Beals Variety back in business

10 years ago

By Gloria Austin
Staff Writer
    HOULTON — Beals Variety has reopened for business in Market Square. Last week, owners Shelley and Mike Beals had a soft opening with a very good response.

Pioneer Times photo/Gloria Austin
BU-CLR-bealsvariety-dc-pt-30REOPENED — Beals Variety has reopened in Market Square after being closed for about two months after a pipe broke in the building. Ready for business again are, from left, Kim Carmichael, Shelley and Michael Beals.

    Through their transition in the last few months, the Beals extend a thank you to their customers for their  patience and continued support.
    After losing their inventory after a water pipe burst in May, Beals Variety was forced to close for about two months while the store was dried and refreshed with new floors.
    Since some shelving and their inventory was ruined during the flooding, the Beals decided not to replace as much shelving, creating a more spacious area, while restocking at this time with Fall (Halloween) and Christmas (wintertime) décor.
    “One line we are going to stock more is party supplies,” said Shelley. “We have not gotten all the items yet. But, that will be something we offer more of.”
    Another new product line at Beals Variety is the “Hidden Treasures and Sweet Treats” by Kim Carmichael. She will be offering a variety of homemade goodies for customers.
    “I will be adding to the line all the time,” Carmichael said.
    Beals Variety will continue to adjust its inventory as sales provide in a stressed economy. The store has been steadfast in the downtown area and Mike Beals said, “We would love to see more people shop in the downtown.”
    Beals Variety is a collective assortment of an array of products from greeting cards, embroidering threads, craft and scrapbooking items to home décor and a surplus of unique, affordable merchandise. They have just brought back one of the more popular items they sold when they were at their 84 Main St. location … candy.
    Beals Variety may not be a big store, but they offer considerable savings, with a little something for everyone.