Houlton sporting goods store for sale

5 years ago

HOULTON, Maine — A popular local outdoor sporting goods store that has become a haven for hunters, campers and fishermen is now up for sale.

Michelle Crane, owner of MACS Trading Post, said Monday that the business was listed for sale last week. She and her husband, Darrin Crane, have owned the business for about 10 years.

She said she has no special reason for putting the store, which is located at 54 North Street, up for sale.

“My husband is planning to retire, so we are just planning ahead,” she said.

Crane is a Maine State Police sergeant.

The trading post is frequented by outdoor enthusiasts, who are attracted to its fishing and hunting supplies, firearms and ammunition, as well as its kayaks and canoes. The shop also features winter clothing and recreational gear.

Through their store, the Cranes also have donated a number of items to local community organizations, including firearms that have been raffled off for benefit fundraisers over the years.

Jason Hogan of Houlton, a frequent shopper at the store, said Monday, “I really hope they find a buyer. That is a great store to have in Houlton and they do an awesome job running it. They have everything you need and if they don’t, they’ll get it.”

Peter Henderson, another Houlton resident, agreed.

“That is a really great store,’ he said. “I can’t tell you how many times I have been in there, and when my cousins come up here to hunt and ice fish with me, we always stop in there. I love to shop local to support the stores we have here, and they provide a great reason to do it. They have a nice firearms collection.”

The 4,940 square-foot store is listed for sale at $449,900 through Northern Maine Realty.

Crane said Monday that there has been some “initial interest” in the store since it was listed.