MINOT, Maine — Since Bruce Adams’ Reed Party store in Auburn closed in 2010, he’s been a one-man business, no storefront, no employees. Adams will tell you he’s on a roll.
For the last two years he’s been Toilet Paper Plus!
The “plus” this month? Santa suits.
From his Center Street store, Adams used to sell crepe paper wedding bells, rubber ducks, goody bags, plastic plates, and paper goods. When growing online competition and a bad economy ended that business, Adams, 64, took his customer list and turned himself into a one-man bulk goods sales force.
He sells mostly to churches, small offices and civics groups in Lewiston and Auburn. His top three sellers: paper towels, trash can liners and, yes, toilet paper, about 1,100 rolls a month.
The business name was chosen for the double-takes it inspires.
“They just get a chuckle out of it when I say, ‘We’re on a roll,’” Adams said. “That’s why I did it, just so I can get my foot in the door and talk to them a little bit.”
The company isn’t to be confused with Toilet Paper Plus no exclamation point — that’s a bulk retailer out of Australia.
Adams still faces competition online and locally. He tries to set himself apart with customer service offerings like free delivery, no ordering minimums and product knowledge. He works out of his vehicle and a small storage unit.
Adams sells items such as water cooler cups, catering supplies and coffee filters. This time of year, before holiday parties, champagne cups, balloons, plumber candles and white outdoor bags to hold the candles are popular, he said.
The Santa suits were left over from the store stock at Reed Party. As of Friday, the two extra-large suits hadn’t sold, yet.
People mostly discover Toilet Paper Plus! through word of mouth and the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, which is also a client, he said.
“If you have an idea or a need, that’s the plus, I’ll find it,” Adams said.
Is this a news article or an advertisement?
Really
Really
Really, all people on here is complain lately about the stories. I find this story pretty much interesting, if you do not like it then be like him and go on a roll and leave it.
I thought I asked a pretty straightforward question.
Is someone not getting what they wanted for Christmas?
If you are as unhappy with the comments as you say you are then maybe you are the one that needs to go on a roll.
I do hope your day gets better.
Merry Christmas! Really.
First of all, let me explain to you my day is going great. But if i am correct this is third story recently you have complained about. Maybe i am wrong, gonna do a little research though and find out. Honestly i got what i want for christmas every year, a beautiful wife and a daughter. All i need. Hope your day gets better Pal
Yeah your wrong. I haven’t “complained” about any story. Maybe your thinking about someone else. I do hope your research gets you what your looking for.
And stop voting your own comments up, this is a forum not a contest.
Guess what your right, its a screen name close to yours, but its ok. I really thought it was you my apologies. Gonna write that name down because all they do is complain. Have a Merry Christmas and again i apologize
All is good and I apologize for my sarcasm.
I wish you and your family the warmest of Holiday wishes.
How fabulous! Rather than let one business’ closing get him down, he got creative, and started another one! Love the name!