CAMDEN—Two new businesses have filled the vacant storefronts left from the pandemic in Camden and two stores have re-opened. All of these businesses opened after we published our annual Midcoast business round-up story, “Welcome back to the Camden area, Snow Birds 2021!”

New in Camden

Blue Jay Baby Boutique

A baby and gift boutique took over the corner shop at 2 Main Street this past spring. Owner Carissa Parini is fourth-generation Main Street merchant. Her grandfather, Harold Corthell, owned Haskell and Corthell a department store that spanned the now four storefronts on both Main Street and Mechanic street.

Her grandfather, Kenneth Dickey, eventually took over the business until they closed in 1994. That year, her father, Bill Dickey, who worked for her grandfather opened Camden Custom Embroidery with her mother, Liana. They sold the embroidery business and continued the T-shirt shop under Main Street Imprints until they retired last fall.

Having grown up in retail, and working various retail jobs throughout high school and college, Parini came up with the concept for Blue Jay after researching what downtown Camden was missing and needed. The boutique offers boys' girls' and gender-neutral clothing and accessories.

“I went into the buying process as if I was buying for my own family and friends,” she said. “I had a lot of help from new moms on brands, styles, and sizing.  I’m currently carrying sizes Newborn to 2T. Styles range from basics to classic summer styles. I’m also carrying great gift options such as rattles, blankets, and books, there are also jewelry options for mothers. My goal is to bring new items in frequently to keep a fresh look every time you pop in.” See their Facebook page for store hours.

Oyster River Winegrowers Tasting Room

Oyster River Winegrowers, originally a horse-powered farm, is a Maine winery, vineyard, and orchard in Warren. Since 2007, they’ve been making wine and cider from their own fruit and fruit they source from other North East growers. They have expanded their tasting room to the tiny courtyard shop at 31 Elm Street. Open Wednesday to Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Re-opening

Surroundings

Surroundings, a home goods shop with a Maine- and sea-themed original products had to move last November when the building they were in sold. Their new location is right across the street at 38 Main Street, and right next to The Leather Bench.

Olad Owl

Olad Owl, a local goods and boat gear shop run by the Schooner Olad out of Camden Harbor, has reopened at 29 Main Street after over a year of being closed. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com