Mall, Staples reach lease deal
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with Staples, the office products store located at the Aroostook Centre Mall, have confirmed the business won’t be leaving the Star City at the end of February, as previously stated.
Mall Manager Patti Crooks said she’s glad negotiations went positively.
“We were able to reach an agreement and are very happy to announce Staples will be staying at the mall,” said Crooks.
A Staples official reiterated Crooks’ report of a lease agreement between the mall and the company.
“Staples is pleased to announce that our location in Presque Isle will remain open,” said Karen Pevenstein, manager, public relations for the national chain.
Pevenstein said lease negotiations were ironed out earlier this month, resulting in the company’s decision to remain in Aroostook County.
“We successfully renegotiated our lease and are delighted to remain part of the Presque Isle community to offer residents our products and services,” Pevenstein said.
Crooks stressed the importance of shopping locally.
“The part we need to remember is that we must continue to support them (Staples) so they can continue to build a successful business. There are 25 jobs/employees at Staples locally to help them achieve that goal,” said Crooks.
The mall manager said she’s thankful to have helped retain over two dozen jobs at the mall facility.
“That’s great news in a tough economy. We all have to come out and support Staples and all our local businesses now. The jobs we help keep may be your neighbor’s, a friend’s or a family member’s. Shopping locally keeps the money in the community, where it’s needed most,” said Crooks.
