Bucksport couple opens skate shop
‘Peoples’ faces really light up when they come in here,’ owner says
Josh Merrick and Brette Miller have opened The Spot in Bucksport, catering to skateboard enthusiasts. Photo by Emily Baer.
March 10, 2026
By Emily Baer
If you think shredding, grinding and dropping in are only reserved for city dwellers, local skateboarders should take note: a new shop has opened catering to their needs.
In February, husband-and-wife duo Josh Merrick and Brette Miller opened Bucksport’s first-ever skate shop, The Spot, at the corner of Elm and Main streets.
The couple moved to Bucksport from California in 2021 seeking a quieter life and the sense of safety and security they felt a small coastal town could offer. Merrick soon noticed a lack of transportation services in the area and so, in 2023, he started The Ride Guy Taxi Service.
“There wasn’t anything like it when I arrived,” he said. “It’s a solution-based business.”
The taxi service took off. And then Merrick saw another opportunity.
“We grew up in southern California,” he said. “Skate and surf are a community hub there.”
Merrick said The Spot is an opportunity for him to get back to his roots.
“The closest skate shop is in Bangor,” he said. “And what we have here is different. We’re working with two of the largest skate warehouses in the country and we have our own line.”
The house brand, One Drop, is a creative collaboration between Merrick and Miller.
The Spot opened in February. Photo courtesy of Brette Miller.
“It’s so fun to have [the line],” Miller said. “They’re all original designs and we do it all in house.” The shop’s sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats are designed by Miller and printed by Merrick.
By doing many of the designs themselves, the couple says they are able to keep costs down and pass on those savings to customers. Affordability is a priority across the shop.
“I wanted to design [the store] where anybody that comes in here can buy something,” Merrick said.
The store also carries apparel from brands like Hurley and Quicksilver in addition to belts, beanies, sunglasses, bags, and jewelry.
“We’re going to do shoes, too–Vans and DC–and this summer we’ll carry Volcom sandals,” Merrick said.
In addition to clothing and accessories, Merrick also carries a full range of skateboards and hardware. By contracting directly with national vendors, Merrick can ensure that what he sells is genuine.
“Everything’s professional,” he said. “Even [the boards] for kids. They’re just like the professional boards but for beginners.”
At a small workstation at the back of the shop, customers can bring their boards in for DIY repairs and replacements.
“They’ll have all the tools [they need],” Merrick said. “They can take their skateboard apart, buy some wheels, and skate off.”
Later this spring Merrick plans to add bike repair kits and wax for paddleboards. Merrick hopes to host events throughout the summer, but for now he and Miller are focused on growing their inventory and getting to know new customers.
“We opened a month ago this week,” said Merrick. “We’ll add more as we go but peoples’ faces really light up when they come in here.”
