Reny’s

Reny’s is a family-owned department store chain that has been part of Maine’s retail landscape since 1949. The company’s story began in Damariscotta, where founder Robert H. Reny opened the first store and personally sold merchandise door-to-door to keep the business running through its early days. This hands-on approach helped establish a loyal customer base and shaped the company’s focus on offering quality goods at affordable prices.

As of November 2025, Reny’s operates 17 stores across Maine, with locations primarily in small towns and regional centers. The company is known for its broad selection of apparel, footwear, housewares, gifts, and a strong emphasis on locally sourced products, including Maine-made candies and specialty foods. Reny’s has built a reputation for attentive customer service and active involvement in community events, reinforcing its local roots.

Over the past five years, Reny’s has maintained a steady presence in Maine, adapting to shifts in the retail environment. In late 2023, the company closed its Portland store in response to financial pressures and the challenges of operating in an urban market. Despite this adjustment, Reny’s continues to invest in its existing locations and remains open to incremental growth opportunities within the state.

Reny’s stands out for its flexible store format and its ability to anchor shopping centers in secondary and tertiary markets. The brand’s stability, local credibility, and ongoing commitment to Maine communities make it a reliable presence for property owners and developers seeking established retail partners. The company remains independently owned by the Reny family, with no parent company or outside investors, and continues to prioritize value retailing and community engagement as it looks toward the future.