While out-of-state students may be unfamiliar with Reny’s, most Mainers have been to this classic store. With their famous jingle, “Reny’s, A Maine Adventure!” that frequently plays on Maine radio stations, this family-owned business has grown since opening in 1949, making a name for itself all across the state.
With 18 locations across Maine in Bath, Bangor, Belfast, Bridgton, Camden, two in Damariscotta, Dexter, Ellsworth, Farmington, Gardiner, Madison, Pittsfield, Portland, Saco, Topsham, Wells, and Windham, Waterville will become Reny’s 19th location.
The Waterville location opened in Elm Plaza on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in the old JCPenney location, which closed this past September. This location will be open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Reny’s in Waterville seems to be a hit, with a full parking lot and smiling shoppers up and down the aisles the weekend following their opening. Like their other locations, this Reny’s has many departments, including clothing, houseware, footwear, games, home decor, Maine-themed merchandise, seasonal decor, and much more (so much more, you never know what you will find when you walk in).
Upon entering a Reny’s, you often find (and buy) stuff you had no intention of buying before going into the store. For example, I have two hot pink flamingo lampshades from Reny’s back home, and one does not often go into a store with the intention of getting hot pink flamingo anything.
Reny’s also carries many significant brands. From Carhartt to Birkenstock, Crocs, Patagonia, and much more, Reny’s has a wide selection of items to choose from.
As summer is approaching, the Waterville location is stocked up and ready for the season. The store has plenty of Maine beach towels, blow-up floaties for the pool, and equipment for fun activities, such as pickleball. You can even dress the part with their variety of Maine t-shirts, summer clothing, and shoe selection.
While Reny’s location is currently preparing for the summer season, Meredith Hawthorne `28, a Colby College student from Maine, has frequently visited Reny’s for her winter shopping needs: “They have a ton of Carhartt and good socks for winter. I would always get socks for nordic [skiing] there, and when I was little, we would go every winter.” She further said, “Everyone [in my family] would have to get new winter boots, so we would go to Reny’s.”
In addition to their appreciation for Reny’s winter boots and socks, Hawthorne’s family are fans of Reny’s Carhartt selection, as well as the rest of the store’s winter selection: “My dad would get work pants there, work gloves, stuff for snowmobiling––just like all of the Maine winter needs.”
In the winter, Reny’s has a variety of winter coats, boots, hats, and gloves. They also usually carry snow pants and ski jackets, so if you are on campus next winter and forgot to pack or need winter and ski gear, Reny’s is a good place close to campus to keep in mind.
The atmosphere and friendliness of Reny’s is another aspect Hawthorne likes about Reny’s. She said, “The people there are always super polite, like all the employees and everything, which is really nice. They always have a lot of good name-brand, outdoors stuff, and that is usually what I shop for there.” She particularly enjoys their good selections and good prices, “which is a big benefit for local people.”
Hawthorne went on to comment how Reny’s are very community friendly. She further commented on how one of the co-owners, Robert D. Reny (also known as Bob Reny), is extremely personable. “My dad met Bob Reny in one [Reny’s] once. He goes around the stores and will talk to customers and see how they are doing. Super personable, super community friendly.”
I spoke with another Colby College student, who wishes to remain anonymous, who had a chance to check out Reny’s latest location this weekend. She is from out-of-state and was impressed with the wide selection of merchandise: “They had a lot more stuff than I was expecting.” However, the item she found the most interesting was definitely the campfire bread toaster. She further said that she really liked the store and would like to go there again.
Whether you have been to Reny’s many times or have yet to visit one, the Reny’s in Waterville is a short distance away from campus and carries most of the things you might need while living in Maine. Plus, the store has a welcoming atmosphere and sells merchandise that exudes Maine spirit.
To take in all that Maine has to offer while studying here, you can check out the new Reny’s in Waterville, Maine, and experience a Maine adventure.
~ Haley Hegarty `28
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