WATERVILLE — Two recent changes to the city’s constantly-evolving Main Street shopping district are happening nearly simultaneously, as Earth Bound, a women’s clothing boutique is closing, while a dog supply and self-grooming store recently opened in the old Al Corey’s Music building.
Waterville Main Street Executive Director Jennifer Olsen said that while she’s sorry to see Earth Bound close, it opens up an opportunity for another motivated independent business owner to invest in Main Street, much as The Loyal Biscuit Co. did.
“We’re actually looking at other existing business in downtowns around Maine that may expand, or existing businesses in the city that would want to expand or relocate,” Olsen said. She wouldn’t provide any detail about what those businesses in Waterville or from elsewhere would be, saying the conversation is in the early stages.
“One of the things we think is really important is niche retail,” Olsen said. “They work really well.”
Jennifer Bergeron, owner of Earth Bound, which opened in 1998, said that the main reason for her closing was that it was time for a change after nearly 16 years of running locations in both Waterville and Hallowell.
“It’s been my goal for quite a number of years that when my daughter graduated to make a change,” Bergeron said. “It’s time for something different.”
Bergeron said the Hallowell location will close at the end of the month, while the lease for the Waterville location expires at the end of October. Bergeron isn’t sure whether she’ll close the store toward the end of September or at the end of her lease.
Bergeron and Olsen have talked about working together to find another business owner to fill the space.
“I’m pleased she reached out to us to find some way to work together in the transition,” Olsen said. “Personally, as a customer of the store, I’m sad.”
Bergeron said she told Waterville Main Street that another clothing store could be successful there, but it would have to be different from her boutique concept to work in the long term.
“If someone opened up a women’s clothing store with a different take on retailing, it could work,” Bergeron said, adding that with several consignments shops and dollar stores in the area, a high-end boutique such as Earth Bound didn’t quite fit. “I don’t think a traditional, boutique-style store is the right mix. I’m happy to help someone do it; I just don’t want to run it anymore.”
To fill the space, Olsen said she is in early conversations with stores with offices on main streets in other communities to see if there is any interest in expanding to the Waterville market, as Heidi Neal and her husband, Joel, did recently by opening a fourth location of Loyal Biscuit Co. The Neals’ store sells nutritional dog food and supplies and offers self-service pet washing and grooming stations.
“All of our stores are in Main Street communities,” Heidi Neal said, adding that the term “chain store” is not in her vernacular. “I don’t want to be a box store and cold and impersonal. Don’t call us a chain; that’s the worst word there is. That’s not what we are, nor what we want to be. We’re small; we’re independent. We’re focused on the community.
“We are very much the type of store that gets to know its customers and the dogs that come in,” Neal added. “Although I couldn’t tell you half of the humans’ names, but I know all the dogs’ names.”
Neal said her other stores — in Rockland, Camden and Belfast — typically partner with local animal shelters for fundraising opportunities, something she’s committed to doing with the Waterville store.
“We’re having a grand opening on Sept. 27 and we’ll incorporate some community aspect, whether it’s buy a bag and we’ll donate,” Neal said. “We’re still working on those details.”
In the past, Neal said she’s partnered with local restaurants to host a “Pint for Paws” event, through which a dollar of every beer sold goes to a nearby shelter.
“By being a part of a downtown and involved with the community and the different shelters and organizations around us — that’s who we are,” Neal said.
Olsen said she and Neal began conversations in April, shortly after the Al Corey Music Center building was purchased by Will Guerrette for $55,000.
“She announced her intent to open a store in May,” Olsen said. “Maine entrepreneurs are tenacious, and Heidi is a perfect example.”
The space inside Loyal Biscuit Co. has been transformed into a contrast of bright greens and oranges and purples with black floors and fixtures, while maintaining the unique architecture of the music center. A curved border throughout the store has been turned into a chalk board with some well-known pet quotes and two sound booths have been transformed into enclosed washing and grooming stations where people can take their dogs. One of the old Al Corey Music Center signs is being refurbished and framed for display, Neal said, as an homage to the Main Street locale.
“What we’ve come to realize with this space is its importance,” Neal said. “This space is a huge part of the Waterville community.”
Jesse Scardina — 861-9239
Twitter: @jessescardina
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