadeau’s store comes at a time when many new businesses have recently opened in the mall, including Momma Bears Bake Shop and K-Zone Electronics. Back in July Bruce Brigman, who became the Aroostook Centre Mall manager this year, noted that bringing in small businesses is one of his goals to attract more stores and shoppers.

Since opening Cosmic, Nadeau said, he has received positive feedback from community members. He hopes to continue expanding the store’s inventory and promoting the importance of local shopping.

“People have been excited to see a new store in the mall,” Nadeau said. “It’s important that people shop here and keep retail stores alive.”