6 June 2024
A Bangor gift shop open since the mid-1980s will likely close in July if its owners, who are preparing for retirement, cannot find someone to take over the business.
The owners of Rebecca’s, Rick and Rebecca Vigue, announced in January they will retire and sell the business. They said they hope to retire in or around June, but because the Vigues haven’t found a buyer, the store is likely to remain open a little longer to clear out remaining products.
The Vigues, who opened Rebecca’s in November 1985, put the business up for sale with the hope that the next person to acquire it will carry on its legacy as a cornerstone in downtown Bangor. While some have inquired about buying the business, they could not make the financial commitment, Rick Vigue said.
“I think it’s a little difficult for people getting money these days,” he said Wednesday. “The banks are not terribly generous.”
The retail shop, at 43-45 Main St., offers Maine-made products, including chocolates, candles, wine, baby clothing and a variety of antiques. Rebecca’s is also a year-round Christmas shop because when it was launching, the Vigues were looking for a theme to attract customers, and they were inspired by a store they frequented in Portland.
The shop is also known for its Brewer-made ceramic blueberry dishware, which it has sold since its first day in business and still has on its shelves. The hand-painted items are popular not only among local shoppers but out-of-state tourists who visit each year.
The Vigues sold the buildings at 43-45 and 49 Main St. in preparation for their retirement, but the new owners are not interested in taking over the business, Vigue said.
They have not set a closing date, but most merchandise in the shop is 35 percent off, and only a handful of products are being restocked. Display cases, shelves and other fixtures are also for sale.
In February, the Vigues reflected on nearly 40 years in business and how they will miss their dedicated clientele. Customers near and far have sent the couple well wishes over the past several months, Vigue said.
“We’d love to see the tradition continue and so would a lot of other people, but it’s kind of sad,” he said about the shop’s likely closing. “I’m afraid there is going to be a void on Main Street.”