Down East Discounts

In reading up about Maine for our trip, we discovered that it is home to two chains of stores, Reny's and Mardens, which feature discount and salvaged merchandise. Nearby Ellsworth is home to both, as well as a factory store for Maine's more famous, but less discount L.L. Bean. We took a short drive this evening to check them out.

The L.L. Bean store was nice, we bought some clothes, but overall it was just a larger version of what you would find in any outlet mall. Our next stop was Reny's this store was very cool. The inside was no frills, but packed with name brands at a discount prices: clothes, home goods, some food. Finally we ended up at a repurposed WalMart where Mardens is located. They specialize in salvaged goods. Like Reny's there are plenty of name brands at really great prices, but Mardens has such a breadth of items and a lot of the stuff is so random. There are clothes, a large hardware section (reminded me of Harbor Freight but with named brands), furniture, craft supplies (Sara bought some yarn at a great price), carpet, hardwood floors, appliances and fixtures, and lots more.

I really wonder why these chains have remained a Maine-only fixture, I'm sure they would do good business almost anywhere . . .


-- Post From Shawn's iPhone

Location:Ellsworth, ME