Portland variety store is closing after half a century in business

After more than half a century in business, Anania’s Variety on Congress Street in Portland is closing up shop.
Owner Ed Anania Jr. started working at the store when it opened in 1973.
He and his wife are getting ready to retire and travel.
Anania said there has been interest in the store, but no firm offers.
If the store isn’t sold by Christmas, Anania’s will close on Christmas Eve for good.
The other store, located on Washington Avenue, is being sold to the manager.
A third location in South Portland closed in 2018, and it is currently the Ferry Village Market.