Shaw’s in Westbrook, Maine is Closing

WMTW reported today that Shaws announced that they will be closing the Westbrook, Maine location.

No official date has been announced at this time. The Westbrook location is on Main Street attached to Kohls.

While no specific reason for the closing was given, WMTW reports that Shaw’s is always evaluating how their stores are doing.

While Westbrook continues to grow in population and commerce, perhaps Shaw’s was finding it difficult to compete. Also in Westbrook is a relatively new Market Basket in the Rock Row complex, Hannaford, and BJ’s and Walmart locations close by. Additionally, there are other easily accessible Shaw’s locations from Westbrook in Portland, Windham, and Falmouth.

This of course begs the question of what will go into the space once Shaw’s officially closes.

The most recent retail chain to move into a large space is in South Portland with the addition of Sierra in the old AC Moore building. Sierra is part of the TJ Maxx family with a focus on outdoor and camping items. It is the first Sierra location in the state of Maine.

It is not uncommon to see large retail spaces be formed into something completely different. It was only a handful of years ago that Clark’s Pond Parkway in South Portland was home to Bob’s Discount Furniture, Marshall’s and Home Goods. Those large spaces have now been transformed into Eastpoint Church/The Point Community Center, and Urban Air Trampoline Park.

Could the to-be former Shaw’s be something completely new to the area? Time will tell.