In larger cities, it's not uncommon to find multiple locations of a business within the city limits. Even midsized cities might find the same grocery store, pharmacy, coffee purveyor, or fast food chain available in multiple spots to satisfy demand. What is uncommon is for a big box store to have multiple locations barely over a mile from one another. But that's what has been going on in South Portland with Burlington.

Google Maps
Google Maps
loading...

It's been nearly two years since Burlington opened their new location in the Maine Crossing Plaza alongside other heavy hitters like Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Nordstrom Rack. That store has continuously been busy since it opened, with great visibility and foot traffic in a centralized mall location. One would assume Burlington would only need that location.

Mapquest
Mapquest
loading...

But 1.3 miles away in the Jetport Plaza still stands another Burlington. That store sells much of the same product as the new location, and savvy shoppers have been spending the last couple years going to the less crowded Burlington to snag their deals. So what is going on exactly? Are both stores going to remain operational?

via New England Development
via New England Development
loading...

The short answer is no. Burlington seized on an opportunity to join other retailers in a thriving location at the Maine Crossing Plaza. But real estate leases can be difficult to get out of, and Burlington has been in a long term lease at the Jetport Plaza. Rather than pay for a space they wouldn't use, they've kept that store open and operational. It appears that time is ending soon, with a new medical facility believed to be moving in to the Jetport Plaza.


 

Here Are 50 Stores, Restaurants Mainers Want at the Maine Mall

It's a wishlist for Mainers, by Mainers, of spots we'd love to see pop up at the Maine Mall sooner than later.

LOOK: The most extreme temperatures in the history of every state

Stacker consulted 2021 data from the NOAA's State Climate Extremes Committee (SCEC) to illustrate the hottest and coldest temperatures ever recorded in each state. Each slide also reveals the all-time highest 24-hour precipitation record and all-time highest 24-hour snowfall.

Keep reading to find out individual state records in alphabetical order.

More From Q97.9