MADAWASKA, Maine – Just weeks after the local McDonalds closed to make way for Madawaska’s new land port of entry at the Canadian border, the city will soon lose another business.

Madawaska Dollar Tree will close on an unspecified date in early 2022, according to Kayleigh Painter, manager, investor and media relations professional for Dollar Tree, Inc.

Painter did not provide a reason for the shutdown, but said it was unrelated to a lack of available workers at the site.

“We close stores from time to time for a variety of reasons, including rent increases, the sale of the property, the end of a lease, and so on. Said Painter.

Dollar Tree opened in Madawaska in Marden’s Shopping Plaza in 2016. All merchandise provided by the store, including groceries, kitchen supplies, and crafts, sell for $ 1 each.

“It’s sad to lose another business downtown. It is an unfortunate situation for the staff there who can be jobless and sad for the bosses of the company. I know they have supplied goods to a lot of people who have appreciated the good value for money, ”said Madawaska General Manager Gary Picard.

Painter declined to specify the number of employees affected by the closure of Madawaska Dollar Tree.

“We are working with associates affected by the closure to maintain their employment status at nearby stores,” Painter said.

It is not known whether these employees will be offered employment at Dollar Tree stores in Caribou and Presque Isle, located approximately an hour’s drive from the Madawaska store, or if they will be offered employment at Family Dollar stores. in Madawaska or in the nearby town of Fort Kent. , located 20 km.

Dollar Tree and Family Dollar operate under the same corporate structure.

Madawaska has been beset by business closures in recent years, despite the best efforts of municipal authorities.

Picard, current and former members of the Madawaska Board of Selectmen and other residents made an almost 8-minute video imploring McDonald’s to support a new franchise in a different location in town.

The video featured testimonials from local customers of the chain, who said the restaurant was an important and inexpensive food option for workers and their families.

This effort proved unsuccessful.

Madawaska Kmart closed in 2019, one of the country’s 142 unprofitable stores closed as part of a financial restructuring effort in bankruptcy proceedings.

Painter said Dollar Tree products will be available online.

Journalist Hannah Catlin contributed to this story.

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