A look back: Maine’s two views of big-box expansion
In 2006, Damariscotta rejected a proposal for a Wal-mart store and Portland banned chain stores from parts of the city, according to the Dec. 25, 2006, issue of Mainebiz. “Are national retail chains positive or negative for Maine? Depends on who you ask and, apparently, where you live.” For instance, Augusta welcomed with open arms a $40 million, 454,000-square-foot shopping center anchored by Target. “When it comes to chain stores, there are indeed two Maines.”
Fun Fact: Mainebiz reported in late 2006 that the U.S. Census Bureau delivered “more discouraging demographic news,” that Maine’s median age had risen by 2.6 years since 2000, to 41.2 years. Alas, then as now, Maine holds the distinction of having the nation’s oldest population, with a median age of 44.3, according to 2017 Census figures. What the Census doesn’t say is that 60 is the new 40.
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