This was a wonderful store I visited in Kennebunkport. I walked in wondering what was being sold in here. Mostly I came in here because I liked the name of the store.. Abacus Gallery. Walking in I immediately started looking around and found that it sells beautiful and unique art/home decor. One of my favorite items while in there were the coasters they sold... some of them made me actually laugh out loud in the store, and a few of the items actually reminded me of people I know. Check out those pictures. I was going to buy from this store, but my family wanted to check out some places first. There was this on item I totally forgot to come back for which was this beautiful painted box to store cat treats and food, sigh I completely regret missing out on buying it. If your in Kennebunkport, come into this store. And if you like something in here, don't make my mistake... buy it!!!! read more

See all

Don't you dare walk in with a closed bottle of water. You will rudely and publicly be asked to leave. You won't be asked to leave it outside or keep it closed, you will be thrown out like they have the original Mona Lisa in there, and you are trying to steal it. read more

This continues as my favorite stop in Dock Square. Not much has changed though there is always is something that catches one's eye. The sculptures outside the entrance are always a delight. read more

See all

Extremely rude and insulting service by a manager and an employee. I can't imagine speaking to a customer or anyone in such a nasty manner. No sign posted about no refunds to credit cards. I live on the west coast so a store credit doesn't work. My return was within five days. Even though the shop offers beautiful items, I'll never shop there again. read more

Was in over the weekend. Very busy store and the folks working in it were attentive to the customers. We bought something which the young lady behind the counter offered to gift wrap and box for us. Excellent service! We loved the selection of work that they offer, and will definitely be back for some holiday gifts! read more

I absolutely loved this little art shop in Kennebunkport. I found out after they have a few other locations including Portland. I could stay in this place for hours. They offer a lot of different types of art and gifts made by many different artists. The price points are all over the place and they have something to fit into anyone's budget. I got one of the most unique little sculptures. I will definitely be back by next time I'm in town. read more

Horrible service. Unfriendly and rude staff. Will spend my time and money elsewhere. Crotchety old biddies.

This morning my wife, 10 month old son and I walked into Abacus. "Excuse me, NO strollers" came the greeting. Before we could respond, the merchant exclaimed "It's posted on the door!" I surveyed the nearly empty store. "Oh, I see it now on the door that's propped open and impossible to see before entering the store." I cannot properly capture the hostility of this 'welcome' in words. Abacus had been a favorite of ours for the past decade on numerous trips to Kennebunkport. A eclectic selection of grossly overpriced knickknacks and local art. It's finally apparent to me that much of its charm is borrowed from this beautiful town. A no stroller policy is fine for an establishment to implement. I'm not aware of any other stores here that have such a policy. To us that says they're not a family friendly store. What is not fine is to treat your customers or potential customers so rudely. To us that says they don't deserve anyone's business. We certainly will never be back. read more

One of the reasons I opened a small business a few years back was to make every single person that came into our shop feel welcome! That being said... I just walked into @Abacus in Kennebunk Maine and immediately as I entered the store the sales women asked me to leave... why? Because I had a stroller! A stroller with a sleeping baby that would not have touched any of the "precious merchandise". She was also on the phone and very into her personal conversation. It's just too too bad! It's unfortunate that a small business would make a customer feel so unwelcome. Shame shame shame!! read more

Beautiful store! I am a past maine resident that now lives in MA and I always make a point to stop at one or more of the Abacus locations when I am visiting family in ME. It's a beautifully crafted store that basically feels like an art gallery where incredible items are for sale! Although the Kennebunkport location is one of the bigger stores, and they offer more higher-priced items that cater to the flow of tourists in the area... the customer service at this location is not very good. Upon entering I was stared down (not greeted). While I took my time looking around I saw a few people who appeared to be employees but I only assumed that because of the nice way they were dressed as well as the way each one stared be down every time we made eye contact. I smiled many times at the women that I knew were employees and did not get a simple smile back. I know it may seem silly but the act of smiling back to acknowledge someone's presence shows good customer service in my opinion. Not only did no one speak to me throughout my visit, but every time I looked up I noticed that I was being stared down by employees. I felt scrutinized and judged instead of welcomed. The behavior of the employees made me feel uncomfortable and I did not end up purchasing anything this time around. I have had many positive experiences with the nice staff at other Abacus locations. The Portland location has a wonderful selection of jewelry and their staff is knowledgeable although some are slightly stiff in their interactions. The employees in the Boothbay Harbor and Freeport locations have been friendly, helpful, and left a lasting positive impact on myself and my family who's visited with me. When looking around the store I know that employees are nearby for assistance but they have not made me feel as uncomfortable as the women in Kennebunkport did. The owners of Abacus do a wonderful job of selecting what goes into their stores. Someday I hope to own a Sticks bench to match the rest of my collection. They also have carried Ed Levin jewelry for as long as I can remember! Next time I am in Maine I'll save myself the trip and visit Abacus in Boothbay Harbor or Freeport. Abacus is an amazing Maine store so it is a shame for customer service to deter anyone from enjoying the magnificent craft, furniture, and jewelry that the Abacus stores offer. I highly recommend visiting an Abacus in Maine... perhaps just not this one. read more

