Eastport vs Calais (Bangor, Lubec: renting, hotel, buyers)

[New Englander]

I am working with a Maine based family friend on a retail venture. We are still doing research on what might make sense, whether its a coffee shop, laundromat or some other establishment that would be needed in town, preferably on a Main Street.

Due to the pandemic, I know that Eastport has been hurt by the lack of tourism. Similarly, Calais has been negatively impacted by the closure of the Canada border crossing. Setting these present concerns aside, I wanted to get some opinions on which town is a better option when it comes to retail businesses? These are my thoughts based on a few trips:

Eastport: Beautiful, lively during the summer. Heavy reliance on tourism dollars. Off the beaten path -- I can hear my friend's howls of laughter in my head, however I am speaking solely based on my trips from Bangor.

Calais: Grittier, has a stronger commercial presence, hospital and the connection to Canada. The revenue here would be much more 'balanced' rather than relying heavily on tourism. Location in St. Croix Valley much more central (add more howls of laughter from my friend).

Since this will be a joint venture, with my role being renting the space, getting it fitted for retail, while my friend will be providing the inventory and running the place, I'd like to get some local opinions on the matter. My lean is towards Eastport, however I would prefer an year round business rather than one that is most active in the summer months. Once we have narrowed things down between Eastport and Calais, I will certainly speak with economic development offices in both places to see what makes sense.

I would love to have your thoughts..

[Maine Writer]

Calais. How about a health food store? There's a farmers market for two hours on Tuesdays in summer and fall, and there's a buyers club on Saturdays. The health food store is missed.



Calais has a diner, cafe, laundromat, and small stores. My Favorite Things reopened in the old Urban Moose store (old bank on the corner).

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Calais. How about a health food store? There's a farmers market for two hours on Tuesdays in summer and fall, and there's a buyers club on Saturdays. The health food store is missed.

Calais has a diner, cafe, laundromat, and small stores. My Favorite Things reopened in the old Urban Moose store (old bank on the corner).

Thank you for the response. By health food store, you mean place where nutitional supplements, body care products and organic foods are sold? If so, I'd be very interested in that.

I'm glad to hear that My Favorite Things reopened in the Urban Moose Store - I stopped by Urban Moose last year and was sorry to see it close down.

Calais does seem to have most of the usual commercial activity.

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Calais. How about a health food store? There's a farmers market for two hours on Tuesdays in summer and fall, and there's a buyers club on Saturdays. The health food store is missed.



Calais has a diner, cafe, laundromat, and small stores. My Favorite Things reopened in the old Urban Moose store (old bank on the corner).

Is the laundry mat still open? I had heard that it closed... I'll have to check this weekend.

[svband76]

Originally Posted by New Englander

Thank you for the response. By health food store, you mean place where nutitional supplements, body care products and organic foods are sold? If so, I'd be very interested in that.

I'm glad to hear that My Favorite Things reopened in the Urban Moose Store - I stopped by Urban Moose last year and was sorry to see it close down.

Calais does seem to have most of the usual commercial activity.

I would second a health food store. I've been to Eastport many times, never to Calais. Eastport is indeed off the beaten path and isolated. Calais has for better or worse more commerce, a Walmart and near Canadian border and probably a better bet.

Also, a healthier vegetarian friendly diner, cafe in either place would be a good bet. Or an ethnic food joint. Good luck.

[Submariner]

Originally Posted by New Englander

I am working with a Maine based family friend on a retail venture. We are still doing research on what might make sense, whether its a coffee shop, laundromat or some other establishment that would be needed in town, preferably on a Main Street.

Due to the pandemic, I know that Eastport has been hurt by the lack of tourism. Similarly, Calais has been negatively impacted by the closure of the Canada border crossing. Setting these present concerns aside, I wanted to get some opinions on which town is a better option when it comes to retail businesses? These are my thoughts based on a few trips:

On your proposed timeline, when do you anticipate the plandemic ending, when will this lock-down be lifted?

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by AustinB

Is the laundry mat still open? I had heard that it closed... I'll have to check this weekend.

It's open. DH was there last weekend after our washing machine had a nervous smoke down.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by Submariner

On your proposed timeline, when do you anticipate the plandemic ending, when will this lock-down be lifted?

What lockdown, I miss something within the last 13 hours???


As for Calais, I hear they could use a decent hotel around there. Or better yet, a good taco stand.

[Maine Writer]

Originally Posted by New Englander

Thank you for the response. By health food store, you mean place where nutitional supplements, body care products and organic foods are sold? If so, I'd be very interested in that.

Yes. I've worked in food and ag in this part of the county for 20+ years. I can make some suggestions on cheesemakers, bakers, herbal health care products, wool yarn, meat, and other things if you decide you want to look into the idea.

[MovingtoMass2019]

Have you considered Lubec for a coffee shop?

While the town can't sustain higher-end dining year round, locals would love a place to get coffee, easy pickups, and you could even stock baked goods from the local bakers who sell at the Farmer's Market.

And, you'd have a huge influx in the summer for Summer Keys.