There’s something for everyone at Carlisle’s this Christmas

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John Carlisle is seen here with two of his sales associates, June Dragoon and Nina Angevine, modeling winter attire by North Face and Columbia; just a few of the brand names the store carries. You are sure to find something for everyone when you visit Carlisle’s Apparel & Footwear. (Times photo by Cherri Crockett)

RUMFORD- Step through the door of Carlisle’s Apparel & Footwear on Congress Street, and for a moment you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. The personal attention from the sales staff, wide variety of merchandise, convenience of one-stop shopping, and even the low prices are reminiscent of the clothing stores that once thrived on ever town’s main street.

But a quick glance around you at the variety of contemporary products with which owner John Soucy has stocked his shelves will convince you that you’re firmly in the 21st century. From the cutting edge technology of ski wear and outerwear by brands like Columbia, Orage, Obermeyer, and The North Face, to an extensive selection of footwear and fashionable clothing lines for women and juniors by Levis, royal Robbins, Roxy, Billabong, and other, everything about Carlisle’s merchandise is ultra-modern.

John prides himself on his ability to offer his customers “almost anything they need” in terms of apparel and footwear, no matter their destination or occupation. Christmas shoppers will find the perfect gift for everyone on their list, as well as plenty of choices to complete their own holiday wardrobes.

Got a party, dressy event, or job interview coming up? Carlisle’s can provide you with just the right skirt, dress, suit and tie, or sport coat. Men can browse through racks of apparel from Dockers, Haggar, and Izod. Women will find unique and trendy choices in the new lines of Caribbean Joe, Carolyn Taylor, and Woolrich.

Need Some rugged outdoor work gear? A full line of Carhartt clothing in both men’s and women’s sizes, from pants and jackets to baseball caps, is a mainstay of Carlisle’s, and high-tech undergarments from Hot Chillys and Under Armor offer lightweight combined with moisture-wicking technology to keep you warm and dry. Complete your work outfit with boots from Red Wing, Wolverine, Chippewa, Keen or Magnum.

Planning a mid-winter trip to a warmer climate, or know a lucky person who is? Shop Carlisle’s lower level for great deals on out-of-season clothing and footwear, from swimsuits to sandals, as well as clearance items at prices up to 80 percent off.

Downstairs is also where you’ll find official Boy Scout gear for the Webelo, Tenderfoot, or Eagle Scout on your Christmas list. Providing local access to Scout uniforms, accessories, and merit badges is part of John’s commitment to serving the community in a wide variety of ways.

Back upstairs, gift suggestions for the outdoor winter recreation enthusiast abound. Besides Carlisle’s extensive selection of jackets, parkas, ski pants, hats, and gloves, you’ll find a new line of Atlas snowshoes for men, women and kids. These are definitely not your grandfather’s old bearpaws; their lightweight design, spring-loaded suspension, and ice-gripping toe and heel cleats set them well apart from other brands.

The store features two full walls of men’s and women’s shoes of all types. When it comes to footwear, John says the emphasis at Carlisle’s is on “comfort technology.” He carries a full line of athletic shoes for running, walking, basketball, and more, featuring Nike, New Balance, Adidas, and others. Rugged crossover shoes from Keen can take you from the hiking trail to the office with ease. And boots from Sorel, Kamik, Merrell, Uggs and Columbia will get you through a tough Maine winter.

Are you in need of the perfect pair of dress shoes to hit that Christmas party this year? Carlisle’s has the most up to date line of Dansko in a variety of styles and colors to choose from.

When it’s time for stocking stuffers, consider Yak Trax, which attach to shoes to prevent slipping on ice and hard-packed snow. New this year, is Kahtoolah, a more aggressive traction control for your shoes. Or choose from a selection of Freestyle watches, pedometers, and safety lights for the fitness walker on your list. Outdoorsmen will also appreciate warm fleece socks, or moisture-wicking alpaca and merino wool socks from Smartwool or Darn Tough. Darn Tough is the only sock with a lifetime guarantee. And, who wouldn’t like to find a pair of cozy Acorn slippers under the tree?

Carlisle’s was established in 1947 by Zip Carlisle, who owned it until 1963, when John’s father, Bob Soucy, purchased the business. After Bob ran the store for nearly three decades, John took over the operation in 1992. He enjoys offering his customers a wide variety of quality merchandise at highly competitive prices.

There are always sales, with prices 25 to 40 percent off. If you can’t make up your mind, gift certificates are available. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for in the store, chances are John can order it and have it for you within a few days.

At Carlisle’s, you get the best of both worlds: old-fashioned customer service and up-to-date, high-tech merchandise. And one other bonus: the friendly sales staff is alwasys willing to fitwrap your purchases, free of charge.

Carlisle’s Apparel & Footwear is open seven days a week; Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Hours will be extended for the two weeks prior to Christmas.

For more information, call 364-2581 or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Carlisles-Apparel-Footwear.