Bamma’s Baskets prepares for weekend grand opening

By Kathy McCarty  
Staff Writer
    PRESQUE ISLE — What began as a dream at Merchants on the Corner, located at 394 Main St., has taken flight in recent weeks, as new co-owner Chantel Graves stepped up to the challenge, at former owner Angie Graves’s request.
Photo courtesy of Chantel Graves
MERCHANTS ON THE CORNER Manager Nan Carmichael and Chantel Graves, co-owner, welcome customers of all ages to attend the grand opening of Bamma’s Baskets, the facility’s newest addition, on Saturday, May 1, at the Main Street, Presque Isle, location.
    “My mother-in-law (Angie) asked me if I’d ever be interested in running this place. I thought a former business on Main Street — the Silver Basket — was a neat idea and realized the city needed something like that again,” said Chantel Graves.
    Thus was born the latest addition to Merchants on the Corner, Bamma’s Baskets, with May 1 — also known as ‘basket day’ — set for the grand opening.
    When asked where such a unique name came from, Graves was quick to note the family connection.
    “My kids have always called Angie ‘Bamma,’ and since Merchants on the Corner was her concept, I thought it was a rather fitting name for the latest addition to the business,” she said.
    Graves said she was hesitant to accept the challenge, given the fact she’s a busy mom with four children under 7 years of age. After giving it some consideration, she agreed, officially taking the reins of the establishment in February.
    “I’m trying to incorporate family in a lot of this. I have them here helping on weekends,” said Graves.
    What once was a site for several vendors to display their wares has evolved into a showroom of many displays, but with a single management team instead of a variety of consignees.
    “We no longer have individuals selling their goods and multiple records to keep. I now purchase items from those vendors outright, then display them for sale. This streamlines the bookkeeping process and allows me to put like items together, instead of having separate display areas,” explained Graves.
    Graves said running the business alone was not an option, given her busy schedule.
    “I decided I needed some help, so I began the search for someone to help manage the place,” said Graves.
    Her search ended just over three weeks ago when Nan Carmichael was hired as manager.
    “Nan brings with her a wealth of retail knowledge. She’s also a native of the area and knows so many people. She stepped right in and has been a huge help in getting Bamma’s Baskets ready for our opening,” said Graves.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MADE IN MAINE — A wide selection of items made right here in Maine can be found at Bamma’s Baskets in Presque Isle — perfect for creating that one-of-a-kind gift basket. Co-owner Chantel Graves and Manager Nan Carmichael — pictured in the background, from left — take pride in carrying a number of products made in Maine, with several that are created here in Aroostook County, including Shipwreck Salsa, Sadie’s the Lady soap and North Country jams and jellies.
    Carmichael said she’s looking forward to her new position.
    “I’m glad to be back on Main Street. I love the community and enjoy working with customers. This is such a great place, with so many neat items for folks of all ages,” said Carmichael.
    The business still carries a variety of yarn and sewing supplies, as well as a variety of literature by local authors, artwork by local artists and homemade products.
    “We have a wide range of sewing items, including one of the best selections of buttons in the area. We also carry skeins of yarn in just about every color imaginable. We have handmade doll clothes that will fit the American Girl dolls,” said Graves, noting they’re also suitable for real ‘dolls.’
    “The clothes would probably fit preemies too,” she said.
    It’s the local nature Graves is trying to capture at the business. Many of her items are made by local individuals, with a number of wares originating right in Maine.
    “We’re trying to focus more on Maine goods, especially those created locally. We have products like Shipwreck Galley Salsa; Salmon Brook Valley lobster-shaped maple suckers and jugs of maple syrup; we carry North Country jams, jellies and pie fillings; Robin’s Hot Fudge; and Sadie’s the Lady soaps. We also carry a variety of goods created elsewhere in Maine,” said Graves. “We also have books by local authors  including: Ted Blanchard, Fred Field, Bob Crowley, John Hone and Marion Cassidy; and artwork for sale by artists like Lisa Desjardins and John Holub.”
    The store also carries items for the Presque Isle Historical Society, including the Sesquicentennial collector plate and fire station coffee mugs.
    “And we also carry a selection of wines,” added Graves.
    Graves said the goal with Bamma’s Baskets is to give customers a multitude of choices combined with the convenience of having someone else put gifts together in one-of-a-kind gift baskets.
    “We take orders over the phone or via the Internet. If someone wants a basket for a baby shower, for a hostess gift, birthday, wedding or anniversary gift, we can put something together. Prices vary, depending on what they want in the basket,” said Graves. “We also carry some gift certificates on site. We can create what we call our ‘spa’ basket if people like.”
    Baskets come in a variety of sizes and come complete with wrapping and all the trimmings. If a customer chooses a single gift instead of a whole basket, that can be wrapped to, for a minimal fee.
    “We can wrap anything we sell. If a customer wants it wrapped, for a small fee we’ll find a way to wrap it,” said Carmichael.
    Grand-opening festivities will include a cake-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m.
    “Torri Huston will be making a basket-shaped cake for the event. Leslie Smith will be doing massage demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. And for the entire week we’re offering 10 percent off everything in the store, not just at Bamma’s Baskets,” said Graves.
    Business hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    “We’re planning to start more knitting classes,” noted Carmichael.
    Graves said she’s honored to carry on her mother-in-law’s dream.
    “I’m carrying on her legacy — giving her dream wings. I want to take her dream to the next level,” said Graves. “I’m looking forward to our grand opening and hope to see a lot of friends and make new acquaintances.”
    For more information or to place an order, call 764-1255 or e-mail ccyr0004@maine.rr.com.