CARIBOU, Maine – After seeing business grow steadily, a used home appliance store in Limestone has moved to a larger location in Caribou.
Norstar Appliance opened its new showroom Tuesday in the Bennett Drive shopping plaza.
Owner Adam Peckham and business partner Frank Beal first opened Norstar on Main Street in Limestone in 2021, and later relocated to a larger space on the same street.
Beal has since retired due to medical issues but Peckham stayed on, and recently signed a new contract to sell more used and returned appliances. The new location is 5,300 square feet and can accommodate 260 more appliances, compared with around 200 at the 2,200-square-foot Limestone store.
“This [space] came up and was a good fit,” Peckham said. “We think it’s going to bring a lot more traffic and exposure. Even if some people don’t need an appliance now, they might later.”
Peckham, who lives in Caswell, began repairing laundry and kitchen appliances as a side hobby eight years ago for family and friends. He soon found his services in greater demand, which eventually led to the first Norstar store.
In addition to selling used washers, dryers, ovens and refrigerators, Peckham and employee Brandon Parent also offer repair services at the store or in people’s homes. Peckham currently is looking to hire at least a few employees to expand repair services, which are offered from as north as Fort Kent to just below Houlton.
“Generally, if something is working well, we could have [an appliance] anywhere from 10 to 20 years old, but it varies. I’m working on one now that’s only six months old,” Peckham said.