PORTLAND, ME – East Brown Cow and Malone Commercial Brokers announced that Faribault Mill has signed a five-year lease for a 1,800 square foot retail space at 184 Middle Street in Portland’s Old Port.
While historic renovations to the building wrap up, the heritage brand has opened a pop-up shop in a temporary space at 157 Middle Street for visitors to experience the brand’s products during the holiday season.
First established in 1865, Faribault Mill creates well-loved, time-honored collections of 100% Made in USA wool and cotton blankets, throws, and accessories. In 2022, they expanded their operations beyond Minnesota for the first time, acquiring an iconic Maine mill, Brahms Mount, that specializes in premium cotton blankets and throws.
“Our expansion into Maine represents our ongoing commitment to celebrating American craftsmanship,” says Faribault Mill’s President & CEO, Ross Widmoyer. “With Maine-made products now available to our customers nationwide via our website, it was important to our brand to establish a retail presence here. We are thrilled to share our legacy of handcrafted textiles with this historic city.”
The holiday pop-up shop at 157 Middle Street features some of the brand’s top-sellers and popular gift items, from their “Made in Maine” Monhegan Christmas throw to their Portland, Maine city map blanket. Once open, the 184 Middle Street location will serve as Faribault Mill’s exclusive store in New England and will offer a wide range of collections, including products made from textiles manufactured in Maine.
East Brown Cow has owned and managed 184 Middle Street since its acquisition in 2021. Known as the William Widgery Thomas Block and originally completed in 1867, 184 Middle Street is a historic property featuring an Italianate architectural style. The building features first-floor retail space, while the upper floors will soon offer brand-new Urban Homes as part of The Docent’s Collection hospitality offering. The Faribault Mill space will benefit from the retail suite’s prime location and large floor-to-ceiling windows.
“We are so pleased to welcome Faribault Mill to the Old Port,” says Tim Soley, President and CEO of East Brown Cow. “As East Brown Cow continues to build out a distinctive retail experience along historic Middle Street, we value tremendously their focus on combining modern design with centuries-old tradition. We’re extremely confident they will contribute to the growing vibrancy of downtown Portland.”
Faribault Mill’s pop-up shop is now open at 157 Middle Street, Suite G02 and will continue to welcome shoppers throughout the holiday season. The pop-up hours are Monday – Sunday, 10am – 6pm. The grand opening of the 184 Middle Street location is scheduled to take place in early 2024. To learn more about Faribault Mill, please visit www.faribaultmill.com.
The lease was brokered by Pete Harrington of Malone Commercial Brokers for East Brown Cow.
