Small-business owners Gary and Jane Gravel have purchased Standpipe Redemption and renamed the business, which has locations in Damariscotta and Newcastle, Hilltop Stop Redemption Center.
The Damariscotta couple bought the business Nov. 4. “We’re excited about the opportunity to provide great customer service in a clean and friendly environment,” Gary Gravel said.
The Gravels plan some changes, although the staff will remain the same. The Gravels have retained Standpipe’s half-dozen employees and hired a seventh.
The redemption centers will have security measures in place to ensure accurate, honest returnable counts.
In Damariscotta, there will be no cash in the redemption center. Customers will instead receive a slip, which they can take into Hilltop Stop, the Gravels’ convenience store, for cash. In Newcastle, the Gravels plan to install security cameras.
Hilltop Stop Redemption Center offers pickup service for restaurants, stores and other high-volume customers on a regular schedule or by request. The centers have no dollar limit and welcome large loads.
Customers who wish to donate their bottles can continue to do so. The Gravels will work with area nonprofits to select a different beneficiary every week. Any nonprofit that wishes to participate can contact Gary Gravel at Hilltop Stop, 563-7867, or Jane Gravel at Supplies Unlimited, 563-7010.
The previous owners of Standpipe Redemption, Margo McFarland and Elmer Pelletier, have retired.
The Damariscotta redemption center was a tenant of the Gravels in the Hilltop Stop building. “They were ready to sell and they wanted to give us first option,” Gary Gravel said.
The Gravels also own and operate Oliver’s Print Shop and Supplies Unlimited, and own 85 Church St. in Damariscotta, the old Cottage Gardens property. The Gravels currently rent the property to Evergreen Farms, a business that makes and sells Christmas wreaths.
Hilltop Stop Redemption Center is at 374 Main St. in Damariscotta and 116 Mills Rd. in Newcastle.
The Damariscotta and Newcastle redemption centers will have the same hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and Thursday to Saturday. Both locations will be closed Wednesday and Sunday.
For the Damariscotta center, call Hilltop Stop at 563-STOP (563-7867). For the Newcastle center, call 563-1520.