The Concourse opened in the 70’s and featured Zayre, Shop’n save and a block of smaller stores. Around 1989-1990, Ames replaced Zayre after the acquisition. Later, Shop’n save relocated to the JFK Plaza to open a larger store. The vacated space remained available for years. Family Dollar and Brooks Pharmacy eventually moved in by dividing the former supermarket space. Ames appeared to be doing fine, by being downtown, close to the population, and having one less competitor when Rich’s closed, the location was in a good spot. However, by then, a brand new Walmart store had opened near Interstate 95. 

Ames went out of business and the Waterville store closed in October 2002. The lease was acquired by Stop & Shop but no supermarket was ever built where Ames was. Instead, Dollar Tree opened using part of the vacant store. The remaining former Ames space stayed available for a while. 

Another loss came when Brooks was acquired by Rite Aid. Rite Aid already had a free-standing store nearby so the Brooks location was shut down. Goodwill opened in the former Brooks.