Nine great shops in Portland, Maine

Jonathan Levitt for The Boston Globe
Chellis Wilson
This place is more art installation than conventional shop. The space, small and sunny with a tin ceiling and ebony floors, is tucked away on a quiet side street and filled with a spare and carefully arranged selection of clothes, books, textiles, and furniture.
Owner Barbara Merritt describes it as "a retail adventure, committed to strong aesthetics and integrity of production."
Merritt is charming and erudite. Plan to spend some time chatting. 17 Pleasant St., 207-518-9018