Looking into The Paper Peddler in the Champlain Mill, fall 1981. Photo by Sandy Milens, courtesy City of Winooski.
Mill to Mall: People, Places, and Stories
During its years as a shopping center, the Champlain Mill was an integral part of the local community and its economy. Featured here are some of the many individuals and businesses that contributed to the mall’s success.
Carroll Reed, Caribbean Corner, Norway Design
Paper Peddler, Betsys, The Coat Gallery
Interior Innovations, Holiday Celebrations, Ray Pecor
Yankee Pride, Chessy’s Frozen Custard, Waterworks
The burlington free Press, January 3, 1992.
Carroll Reed
Carroll Reed, the mall’s original anchor retail store, opened in an 8,300-square-foot space on the Second Level in 1981. The store sold men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, accessories, ski and tennis equipment, and skiwear. The Champlain Mill location was one of multiple Carroll Reed Ski Shops, a business originally established in 1936 by New Hampshire skiing legend Carroll Reed.
“Carroll Reed was an interesting cross between a ski shop and a woman’s dress shop. Loved it. I still have a favorite necklace from there: a silver star pendant on a leather string which I faithfully pull out every Christmas season.” - Susan D.
Caribbean Corner
Patrick Brown, Owner of Caribbean Corner, attending Mill To Mall opening at the Mill Museum in March 2022.
Caribbean-themed store Caribbean Corner was located on the Ramp Level in 1987. Owner Patrick Brown, a native of Jamaica, sold posters, artifacts, spices, and condiments, including his homemade hot pepper sauces.
While Caribbean Corner was only in operation for a year, it was an important launching pad for Brown’s career as an entrepreneur. As he recalls, it was his “first inkling of owning and operating a minority owned business.” His customers’ strong interest in Caribbean food inspired him establish a successful restaurant on North Winooski Avenue in Burlington. First known as Caribbean Corner, and later Caribbean Buffet, the restaurant was open from 1990 to 2013.
Owner Agnes Houghaboom. The burlington Free Press, December 20, 1982
Norway Design
Located on the Ramp Level from 1981 to 1998, Norway Design featured Scandinavian clothing, home accessories, Christmas decorations, jewelry, crafts, and gourmet foods. Owner Agnes Houghaboom, a native of Norway, traveled to Lillehammer annually to purchase merchandise, including handknit sweaters, for her shop. Agnes also offered evening knitting classes in the store.