What's not to like about Reny's? Almost all of their locations are in places where local still matters; places like Bath, Damariscotta, Portland, and Gardiner, which are only four of 15 Reny's locations around Maine. In fact, Damariscotta has two stores, both across the street from one another.
With the demise of locally-owned, multi-location businesses (like Mr. Paperback), Reny's remains a fixture in many of Maine's smaller communities. They continue to grow and anchor some of the state's remaining vibrant Main Streets and downtown shopping districts.
The two-story location in downtown Gardiner, on Water Street, is one of my favorites. Maybe because Gardiner has a quaint little downtown, with some funky, older architecture, and this Reny's is located in one of those older blocks, it's the perfect department store for a town like Gardiner.
Reny's is like Marden's without the clutter, or something like that. What I like about each one of these places is that you never know what new surprise awaits you each time you visit, and each location is different than the others.
This time, my surprise was ketchup-flavored potato chips!! What are ketchup-flavored potato chips, you ask? Well if you are asking, you obviously don't know the wonders of this kind of snack.
I discovered these in Canada, years ago. I also learned that they're rare in New England; when you see a supply, you better stock up because you might go a year or two before you run across the variety again.
Reny's was rocking Herr's brand of ketchup-flavored potato chips, flavored by iconic ketchup-maker, Heinz. We picked up four bags.
Reny's also has an ample variety of Bob's Red Mill products like their granola, muesli, soups, chia seeds, and other quality products from a company I really like. I picked up a package of vegi soup mix for the colder days that are on the horizon. Easy way to have hot soup for lunch or work.
Reny's is a favorite of bargain shoppers everywhere, and as their tagline says, "Reny's--A Maine Adventure." It's also nice to know that there is a locally-owned alternative to Wal-Mart. read more
