Shop opens in FF’s Village Square building
FORT FAIRFIELD — Momentum is building on Fort Fairfield’s Main Street, with another new business breathing new life into the community. Fashion Finds on a Dime recently opened its doors in the Village Square building.
Contributed photo
NEW FORT BUSINESS — Fashion Finds on a Dime, a clothing resale operation had been operated out of Monica Sprague’s Fort Fairfield home for many years, has opened in the Village Square on Main Street. The owner plans to take her passion for fashion, and people, and make a business out of it.
Monica Sprague, owner of Fashion Finds on a Dime, had operated her clothing resale operation out of her home for many years — often helping families in need with clothes for free. She decided the time had come to take her passion for fashion, and people, and make a business out of it.
“I know this is what God wants from me, to help people with nice clothes at affordable prices,” said Sprague. “People can’t afford $50 pairs of jeans and $100 dresses! What I do is take clothes that have a life left in them and get them in the hands of people who need them.”
While the clothes that Sprague sells are second-hand, she does not accept donations. Her sources are secret, but she is happy to separate the good from the bad and recycle both.
“Everything I hang on the rack is clean. It is in good shape and it is ready for a new owner,” stated Sprague. “The other items I receive that are too worn to pass along don’t go into the landfill without getting a second using, instead I donate them to farmers to use as rags. My business truly is about taking care of the community, and making sure our friends and neighbors have nice clothes to wear to work and school.”
Fashion Finds on a Dime, which is continually adding new merchandise, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“It is great to see more occupied storefronts on Main Street!” exclaimed Tim Goff, executive director of the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce regarding Sprague’s shop and Matt Nadeau’s salon Bella Vita that opened next door.
“Both of these businesses are good examples of entrepreneurs investing in our community. The old saying “a rising tide raises all boats” is certainly true when applied to economic activity in our downtown. We know people will visit one or both of these shops, and in the process visit other retail stores or stop and eat at a restaurant. That added economic activity only helps our community by keeping those dollars locally by supporting our businesses.”
The Village Square building was purchased in 2015 by Josh Cheney and Leigh Smith, who have worked tirelessly to reduce vacancy in the 20,000 square foot building while improving the local economy by supporting small businesses.
“We’re thrilled to be able to be an integral part of downtown Fort Fairfield,” said Cheney. “One of the best parts about what we are doing right now is that we are not just helping to grow the local economy, but we are working to help people pursue their dreams and their passions. Owning a small business takes an enormous amount of drive and determination, and we’re thrilled to be able to help people like Matt and Monica reach their goals. ”
Cheney and Smith hope to add even more to the local economy by providing support to other entrepreneurs.
“One of the ways that we helped both of these businesses get started is our new business incentive – for businesses that are new, or new to Fort Fairfield, we can provide a significant discount on their rent for the first part of their lease,” explained Cheney. “The first few months are a critical time for a new business, and we feel that by helping people get through those toughest times, they will be better positioned to succeed in the market long-term. We’d love to talk to anyone interested in starting or locating their business in Fort Fairfield.”