Staff Writer
The Caribou Trading Post is trading places.
Also known as the Pawn Shop and the Caribou Gun Shop, the business at 9 Water Street is moving across the street to larger quarters in order to expand and better display its new and used firearms inventory, according to owner Garnet Disy.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Derick Plourde of Fort Kent, left, inspects a handgun at the Caribou Trading Post’s new location at 24 Water St. in Caribou. Waiting on him is the trading post’s owner Garnet Disy, right, and Gerald Michaud, a trading post employee. The Trading Post has moved its firearms inventory from its original location at 9 Water St. and plan to move the store’s entire operation later this year.
“The main focus (of the trading post) has always been the firearms, but there wasn’t room for display,” Disy said. “This (place) is wide open and (handicapped) accessible.”
The business has already moved its gun and accessories inventory to the building at 24 Water St. while the remainder of the business remains at the original site for the present time.
The business was started nearly 50 years ago by Anthony Disy, her husband’s, Tony Disy, grandfather. It has been a staple on Water Street ever since. Tony Disy’s aunt, Mary (Disy) Dingledien, ran an antiques shop in the building in which the Trading Post is expanding.
“It is a family business,” Disy said.
To accommodate the business’s expansion, Disy and her family have been totally renovating the facility at 24 Water Street. New display cases, counters and shelves have been built. In addition, the building has had new electrical wiring and a new heating system installed.
“Everything you see is new,” Disy said.
The first section of the new store has been nearly finished, while the remaining three parts of the building are under construction, according to Disy.
When the renovations are complete and the entire pawnshop inventory is moved, Disy anticipates that the entire building will be utilized.
Center to the business will be the sale of firearms, according to Disy.
“We’re reestablishing the world of guns,” Disy said. “This a brand new world for me. It’s very exciting for me.”
Disy said she was afraid of firearms at one time in her life. However, a “very wise” customer explained to her that it was the person behind the gun that caused problems.
Earlier in her life, she was busy raising a family and didn’t have any interest in the firearm industry. At the same time, the old store did not have room for adequate display of the merchandise.
With the renovated store and improved display area, Disy said customers are in awe of the new quarters.
In addition to herself, her husband, and her father-in-law, Eddie Disy, the business employs one other person, Gerald Michaud, who works with the firearms.
Disy’s son, Cole Disy, hopes to become involved in the business when he is discharged from the U.S. Navy later this year. At the same time, the sailor, who mans a five-inch gun on his ship, he plans to study business.
Disy said that the renovation and move may be complete by the end of the summer. Then, the former business site may be renovated into apartments, according to Disy.
The shop is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The telephone number at the new shop is 498-2100. The shop offers service in English and French.
