Sears closing in Presque Isle
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with Sears Holdings have announced plans to close the Sears store located at the Aroostook Centre Mall by fall.
“The Sears store in Presque Isle will close to the public in mid-October. Until then, the store and auto center will remain open for customers,” said Howard Riefs, director of corporate communications for Sears Holdings. “The store will begin its liquidation sale on July 26.”
This follows last year’s closing of about 100 Sears locations across the United States. While Riefs would not confirm the number of closings currently taking place, a search of the Internet revealed about a half dozen other locations in the U.S. plan similar closings.
“Store closures are part of a series of actions we’re taking to reduce ongoing expenses, adjust our asset base and accelerate the transformation of our business model. These actions will better enable us to focus our investments on serving our customers and members through integrated retail — at the store, online and in the home,” said Riefs.
Riefs reported the Presque Isle store has 58 employees.
“They will have an opportunity to apply for positions at other Kmart and Sears stores,” Riefs said.
Donella Leavitt, store manager, said the number was closer to 80 employees who’ll be displaced.
“We have 58 in full-line store staff, but we also have to incorporate the automotive folks, we have two delivery drivers and three cleaning people, for a total of about 80 employees,” she said.
Efforts are being made to assist staff in searching for a new job.
“The CareerCenter responded very quickly. Officials with the state unemployment office called and we will be setting up job fairs and have also been contacted by local businesses who are looking for people as well,” said Leavitt, “businesses looking to hire for the holidays, for example.”
Leavitt said she had “full confidence anyone who’d take any of my associates will want to keep them on.”
She said the news not only affects her staff but the region as a whole.
“This is very devastating for the community as well. The first Sears store started in 1948 on Main Street (where Rite Aid now is located). The store has seen a lot of people come through its doors,” said Leavitt. “It really has been a staple in the community.”
One former employee credits Sears for giving her a job opportunity relatively unheard of at the time.
“I started working for Sears on Main Street in 1984. I was the first female auto mechanic in Presque Isle. I was 20 and got great support from the auto manager, Claude Charette. I was a farm girl fresh off the farm. They trained me, took me in like family, invested in me,” said Jacqueline “Jackie” Goodine of Presque Isle.
Goodine said it was more than just a job for many who worked there.
“Working retail is like a family,” said Goodine. “I’m heartbroken about what’s going on. I worked for Sears for about five years, until I moved to New Hampshire. I’ve since shopped there for myself, bought children’s clothing there.”
She said she even held stock in the company until recently.
“I was a stockholder when I got done and held stock until Kmart got involved, then I sold my stock,” Goodine said. “This is definitely an economic hit to the community and Aroostook County as a whole.”
Mall Manager Patti Crooks had no comment about the closure at this time but did say the retailer would be missed by customers on both sides of the border.
Leavitt said the store was known for the friendships that developed, with past employees continuing to keep in touch long after their time with Sears came to an end.
“Retirees meet once a month at the Northeastland Hotel. To help continue that bond, we’re looking at hosting a celebration for all folks who worked here. We’re looking at reserving Mantle Lake around Aug. 18, to give employees — past and present — an opportunity to gather and reminisce about their time with the company,” said Leavitt.
Leavitt said she’s been given a tentative date of Oct. 13 as the last day the Presque Isle Sears store will be open for business.
