Staples, CardSmart leaving Mall
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Aroostook Centre Mall may soon be without one of its larger retailers, if Staples officials follow through with their plans to close the store, located behind Sears on the north side of the shopping center.
Karen Pevenstein, manager, Staples public relations, made the announcement in an e-mail to the Star-Herald dated Thursday, Jan. 5.
“I can confirm it (the Presque Isle store) is closing, effective the end of February,” wrote Pevenstein.
In a similar letter to Theresa Fowler, executive director, Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, Pevenstein reiterated the store would close by the end of next month, adding that there were “no immediate plans to open a new location” and that “we will certainly keep you posted should anything change.”
Patti Crooks, manager of the mall, said in a recent phone interview that there was still a possibility Staples could remain in Presque Isle, but it all depends on contract negotiations.
“We’ve (owner of the mall Sitts Asset Management and Crooks) been trying to negotiate a lease with Staples officials for several months but have been unable to reach an agreement. Talks are continuing,” said Crooks.
Crooks said word of the closure came as a bit of a surprise, since she’s been actively trying to discuss the matter with company officials for some time now.
“I put calls in to their corporate offices through the holidays that went unreturned. I am continuing to try to keep the line of communication open,” she said.
“The community is losing a very important part, if Staples closes. But should they close, maybe some local businesses will benefit from the loss — pick up business,” said Crooks. “I’m devastated to think they may be leaving the market. I’m still working to prevent it from happening.”
Staples isn’t the first loss the mall has had this winter. CardSmart, owned by Paul Desjardins who owns several other locations in southern Maine, closed its doors recently, giving no advance warning.
“Paul didn’t renew his lease the past couple years — had been paying month to month. I knew when the lease wasn’t renewed that something like this might happen,” said Crooks.
Owners of an eatery at the mall also announced recently the facility might close.
“Domingo and Maria Cruz own Jalepeno’s, the Mexican food spot across from Deb’s. They were considering closing, so they could move to be closer to their only child, a daughter, who plans to go to college elsewhere. They’re considering other options at this point and may not be closing,” said Crooks.
Crooks said Jalepeno’s offered “phenomenal products” that attracted a steady flow of business.
Crooks said Staples’ plans have nothing to do with TJ Maxx and everything to do with the economy.
“National and local sales factor into these decisions and what stores are willing to negotiate when it comes to leases. If anything, TJ Maxx’s plans to open should encourage Staples to stay, not leave,” said Crooks.
Officials with TJ Maxx entered a lease agreement with the Aroostook Centre Mall last year, with plans to open sometime in 2012.
“TJ Maxx signed a lease. They’re moving ahead with an August/September opening. The company typically opens during certain times of the year — spring and around school starting. We’re looking forward to having them here,” said Crooks.
As a community and a county, Crooks said shoppers “need to support local retailers,” be it at the mall or elsewhere.
“Online sales are contrary to local business. You may think because you’re ordering in the store and having it shipped to the store, that you’re shopping locally. But the fact is, that sale benefits the corporate office, not the local retailer. If the store orders the item to place in their stock, then the sale counts toward their end-of-year sales figures,” said Crooks. “Shopping locally not only saves gas for the shopper, it saves jobs and businesses.”
