RUMFORD – Vitamins and herbs, organically grown beans, and specialty teas line the open shelves and light colored walls of Waldo Street’s newest business.

Red Hill Natural Foods, a long-time business owned and operated by Rumford-native Barbara Smith-Baker, who now lives in Weld, moved last month to its new location from Hotel Harris.

And most of her regular customers, as well as some new ones, have found her new shop at 228 Waldo St.

“It’s a little smaller,” she said. “Most customers love the new space. And most are pleased with the parking.”

Waldo Street, once a major retail area in town, fell on hard times a decade or two ago. But now, it seems to be coming back.

Smith-Baker said all the previously empty storefronts on her half of the street are now filled. Her business is located in part of the space once occupied by Legere’s Hardware. The rest of the building, owned by Jim White, is rented by a carpet-and-tile business and a locksmith business owned by White.

Smith-Baker decided to move from her previous location at the ornate Hotel Harris after new owners of the historic building raised the rent.

The new location on Waldo Street was available, so she took it.

There’s still much to be done. A new sign needs creating for the front of the store, and some cosmetic work is needed inside.

She, and her four part-time employees will be putting the finishing touches on the business over the next few weeks, as time and weather permit.

She still carries the same lines of food, vitamins, teas, books and other items natural food customers have grown to expect. The only reductions, because of space, are fewer organic cotton clothing items and used books.

Hours are the same as they were, as well. Mondays-Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday. Closed on Sundays.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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