My Family’s Fall Fashion Adventure at Renys

Sponsored by Renys

Written by Mariya Greeley

Ever since my fiancé and I bought a home in Maine three years ago, I’ve delighted in sharing Maine’s culture with my parents, who still live in Hanover, New Hampshire, where I grew up. Together, we have cheered at Portland Seadogs games, sampled craft breweries, visited lighthouses, devoured lobster rolls and clam chowder, strolled beaches, toured Portland by firetruck, and wandered the galleries of the Portland Museum of Art. But on their most recent visit, I decided it was time to introduce them to one of Maine’s most beloved institutions: Renys.

Renys is shaped by its distinctly Maine philosophy of doing right by your neighbors and is a source of local pride, reminiscent of New England’s locally loved general stores. For more than 75 years, this family-owned department-store chain has been woven into the lives of Mainers. With 19 locations across the state, Renys is a place where shoppers find quality, value, and an ever-changing selection of treasures.

Many families have made adventures out of visiting each store, adding stamps to a Renys “passport” that, once completed, earns them prizes and a spot in the Renys Hall of Fame. The store has even inspired a stage show—Renys: The Musical—further cementing its place in Maine lore. Founded in 1949 by Robert H. Reny, the chain is still run with the same blend of practicality and charm that has drawn loyal patronage for generations.

When we stepped into the Saco location, my dad immediately gravitated toward a table stacked with plaid flannel shirts. Plaid being the unofficial New England uniform, the familiar, down-to-earth style presented us with a bridge between family nostalgia and my new life in Maine. He flipped happily through racks of flannels and outerwear, spotting well-known names like Carhartt and Columbia at a steep discount. But what appealed to him most was the pajama display, where soft moose-patterned bottoms urged sleepers to “follow your dreams.” It was the kind of perfect quirky find that makes Renys both a shopping destination and a memory maker.

The whole family gravitated toward cozy picks for the upcoming autumn season. Sweaters, fleeces, and long sleeves lined the racks, and there was no shortage of styles to bundle up in. My mom and I held up pullovers and cardigans and debated which ones would get the most wear in New England’s shifting weather and which came in each other’s most flattering colors. When I pulled a navy sweater embroidered with a puppy, we both knew it was an instant buy. (I’m a lifelong dog lover and recently started volunteering at Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. It felt like Renys had curated it just for me.) Also for me: activewear from famous brands you’ll immediately recognize, all at unheard-of prices.

Next, our trio wandered the store’s perimeter for accessories. We started with practical additions to the cart—a leather belt for Dad, high-quality socks for Mom—but before long, we had slipped into a shopping scene straight out of a movie, trying on one hat after another in front of the mirrors. All the hats may not have come home with us, but the playful montage moment was worth more than any purchase.

Renys, of course, is more than fall fashion. We couldn’t resist roaming into other departments, exploring aisles stocked with Halloween decorations, tools, home goods, candles, groceries, and even Renys’ own line of supplies. As I’m in the midst of wedding planning while also furnishing a home, finding affordable clothing and home essentials felt like uncovering a major life hack. Every dollar saved matters when balancing long-term plans with day-to-day necessities, and Renys makes that balancing act a little easier.

As our cart filled, I found myself reflecting on the heart of our expedition to Renys. It wasn’t just about bargains—though there were plenty of those. It was about showing my parents why my  partner and I chose Maine to put down roots, and how even simple outings here could be shaped by the Maine way of life. From restaurants and beaches to art museums and Renys, there is an air of neighborliness and a spirit of adventure in each experience.

That afternoon in Saco became more than a shopping trip. It became a memory of exploration, laughter, and family I’ll remember whenever I stop by a Renys. For longtime Mainers, Renys is a treasured constant. For newcomers like me, it’s a way to step into the rhythm of Maine life, one delightful and unexpected find at a time. And for families across New England, it’s proof that sometimes the simplest outings create the richest memories.

Mariya Greeley

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