HOULTON, Maine — After working in retail for a number of years, Houlton’s Amy Carmichael figured it was time she branched out on her own.
Featuring exactly what the name of her business boasts, Amy’s This and That shop, located at 66 North St., has a wide variety of new and used goods. Her business includes primitive decor items crafted from wood, Paparazzi jewelry, as well as a line of “Melissa and Doug” toys.
“I prefer to call the items previously loved instead of second-hand,” she noted. “I really felt there was a need (in Houlton) for a store like mine. I try to keep my prices right in the middle, so it’s affordable for families.”
Operating her own business is something Carmichael had pondered for many years prior to taking the plunge. She bought the business on April 11 and after a few upgrades, opened
“This is something I have always wanted to do,” Carmichael said. “I worked retail all my life and had several management positions, so I know that side of the business.”
Social media has been a big part of Carmichael’s business plan. She regularly hosts “Facebook Live” sessions highlighting different products in her store. Those sessions have proven quite lucrative for her as she often sells dozens of items featured during her sessions.
Aside from selling goods, Carmichael also buys items, depending on what they are. Video games are currently one of the hotter products, she said. The country decor items, which include several items made by local crafters, are another big seller.
“A lot of people ask if I take donations, which I do,” she explained. “How that works, is I then give the person coupons for shopping in the store. I also donate a lot of items to benefit suppers. I have no problem giving back to the community.”
Carmichael said she hopes to expand the business to the second floor before Christmas to accommodate an even wider selection during the holidays.
Amy’s This and That is open Mondays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The business is closed on Sundays.
For more information, call Carmichael at 694-3826 or visit her Facebook page.
