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Looking for unique gifts?
What about a decorative pillow with a nautical chart of Harpswell? Maybe “Good Morning Captain” soap? Or a fluffy toy goat, chicken or duck?
These and hundreds more items, from high-end clothes to greeting cards, Portuguese dinnerware to wooden cutting boards shaped like lobsters, are featured at Hatch on Maine in downtown Brunswick.
Hannah Beattie moved Hatch on Maine from its home of 12 years two blocks up the street in June to a new storefront at 128 Maine St., the former Cool as a Moose space. The shop is three times the size of the previous store and has way more than three times the goods.
The new location provides plenty of space for customers to mingle and browse. Beattie, who lives on Orr’s Island, said she is making her store a welcoming place while offering a unique experience.
“I try to have all price points,” Beattie said. “I try to work with artisans as much as I can. I love having locally made things.”
“It’s not about making the sale for me,” she said. “That’s not why we do this. I want to be an addition to my community.”
Joanne Falvo, of Topsham, recently visited the shop for the first time. Its diversity “is different for Brunswick,” she said. “That’s what I was amazed at.”
Alaina McGraw and her mom, Megan, were in town from Norwood, Massachusetts, so Alaina could visit Bowdoin College. “I love the space and the large variety,” Megan said.
Another shopper, Deborah Van Horn, of Harpswell, said, “There’s something for everyone. There are all kinds of things for your home and the squishy-ish stuffed animals.”
It would be easy to spend hours in Beattie’s shop, digging through racks of Tribal, Cut Loose and Habitat women’s clothes, or men’s Liverpool or Long Wharf shirts. There are tables laden with candles, notepads, drinking glasses, toys and gifts for every occasion.
Beattie also has expanded her line of toys and baby outfits, up to a children’s size 10. “If you’re going to a baby shower, I have you covered,” she said.
Another area, on one side of the shop, has racks and shelves of women’s clothes and accessories. Enter the store and turn left and customers will find sundries of all sizes and prices artfully displayed on tables. Look for notecards, decorated dishes for bedside tables, and even a blanket with a giant lobster print.
Beattie has always been a creative person and enjoyed making crafts or hunting for unique items. Her father was an antique dealer and auctioneer, so her love for vintage shopping and curation came naturally.
In 2012, Beattie and Dustan Larsen, her friend and neighbor, opened the original Hatch in the Orr’s Island building now home to Harpswell Realty. The small, seasonal shop offered vintage and gift items.
After three summers, the two relocated to 96 Maine St. in Brunswick. Leaving Orr’s Island was bittersweet for Beattie and Larsen, considering that their loyal customers had shown them so much support during their humble start. Beattie said some islanders are still her best customers today.
Beattie now runs the business on her own. Larsen moved on after 11 years with Hatch on Maine. She is now the development director for the Maine State Music Theatre. Neither has much free time, but they still get together for coffee.
Beattie has had to hire more help and can barely keep up with the boxes of merchandise constantly being delivered. But she has carried her desire to care for others from her earlier work as a social worker to playing a different role in the community.
“That’s why I went ahead and did this, even though the world is so heavy, because people need a place to come to feel good,” she said.
After 14 years in business with a humble start on Orr’s Island, Beattie reflected on both her personal commitment and the support that has led her to this place.
“I feel lucky. I’m lucky,” she said.
Hatch on Maine is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Hannah Miller, who contributed to this article, was the Harpswell Anchor’s 2026 news intern.
