A downtown Bangor store that sold creations from more than 260 Maine artisans unexpectedly closed Monday.
Maine Micro Artisans is closed, owner Mary Plummer posted on its website. The store had moved to downtown Bangor on Aug. 30 after leaving the Bangor Mall.
It’s the latest in a string of businesses that have closed in downtown Bangor in recent months, including Central Street Farmhouse, Rebecca’s Gift Shop and Queen City Cinema Club.
“We have fought tooth and nail for Maine Micro Artisans and our maker community,” Plummer said.
The store was behind on payments and refunds, Plummer said. There were some unexpected “really big obstacles” that it cannot get around, she said. No additional details were provided.
Plummer said the store was not perfect and faltered during the expansion and changes.
“I was unprepared for the size and scale that would be required for our jump in Bangor,” she said.
All of the work took a toll on Plummer and her family, she said. They have nothing left to give and must pull themselves “back from the brink.”
The store was dark and still filled with products Tuesday afternoon. No closed signs were posted in the windows and a phone call went unanswered.
Plummer encouraged people to still shop at small local businesses and support those makers. Letting staff go was one of the worst moments of her life, she said.
In the 2 ½ years the store was open, artisans made more than $500,000 and the store’s four night markets this summer brought in more than $350,000 for vendors, Plummer said.
Bangor Greendrinks, a local charity group, was scheduled to host its monthly event at Maine Micro Artisans on Tuesday. The event was canceled because of “unforeseen circumstances with our host venue,” the group said Monday afternoon.
Other downtown Bangor businesses that have closed in recent months include Rebecca’s Gift Shop and Queen City Cinema Club, which both closed in July; Italian restaurant Lavano’s and Wicked Brew Cafe both closed in September; Central Street Farmhouse announced it will close by the end of November; and Bangor Arts Exchange will close later this year.
