Alice Yardley, Founder of Vibrant Handbag Brand, Opens New Storefront on Exchange Street in The Heart of the Old Port

Alice Yardley standing proudly in front of her new Exchange Street space

Malone Commercial Brokers is pleased to announce that Alice Yardley, the creative force behind a unique handcrafted leather bag brand in Maine, has leased space at 99 Exchange Street in the Old Port. Peter Harrington of MCB brokered the transaction. Yardley ultimately outgrew her previous space on Washington Ave prompting the move. The new space marks a significant milestone for the designer's flourishing brand as she eagerly introduces her unique and colorful designs to the Exchange Street community.

Yardley's brand began as a passionate hobby while teaching high school in Atlanta and New York City. In 2019, she honed her love for leatherworking, transforming her hobby into a thriving business with a commitment to sustainability and creativity at its core. "I wanted to create something that brought joy and brightness into people's lives," Yardley explains.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, her dedication to her craft remained unwavering. "The initial quarantine allowed me to focus even more on my business and creations," she reflects. Her approach caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to her participation in New York Fashion Week's "Ones to Watch" showcase in September 2020.

Yardley's philosophy revolves around sustainability and vibrancy. "I handcraft every leather bag myself, using predominantly leather remnants to minimize waste and reduce my carbon footprint," she emphasizes. Her designs are a kaleidoscope of colors that exude playfulness and charm.

The new store on Exchange Street embodies Yardley's vision of a welcoming and vibrant space. Renovations include exposing original brick walls, adding warmth and character to the ambiance, as well as creating an immersive boutique experience for customers. "I love the concept of having my studio open to the public to allow people to watch me while I work, see the machinery, touch the leather scraps, and feel inspired. My studio space will be open in the back of the store, with the retail section in the front,” Yardley shares.

Expressing her gratitude for the support received during the move, Yardley praises her experience with Pete Harrington and Malone Commercial Brokers. "It was a seamless process that happened so quickly and efficiently," she acknowledges. "Everyone has been so helpful in answering my questions, supporting my small business, and cheering me on through this transition."

As Yardley prepares to welcome customers to her new space, she conveys her excitement and enthusiasm. "I can't wait to share my youthful, colorful, and energetic handbags with the shoppers of Exchange Street!" For more information about Alice Yardley's handcrafted leather bags and the grand opening of her new store, visit https://aliceyardleymaine.com/ or follow her on social media @aliceyardley.maine.

Free People Lands in Maine at Historic Thompson Block: A Milestone in Portland's Retail Landscape

121 Middle Street

East Brown Cow and Malone Commercial Brokers are pleased to announce that Free People, a renowned fashion brand known for its eclectic and bohemian-inspired clothing, is set to make a significant mark in the heart of Portland, Maine. With the recent acquisition of a lease at 121 Middle Street, the retail enterprise will occupy 4,401 square feet in the Historic Thompson Block building. Originally completed in 1867, 121 Middle Street is a four-story, 37,847 square foot Second Empire style building that was designed by Architect George M. Harding. The deal was brokered by Peter Harrington of MCB and Tim Duffy of The McDevitt Company.

121 Middle Street offers Free People an ideal storefront with high visibility, foot traffic, and a dynamic retail environment. The new space will showcase Free People's latest collections, providing customers with unique shopping experience.

 “We’ve been working closely with our partners at Malone Commercial Brokers to carefully curate the growing retail mix in our properties throughout the Old Port,” says Tim Soley, President and CEO of East Brown Cow. “Based on our current mix of both local and national retail tenants, and their success in these locations, we’re extremely confident that Free People will only continue this exciting trajectory and further activate the vibrant urban fabric of Portland’s unique downtown. We look forward to welcoming them to Maine.”

Peter Harrington, a seasoned commercial real estate broker with a proven track record of successful transactions, especially in Portland, played a pivotal role in securing this prime location for Free People. Harrington expressed his enthusiasm for completion of the deal, stating, “It’s great to have Free People signed at 121 Middle Street. Urban Retail will now have three stores on Middle Street, along With Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters. They are one of the best retail groups in existence. I can’t think of any better tenant to have anchor the first floor.”

Harrington’s deep understanding of both the brand's vision and the local market dynamics ensured a beneficial deal for all parties involved. He reflects on the experience, expressing, “Working with the team from East Brown Cow and Tim Duffy, from McDevitt, was a great experience. The collaborative nature of this deal highlights the strength of partnerships, creating mutually beneficial outcomes in the world of commercial real estate.”

As Free People prepares to set up shop at 121 Middle Street, both the brand and the local community anticipate a positive transformation in the retail landscape. Harrington remarked, “When its historic rehabilitation is completed this spring, 121 will be an even more stunning building.” The new location is scheduled to open its freshly renovated doors in August.