What Could Replace Reny’s in Portland, Maine

About a month ago, people throughout Portland, Maine, were shocked to learn that Reny's was planning to close their only location in the state's largest city.

Reny's cited a lack of financial success and a looming lease agreement as the reasons they were moving on from their location at 540 Congress Street. Another report suggested that the classic Maine retail chain had grown weary of safety concerns in the area.

Reny's is expected to close their doors in Portland before the end of the year. And speculation has already begun on what is likely to replace it.

Reny's in Portland, Maine, Likely to Be Replaced By a Dollar Store

According to MaineBiz, local real estate experts expect that one of the nation's leading dollar store chains will likely replace Reny's at 540 Congress Street in Portland.

With the property officially listed for sale or for lease, discount store chains like Dollar General and Family Dollar are likely to eye it with excitement. It's a rarity to find a retail space in downtown Portland with the square footage, storage and frontage that those chains require their locations to have.

The space at 540 Congress has always been retail. From its days as a Woolworth's location to becoming a Day's Jewelers to eventually transforming into a Reny's.

Reny's May Not Be Done With Portland, Maine, Despite The Closure

One interesting tidbit from the MaineBiz article is that Reny's may not be done operating in Portland, Maine, after the closure at 540 Congress Street.

The chain may look for a different place within the city limits to operate that better suits how their customers like to shop. For instance, would the now defunct JoAnn Fabric location in Portland, Maine, more sense for Reny's? Especially with Aldi set to open their first store in Maine next door.