Alice Yardley says the outlook for retailers in the Old Port seems “optimistic, but there are definitely challenges that have affected us this year.”
Alice Yardley, namesake of Alice Yardley Maine, a handcrafted leather brand, believes that the outlook for retailers in the Old Port seems “optimistic, but there are definitely challenges that have affected us this year.”
“Speaking for myself and my business, I will say that I’m getting a better feel for the seasonal retail patterns downtown,” Yardley adds. “The thriving tourist season during the summer and fall months is really the driving factor for the success of a lot of the local shops. Most tourists want a genuine Maine experience and seem more likely to shop smaller local brands. I’ve noticed some seasonal retail shifts in the winter this year, with more people likely to shop online rather than in-store.”
Yardley says that the economic pressures of buyers and increased spending on supplies — with tariffs a factor — has definitely been something to keep an eye on, however it’s hard to predict how these will affect businesses long term.
“In terms of downtown Portland as a whole, retail performance is greatly affected by location, even block by block, so it’s important to keep up with retail neighbors and support those around you to create vibrancy, encourage safety and promote local success,” says Yardley.