Every August since 2006, my husband and I go to the abacus in Ogunquit or Kennebunkport to buy my anniversary gift, and a bday gift for my mother in law. This year, after dinner at Federal Jacks, my husband and kids decided to go and buy my gift and MILs. My kids each had a rock candy lollipop from the walk over (they are 12 and 10 - not babies) -- and the moment we stepped in the saleswoman - in the rudest most unwelcoming way imaginable - told me we had to leave as no candy was allowed in the store. Her tone left no option to ask the kids to step out and continue shopping, so I said to the kids - we have to go. As we walked out - she and a younger sales woman laughed. Again, in the rudest way that is difficult to explain. My daughter still impersonates the interaction, it was so over the top. I'll never shop there again, and I have shared this story with all of our extended family who stay at our family home on Drakes every year. If you don't want our business, no problem. This tradition is now done. O read more

There's a ton to love in this artist's and art lover's haven, and it's more than a little apparent when you walk in the place that it appears to have been decorated with a personal touch, less so the personal touch of some of the more touristy kitsch one can't help but trip over in town, but something borne out of a need to create or an appreciation of the same. Nothing's perfect in this world, but I found myself exclaiming that it sure would have been easy to drop a pretty coin in this store. Abacus isn't as complex as the name might indicate, nor as dated (from what I recall, they were using real calculators at the cash register), but the owner's an artist, and it's his monthly art calendars that dot the wall behind the payout. Elsewhere, we found impressive and quirky glassware, several funky robots(!), metal ware and woodworking with an eye toward whimsical and modern flourishes, metal and illuminated letter stamp and oversized lettering, and some chests and other furniture that ranged from recalling childhood wonder or sleek lines. And of course I bought none of that, instead opting for a unique screen-printed tie, stamped with the silhouette of some sort of typewriter relic, hovering above an electric blue. I can't wait to wear it out one day soon, if only by virtue of the fact that when I inevitably share where I scored it, I can drop hints regarding all the other pieces I grinned wildly at inside. Let the oohing and aahing begin. read more

What a quirky art gallery/store. There's also a location in Ogunquit. This location is a lot bigger than it seems because in the back you can walk to another area where they have more little knick knacks and furniture. It's just fun walking in this place and reading about how certain stuff is made or where it's from. I found these christmas ball ornaments made from recycled magazine paper. There were also these beautiful seascapes-glass boxes with sand and shells in them. The majority of the items weren't over priced. We purchased this wooden box with an engraved quote on it for $36 and a pop out 3D dog for $12 and I got a charm for my bracelet for $12. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience to walk around even if you aren't going to buy anything-there's a lot of neat stuff to look through. My hubby and I liked this $700 clock-just cool to admire. read more

Abacus Gallery - Word bubble charm $18 - Art Galleries Near Me - Kennebunkport, Maine

Abacus is a surprisingly large gallery full of expensive things, but to me it seems to be more about size and the ridiculousness of some of the pieces and less about the careful curation of things that someone might actually buy. But that's just my opinion, there were always people at the cash registers and they seem to know who their customer is and what they'll buy. If you're new to K'port, be sure to check out Abacus. But take a look at some of the smaller shops too, I think they're much more interesting. read more

