One of Bangor’s gift shops has moved to Main Street to be closer to the buzz of downtown.
The Not So Empty Nest opened its new storefront Monday at 49 Main St., which was previously occupied by the toy store Out on a Whimsey before it moved to a bigger space next door in November.
The move is one of several new openings on Main Street in the past four months, making the store one in a growing group of new downtown businesses.
“We just really wanted to be in the downtown area, especially with so many new things opening up,” co-owner Monica Conary said.
The store, which she owns with her mom, Denice Conary, specializes in unique gifts, including items from about 50 Maine artisans whose work is sold on consignment, Monica Conary said.
The pair bought the business in 2023, when it was located at 1209 Broadway near Tractor Supply Co.
The last day in the Broadway location was Dec. 26.

Conary said she’s excited to join the downtown business community and take part in the events and parades that tend to be concentrated in the Main Street area.
The Not So Empty Nest is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Sundays. Conary said she might eventually extend those hours to stay open later.


