Bella Funk will open their location at 43, Exchange St, where Peruvian Link used to reside.
Bella Funk, a boutique specializing in clothing and gifts, has recently secured a four-year lease for a street-level retail space at 43 Exchange St. in the Old Port. The lease was brokered by Pete Harrington of Malone Commercial Brokers. The store celebrated its grand opening over Memorial Day weekend.
Originally founded by sisters Katie Stafford and Stefanie Moody, who hail from New Hampshire, Bella Funk first established its boutique in Littleton, N.H., in 2006. The store offers a range of women's clothing, accessories, beauty products, and gifts, with a focus on locally and domestically made, small-batch, handmade items.
Katie Stafford expressed her excitement about the new location, stating, "Portland's Old Port is not only inviting but also vibrant and full of energy, and embodies the essence of our brand."
East Brown Cow, the owner and manager of 43 Exchange St. acquired the property in 2022. Built in 1867 by the Preble family, the building boasts distinctive architectural features such as a mansard roof with dormers and semicircular pediments, unique pseudo-three-centered arch windows, a brick façade, and a storefront adorned with granite, cast-iron, and wood paneling.
Tim Soley, President and CEO of East Brown Cow, expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of Bella Funk, stating, "43 Exchange St. is a building rich with local history, and we are thrilled to introduce a local boutique that honors and showcases Maine artisans." He believes that the store will contribute to the thriving retail scene in Portland.