5 Forgotten 90s Clothing Stores That Were at The Maine Mall

The 1990s were a golden era for shopping malls across America, and the Maine Mall in South Portland, Maine, was no exception.

A hub of teenage hangouts and weekend family outings, the mall thrived with trendy clothing stores that catered to every kind of shopper. While these brands have long since vanished, they remain vivid in the memories of those who grew up during the era.

Here’s a look back at five beloved but now forgotten clothing stores that once defined the retail landscape at 364 Maine Mall Road.

Contempo Casuals

This edgy, fashion-forward clothing store for young women lasted at the Maine Mall until 1995, the same year it appeared in the movie Clueless with Alicia Silverstone.

Chess King

If Contempo Casuals was the must-visit clothing store for young women, Chess King was the stop for young men. Known for flashy streetwear, leather jackets, and oversized shirts for men. It closed at the Maine Mall in 1995

Merry Go Round

It's not Funtown, and it doesn't have a merry-go-round, but this clothing store catered to teens looking for clubwear and flashy, trend-driven outfits. It closed at the Maine Mall in 1996.

Baker's Shoes

Baker’s Shoes filed for bankruptcy in 2012 and offered trendy footwear at affordable prices.

The Limited

A staple in many malls, including the Maine Mall, The Limited was known for its stylish yet professional womenswear. It lasted longer than all the other stores listed here that were at the Maine Mall, closing in 2017.

READ MORE: How Many of the Original 50 Auburn Mall Stores Do You Remember?

Though these stores have all shuttered, they left a lasting legacy on mall culture and ’90s fashion. Their influence can still be seen in today's nostalgic fashion trends, and they remain beloved chapters in the Maine Mall’s retail history.