Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Despite the news of a poor economic picture nationally and internationally, Patti Crooks, manager of the Aroostook Centre Mall, said businesses at the mall are holding their own.
“Rumors began circulating when Claire’s announced it was closing the store at the mall. That was a corporate decision. Claire’s announced it would be closing several of its stores nationally, not just the one in Presque Isle,” said Crooks.
According to Crooks, Claire’s announced its plans for the local branch early in January.
“Their lease was up and company officials opted not to renew it when it expired Jan. 31,” she said.
The Christmas season showed “respectable numbers” for mall businesses, according to Crooks.
“We had some good numbers going into the holiday season,” Crooks said. “The national media focused on bad Christmas sales, but Presque Isle’s sales were respectable.”
Crooks is anticipating a relatively good spring and summer, given the currency exchange rate between the U.S. and Canada.
“The currency exchange rate is just one factor that affects communities that are in close proximity to a border. Another factor is fuel prices have remained pretty steady for some time now,” said Crooks.
Some of the mall stores have been there since it first opened 15 years ago. Crooks said despite rumors, the major anchors have just renewed contracts.
“Most of our businesses had signed 10-year leases, with a five-year option. JC Penney has renewed for five years, as has Sears,” said Crooks, noting many others have already renewed or are talking of renewing for two- or three-year terms.
“That’s a good sign,” she said. “Jackson Wireless bought out First Choice and has a new store at the mall.”
Crooks said at the 10-year mark, tenants have to determine if they’re going to renovate and renew their contract. Claire’s had reached that point and opted to close rather than invest in upgrades.
Also renewing its contract with the mall was Ruby Tuesday.
As one of the largest employers in Aroostook County, when you consider the staff at all the businesses housed at the mall, Crooks said convenience factors into the mall’s remaining a viable shopping option.
“People have to realize they have a mall in their back yard. Between Lowe’s and the mall, we employ about 750 who, in turn, rely on people’s need to shop local for their own livelihood,” said Crooks.
Crooks said people need to understand the majority of her tenants are national in nature, with decisions made at the corporate level. While national chains are an important part of the mall, Crooks continues to make efforts to attract local entrepreneurs as well, to give shoppers a variety.
Visitors to the mall this winter had the opportunity to see a variety of locally-made products being displayed and sold at the mall, including furniture made by a local Amish family.
“They came to a craft show and did fairly well. But because of their religion, they couldn’t run a store seven days a week. I matched them up with a Native American vendor who agreed to oversee sales for them during craft shows and such. The partnership has worked well and added a unique quality to mall sales,” said Crooks.
Crooks spoke highly of another sales team who’ve made a place for themselves at the mall.
“Steve and Paula Reynolds started out doing craft fairs and trade shows. I talked them into doing a store for the holidays. It evolved from there. They’ve had their own store here for a few years now and business has been good,” said Crooks, adding the owners of the Olde Rustic Attic reported sales in January were up over 2008 figures.
“They needed a venue to shine in and the support we could give them,” said Crooks.
Steve Reynolds said he and his wife enjoy running the business at the mall.
“We work at it, to keep it affordable. We have ever-changing displays,” said Steve.
While work keeps them busy, he said he likes what he does for a living.
“When you work for yourself, it’s a 24/7 job. There’s a lot of paperwork, placing orders, restocking, handling sales, but we love it,” Steve said. “The economy’s rough for everyone. It takes a commitment but we enjoy it. We’ve done well so far. It just takes work.”
Paula Reynolds acknowledged sales have been good this winter.
“Holiday sales were up a tiny bit, given the economy,” said Paula. “The economy doesn’t affect this area as much, I don’t think.”
With a variety of home decor, the Reynolds find sales are pretty steady, both from established customers who come back to pick up items for a particular theme when decorating, as well as new customers who may be decorating a new home or newlyweds setting up a new home, be it a house or apartment.
“Curtains are still popular. We carry a little bit of everything. Signs are very popular and one of our best-selling items,” said Paula. “When I buy for the store, I pick up things I like and hope others will too. When you can combine items to decorate, it can mean an increase in sales.”
The Reynolds find the store’s mix-and-match merchandise often means multiple sales.
“We often end up selling three items instead of one in that case,” said Paula.
Paula said the store’s success is all about commitment.
“It takes a dedication and willingness to do this seven days a week. You have to just go for it — believe in what you’re doing,” said Paula.
Crooks said she’s optimistic about the future.
“I see things getting bigger and better at the mall over the next three to five years. But I need the support of the county and state to see that that happens. I see the role we play in the community as a good citizen, providing jobs for local people, is very important,” she said.
While the mall relies on local shoppers, the facility also gives back to the public through various projects.
“We supported the AMHC fund-raiser, providing a place for them to sell raffle tickets, with proceeds benefiting the organization’s Sexual Assault Awareness Program. Retailers and the community have to work together. We also host games, karaoke nights, the Red Hat Society ladies come here for activities, other groups meet here. We provide a social gathering site,” said Crooks. “What would happen if the mall didn’t assume that role?”
But in order to provide such services to the community, Crooks said the community has to support mall businesses as viable shopping options.
As the economy continues to undergo change, Crooks said businesses will be faced with tough decisions and that change is inevitable but with a little Yankee ingenuity, we’ll make it through difficult times and be better for it.
“Harsh times force us to use creativity and Yankee ingenuity. Just because you see change doesn’t mean change is bad,” said Crooks. “I don’t have a crystal ball. But I have no reason to believe there will be any more closings. Out of the trauma and drama come great things. County people are strong people, with a can-do attitude.”
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
LIKE THE BENCH pictured here at The Olde Rustic Attic labeled “The Gathering Room,” the Aroostook Centre Mall continues to serve as the gathering spot for shoppers from miles around. Despite national news about the poor economy, the mall and its businesses are holding steady, with several stores recently renewing their contracts. The mall works with both national chains and locally-owned businesses like Rustic Attic, to ensure a variety of shopping options, while serving as a springboard for budding entrepreneurs.
