Most shoppers, even those who patronize local retailers, like the convenience and selection at superstores and chains. It is easier to outfit the family at one store than to visit half a dozen to find clothes for mom, dad and the kids. For other people, or at other times, the pleasure of seeking out the special, the unusual, is worth a trip to a boutique downtown or a favorite shop, even if it is out of the way. It is also a matter of finding the right niche to fill, as recent Waterville changes show. Berry's Stationers, a venerable source of office supplies, cards, gifts and framing, finessed a rent increase by moving to a new location on Main Street.
New stores continue to appear.
Waterville has a new sporting goods store, Red Oak Sports, on Main Street. Winslow will soon be served by a new VIP Discount Auto Center, under construction on Bay Street. The Family Dollar discount store has taken up residence at The Concourse, in downtown Waterville. Shaw's Plaza has seen extensive changes as Sally Beauty Supply moved to the Augusta Plaza on Western Avenue. The Mr. Paperback book and gift store closed.