Maine’s retail sector this year was a mixed bag of store openings and closings, from eyeglass retailer Warby Parker’s arrival in Portland’s Old Port to the end of an era for Renys in downtown Portland but new chapters in Augusta and Waterville.
Here’s a look back at a dozen news highlights in 2025.
Party’s Over at Party City, which will close 2 Maine stores in February
Warby Parker sets sights on Portland, launching its first Maine store
Three Joann stores in Maine among 500 slated for closure
New bookstores will ‘bookend’ Saco and Biddeford
Aldi supermarket to open its first Maine store, in Portland
British fashion brand to shutter all 3 Maine stores amid US exit
Strong first chapter for Ogunquit’s only bookstore
Clothing retailer doubles its space with Old Port move
Arts and crafts general store, Nash & Co., set to open in Portland
Maine’s only Costco draws 1.8M shoppers to nearby businesses, report claims
Retailer Ashley will join an evolving South Portland furniture market