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- The Euro Ship Store/Phoenix, on the corner of Main and Center Streets in Fairhaven, is closing its doors after decades of selling unique and local items to locals and tourists alike. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
Euro Ship Store/Phoenix, housed in the historic building on the corner of Center and Main Streets in the center of Fairhaven, is closing its doors for good. Gail Isaksen, 80, who opened the store about 25 years ago, said she has been facing some health issues, so the time has come.
“It’s never been a profitable thing,” she said. “It’s always been a labor of love, and money.”
It started out on Ferry Street, where that store still caters to the fishing industry. When the old Phoenix building was empty for a few years, she decided to buy it. She moved inventory from Ferry Street and added more general items. It was the place to go for Fairhaven items.
“It just never got off the ground,” she said. “I guess people never liked what I bought, only at Christmas time.”
The store has always had unique and quirky items, plus high quality Norwegian sweaters and other clothing. It was a favorite of tourists and locals alike. The crammed shelves held all manner of doodads and fun stuff, much of it with the name “Fairhaven” on it, and items by local artists and authors.
Joan Bisbee was shopping the diminishing stock and said she has been going there since it opened. She remembered when the building was occupied by Browne’s Pharmacy (now, that’s going back a bit) and the Phoenix Pharmacy, too.
“It’s sad,” she said. “It’s been a big part of my shopping experience ever since Gail opened years ago.”
Ms. Bisbee said she always did some Christmas shopping there. She likes getting the local stuff that she can send to relatives who moved away, to get them something that reminds them of Fairhaven.
“I hope something comes into this space,” she said.
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- L-R: Jerry Rousseau and Karen Isherwood check out a marble paper towel holder at Euro Ship Store/Phoenix in Fairhaven during its closing sale on 8/15/25 when everything was 50% off. Photo by Beth David.
“It’s so sad. It’s a staple,” said Karen Isherwood, who had her eye on a heavily discounted marble paper towel holder, with Jerry Rousseau.
“We’ve already gotten a lot of deals,” said Mr. Rousseau.
They said they have been going back and it seems that more items magically appear on the shelves.
Store staff confirmed that they have been taking stuff down from the top floor and moving it to the shelves as space opens up.
Sisters, Wendy Bellmore and Holly LaFrance, were shopping the store for the first, and sadly probably the last time, while in town. Ms. Bellmore’s son lives in Fairhaven and told them they needed to get to Euro’s, insisting they would love it. He had no idea it was closing,
“He will be heartbroken,” said Ms. Bellmore.
“It’s a lovely store,” said Ms. LaFrance.
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- T-shirts for tourists and locals alike are still available for purchase at Euro Ship Store/Phoenix in Fairhaven on 8/15/25 at 50% off for the closing sale. Photo by Beth David.
The building itself also has a storied history. It has served as a Congregational church, and a performing arts center. A pharmacy was located in the building for more than 140 years. Fairhaven’s Town Meeting was held there until town hall was built in 1894.*
The store is located at 24 Main Street in Fairhaven. It will stay open until the inventory is gone. Everything is 50% off. Find them on Facebook for updates.
Ms. Isaksen said she thinks she has a tenant for the building, but did not want to divulge too much information because nothing is finalized. It will be a retailer of some sort, though.
*Special thanks to Chris Richard. Learn more about the history of the building at Chris Richard’s substack: https://christopherrichard.substack.com/p/focus-on-the-phoenix-building
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