PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Merchants on the Corner has a new owner.
Arlen Dow, owner of the Braden Theater, bought the store that sells knitting supplies, a selection of beer and wines, and assorted wares, for an undisclosed sum.
Employees and family members were in the store on Nov. 9 putting up Christmas themed holiday decorations. Merchants on the Corner is located at 394 Main Street and will be open to the public on Wednesday, Nov. 15.
“[Merchants on the Corner] was close to our other business, the movie theater, so it’s just down the street and we are hoping to tie the two together in some way,” Dow said.
Dow said he is considering changing the store hours in order to be open later for customers. Specialty gift baskets and new merchandise such as wine glasses and accessories are also part of his plan.
“We are hoping to find all of our knitters and cross stitchers,” said Lisa Cray, store manager. “We are going to be open to people saying what they like to see if there’s something we could bring in.”
Orders for the upcoming holiday season are going to be put in this weekend, according to Cray.
“What [the new products] will be is going to be a surprise for everybody,” Cray said.
The sale of Merchants on the Corner was announced by previous owner Chantel Graves on Oct. 29 through the store’s Facebook page. Dow took over store operations on Halloween.
Another business occupying retail space in the back of the store is children’s clothing seller Simon & Estelle, which has moved in with women’s clothing merchant Ever Rhode.
