Hamilton Marine is open again

They are back.

Hamilton Marine, the state’s largest marine supply store and an essential cog on the Maine waterfront, has re-opened after closing both its warehouses and its storefronts in mid-March in response to Maine’s emergency closures for the Corona Virus.

The company is offering curbside pickup at its Portland, Rockland, Southwest Harbor and Jonesport stores, and is trying to get curbside orders at the Searsport store up and running, as well. Customers should call ahead to place orders and will be notified when the order is ready for pickup. Orders also may be placed online, and will be shipped. As of Tuesday, the company could not transfer items between stores.

Company owner Wayne Hamilton said he heard feedback at the time of the initial closure from disappointed commercial fishermen and boat builders. But his employees were and are concerned about being safe, he explained. 

“We want to be there for our customers, but we have to get the balance right to take care of our employees, as well,” he said. 

Figuring out how to serve the public and still be safe has been difficult, Hamilton said. 

“We are nor back where we were but we are doing the best we can do,” he said. 

Hamilton said customers can check the company’s Facebook page for the latest updates in how to place orders.