Spacious, well lit gallery with a great mix of home goods and pieces created by local Maine artists. I thought it was a small shop, but was pleasantly surprised when I walked to the back wall to find there was more goodness around the corner! There were lots of fun pieces to look at and I could be entertained here for a good hour. I do believe they have multiple locations, so if you can't make it to Kennebunkport, check out their other branch in downtown Portland. Awesome place to check out if you're looking to bring home a more upscale souvenir from your Maine adventure. read more

I enjoyed looking around this place, but I don't think I would buy anything. This is one of those shops where they have cool handmade stuff, and though I absolutely support the plight of the artist, I can't justify $800 for a handmade box. Another annoyance is that they carry Sticks furniture (google it if you don't know). I find their furniture not classy and just...brash and overbearing, really. A super fun place to look around, but for me - it's not to buy. read more

Uniqe items, but customer service questionable. In 2018, I purchased a moderately expensive piece of artwork that was packaged in a box for transport home. In 2019. I've visited with a friend who purchased a piece of artwork that was $36. It was wrapped in paper and handed to her in a paper bag (no handle), a bag that you would place a greeting card. I asked do you have gift wrap? The associate looked at manager as if to ask for appropriate response. It was NO. At least they could have placed it in a box. Very inappropriate for a gift store. I was excited to return again with a friend. I have my doubts about returning. read more

As a first experience, I was truly taken by this quirky and quaint store. My husband and I left with many treasures, among them one lovely right-handed mug. After having it at home for a week's time, we decided to see if we could order three more for a set of four. Much to our delight, we ordered three additional seamlessly. Upon our receipt, it appeared that there was a slight imperfection in one mug. I noticed That this mug would leave a very wet residue on any surfaced it touched. One day my husband mistakenly grabbed this mug for his hot coffee and found that this leak was due to a growing hairline crack (previously seen as an imperfection) that led to him being scalded by the contents of his cup and dropping the mug quickly. We discarded this mug and its contents soon after as part of our cleanup effort. Given the three remaining, I thought I would attempt to replace this mug hoping for a shipping discount or some sort of recognition by the shop for this inconvenience. Instead, I was told that without a picture of the damage, I could Not even be offered a $5 shipping discount for the replacement. I expressed my discontent and my intent to no longer offer my business to this store and received NO RESPONSE. So after a minimum of $250 spent at this store, I was unable To be extended good faith for a shipping discount... If you anticipate customer service, shop elsewhere... read more

Great variety of eclectic items! Lovely jewelry pieces. Sculpture, crafts, paintings & prints, and other media; there are very cool items and ridiculous ones; great for gift giving or treating yourself... read more

This is another cool place to shop when in Maine. It also has one-off work done by local artists, so if you're tired of the normal outlet mall shops come here for a nice break. As with any art, the pieces are a little expensive, but if you don't mind paying a little more for nice pieces then that won't deter your view at all. read more

We loved this place! There are so many interesting pieces to check out! Unlike most other galleries around, you can actually buy something here without breaking the bank. We cannot wait to go back and see what they have next time we are in the area! read more

Cool stuff and very unique home decor items and beautiful jewelry. However, you have some snooty people working here who are extremely unwelcoming. When you come in there are signs saying "no drinks" for example which is fine but the staff could at least greet customers and say hello to help offset the overprotective sales floor. While visiting today, I struggled with unhinging a bracelet near the cash register while these two employees behind the counter chatted about repainting or remodeling someone's house as they completely ignored me and offered zero assistance. I would have purchased the bracelet but they were just snobby and more interested in gabbing rather than sell anything. One employee was downstairs just watching people to make sure no one slipped out the door without paying. At least make it appear as though you are doing something other than looking for shoplifters. The one in Portland is pretty damn snooty too. Great stuff but not a "feel good" buy from ladies who'd rather be sipping on manhattans while playing bingo at the local senior citizen's social club. Hopefully the store manager or owner will take note of the abysmal customer service and realize the sales they are missing. I would have come back for a cool piece of art for $650.00 but instead will contact the artist directly and arrange my purchase through another retailer instead. Oh well. read more

Abacus at kennebunkport is a fun store to look around theres is nice merchandise from a variety of artist, the only reason why i won't buy at this particular location is because the sales people are absolutely horrible probably because of the lack of training on product knowledge and more importantly good manners. they don't even welcome or greed customers. very rude employees!!!!!! read more