Burnham’s Bloomers, across from Moody’s Diner on Route 1 in Waldoboro, will close its doors after 10 years in business. (Suzi Thayer photo)
After 10 years running her small but stuffed-to-the-gills store, Burnham’s Bloomers, just off Route 1 in Waldoboro, Dianne Burnham has decided to close its doors.
Burnham’s Bloomers opened in 2008. Burnham said that though business has been good, it’s, well, just time. When not manning her store, she works across the road at Moody’s Diner, where she has been waiting on tables for 45 years. “I’m just tired of working all the time,” she said. She has not set a closing date.
When the shop first opened, Burnham’s Bloomers offered fresh-cut flowers and was open year-round. That proved to be too time-intensive, so Burnham started closing for the winter and opening in the spring. “But even then I had to start growing the flowers in mid-February,” she said.
Donna Sharp quilted handbags, totes, and purses are among the biggest sellers at Burnham’s Bloomers. (Suzi Thayer photo)
For the past several years, the shop, full to the brim with primitive gifts, holiday decorations, and home decor, has been open through Christmas. Burnham describes primitive as a type of country decor.
Some of the items in the shop are hard to find anywhere else in Maine. Donna Sharp home goods, handbags, totes, and purses are among Burnham’s biggest sellers. Quilted, with colorful, high-quality fabrics, the bags are machine-washable.
There’s a large selection of Park Design linens, curtains, rugs, lampshades, table runners, placemats, tableware, and home decor items. “Park Designs is known for its high quality,” Burnham said.
There are Melrose wreaths and a wide variety of candles, sconces, ribbons, dolls, signs, and a multitude of other unusual items in the store.
The entrance to Burnham’s Bloomers gives visitors an indication of the delightful interior. (Suzi Thayer photo)
Cindy Blodgett, who lives in Waldoboro, is a regular at Burnham’s. She was in the shop Thursday, Aug. 9. “They always have the perfect gift for everyone, whether it’s family, friends, or co-workers. I can always find something here,” she said.
“It’s such a lovely place, and everyone here is so nice, it’s like visiting with friends,” Blodgett said. “It will be missed.”
Burnham has no plans to retire from her job at Moody’s, but closing the shop will leave her with a lot more time to do some of the things she’s been missing out on.
“It’s really just time for a change,” she said. “I have four beautiful grandchildren and I’m just too busy to spend much time with them. I want to go to Florida on vacation, and I’m always tied up here. Come the middle of February I’m already in the greenhouse getting plants started.”
Burnham, whose sister, Debbie Smith, has been helping out a couple days a week since the business’s inception, said she and her sister will miss many aspects of the business, especially the customers. “I’ll miss the people more than anything, but change is good,” Burnham said.
There are still plenty of gifts at Burnham’s Bloomers, for the holidays and just everyday gift-giving. Everything in the store is at least 20 percent off. The greenhouse beside the shop is full of flowering plants, all 50 percent off.
Burnham’s Bloomers, at 14 Washington Road, is open every day. For hours, check its Facebook page or call 832-4222.
