Brunswick's renowned custom handbag maker, Rough & Tumble, has recently garnered attention from actor Allison Janney and made an exciting move. The company has signed a seven-year lease for a stunning 2,126 square feet of storefront space located at 178 Middle St. in Portland's vibrant Old Port neighborhood. The lease was skillfully brokered by Pete Harrington of Malone Commercial Brokers, and the store is set to open its doors this upcoming fall.
Situated on the ground floor of the historic Boyd Block, which was acquired by East Brown Cow in 2021, the space holds a rich history, having been built back in 1867. Established in 2008, Rough & Tumble specializes in crafting exceptional leather and waxed canvas handbags. Their products have gained national recognition through partnerships with renowned brands like Garnet Hill and Sundance Catalog. Notably, they primarily source their leathers from esteemed regions such as France and Italy.
East Brown Cow acquired 178 Middle St. (known as the Boyd Block) in 2021, and has been actively renovating the retail spaces on the first floor. These spaces are expected to be delivered to Rough & Tumble and Bangor Savings Bank this fall.
This new location at 178 Middle St. will serve as Rough & Tumble's flagship store, showcasing their finest creations. The space was previously occupied by Starbucks before becoming available last year. Joining a series of prominent retailers that have recently flocked to the neighborhood, including Bella Funk, Madewell, Anthropologie, Athleta, Urban Outfitters, and West Elm, Rough & Tumble embraces the high levels of foot traffic that grace the area.
In addition to serving as a retail hub, Rough & Tumble intends to utilize the space as a launching pad for partnerships with other talented Maine makers, designers, and artists. Natasha Durham, the owner of Rough & Tumble, brings a wealth of experience to the brand. Having studied at the Maine College of Art in Portland and spending 17 years in the food industry, owning three restaurants in Portland, she embarked on her journey with Rough & Tumble in 2008. The company's website reveals that it all began when Durham created a handbag for herself, subsequently selling her first two bags on Etsy overnight in 2009.
Durham's commitment to craftsmanship and quality led her to open a storefront in Norway in 2013, where she hired her first employee. Two years later, she established a flagship store in Portland, further expanding her presence in 2017 with a remarkable 32,000-square-foot space in the Fort Andross mill located at 14 Maine St. in Brunswick. Today, Rough & Tumble boasts nearly 40 employees and offers a diverse range of Italian leather products, complemented by their expertise in textile design.
The handbag maker gained significant exposure in 2020 when their products were prominently featured on a 4,000-square-foot billboard in New York City's Times Square and the Disney building at 1540 Broadway. Notably, actor Allison Janney was spotted donning one of their exquisite handbags, generating further buzz for the brand.
Overall, Rough & Tumble's venture into the heart of the Old Port neighborhood is a testament to their success and dedication to providing exceptional handcrafted products. With their flagship store poised to become a focal point of style and craftsmanship, customers can anticipate an unparalleled shopping experience as they explore the diverse range of handbags on offer.