After 30 years teaching first grade at Glenburn Elementary School, Pamela Robinson retired in October 2014. But she has no plans to stop working — instead, it’s time for a new chapter.
She and her mother, Betty Robinson, have spent the past few months readying their new boutique, Ruffles & Ribbons, located at 32 Main St. in downtown Bangor, between Paddy Murphy’s and Bella Hair Studio.
“Although I loved teaching, I was ready to try something new,” said Pamela Robinson, who also taught for several years in Pittsfield and Lincoln schools early in her career.
The two plan to offer home accents and gifts in styles that Robinson said focused on all things “pretty” — romantic, French country, cottage, Victorian, vintage and shabby chic, among a few others. Baskets, candles, ceramics, dolls, figurines, toys, vases, wall hangings and other gifts are among the offerings available at the new shop.
“Our shop is set up like a home, with a kitchen table, couch and chair, day bed and office area to showcase our home accents. We have a big TV set up to show home decorating programs,” said Robinson. “We offer gift wrapping services, too. You can bring in packages from other places or from our shop to have them wrapped.”
Betty Robinson will be in charge of the gift wrapping part of the business, along with silk floral arrangements. The gift wrapping service will be charged depending on the size of the package, and it will be a much more elaborate style of gift wrapping than one might expect with free wrapping available at other stores.
“My mother, Betty, worked at Hallmark for 15 years and always thought about having her own business,” said Pamela Robinson. “She is very talented at silk floral arrangements and gift wrapping.”
Robinson has long wanted to be a part of the downtown Bangor revitalization, and she said she is looking forward to her shop joining the downtown family. The 32 Main St. location — most recently the home of Edge Video for more than seven years, and before that, the location of the Needful Things vintage shop — has been vacant since last fall.
“When we looked at the space at 32 Main [St.], we thought it would be perfect for our vision,” said Robinson. “It has tall columns, a loft and pretty stairs. The landlord is wonderful and redid all the floors in beautiful cherry hardwood.”
A grand opening celebration is planned for Friday and Saturday. Regular hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Ruffles & Ribbons will be closed on Sundays. For more information, call 307-7876, or email rufflesandribbons32@gmail.com.
