BRUNSWICK, Maine — Despite being for sale, Pennell’s clothing store remains open — and will for at least a few more months, according to co-owner David Girardin.
After purchasing the building and business at 52 Maine St. in 1972, Girardin and his brother-in-law, John Simonson, put both up for sale 15 months ago.
There’s been lots of interest, but no serious offers, Giradin said. However, longtime employee Alice Lozier said she’s continuing to place stock orders, keeping inventory strong for loyal customers who continue to frequent the store.
There are Realtor signs in the windows. But spring and summer traditionally are poor times for property sales, and both Girardin and Simonson are ready to get out.
“I can’t believe it’s been 42 years,” Girardin said Monday. “But my wife retired a couple years ago and you can only live so long, and I want to be able to do something else.”
One of the two upstairs tenants, attorney Richard Lord, recently moved out of his space. But the other, Jerrold’s Landscaping, will stay until an eventual new owner decides how — or even if — the building’s shape and use will change.
Founders John and Osbourne Pennell opened the store in 1889, and it remains Brunswick’s oldest clothing store.
Although he hopes whomever buys it will maintain the storefront, to do so will take “just the right buyer,” Girardin added.
“That’s how real estate is anyway. After this long, our overhead is pretty minimal, but who knows about the next guy?”