Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 6 : Fall 2010 | Page 56

Focus on Business: Monica’s Can you give us a brief history of your business. The original store was established by Monica Soderberg in 1964. For over 30 years, Monica’s was the place to go for fine Scandinavian gifts and housewares. When Monica retired in the late 1990’s, the store closed. In December 2004, Monica’s son, Carl Soderberg, his wife Lisa, and I, Megan Olson re-opened the store in a newly-refurbished facility located at 176 Sweden Street in Caribou. I (Megan) first became involved with the original store as a high school student in the 1980’s, when I worked for Monica after school and on weekends. I have been working with “the new Monica’s” since day one. Tell us about the products and/or services your business provides. Monica’s carries a unique selection of Scandinavian items, including dinnerware and crystal, sweaters, Dansko clogs, jewelry, linens, greeting cards, candles and specialty foods. Since 2005, we have carried the popular Trollbeads, and have become one of the top dealers in New England. What sets you apart from your competition? Monica’s Scandinavian Imports is the only full service Scandinavian gift shop north of Portland. We carry many hard-to-find items from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and beyond. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff 54 Focus on Business FALL 2010 provides our customers and friends with personal service. We also offer free gift wrapping. How many people are involved in your business? Besides myself (Megan), there are three other employees at Monica’s, as well as a few additional holiday workers. They are a well-traveled, enthusiastic and interesting group of ladies. Two staff members visited Sweden last year, another will soon be traveling to Ireland, and another will be traveling to San Francisco to attend the opera. Yet another coworker will be traveling to Cancun in November. Please provide us with your hours of operation, address and contact information. Monica’s is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, we are also open Sundays from 12:00 noon to 4 pm. Monica’s Scandinavian Imports 176 Sweden Street Caribou ME 04736 Tel. [phone] e-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.monicasimports.com Is there anything else you would like readers to know about your business? Customers sometimes seem surprised to learn that Monica’s has two floors. The second floor is worth a look, too!