Although some say the awful recession has ended, many others suffering losses, or ‘taking a bath,’ as they say, would heartily disagree.

Among Maine’s losses is the wonderful Decourm Speciality Hardware in Portland’s Old Port.

Nick Harding ended the 30-year run of one of the oldest businesses in the Old Port last May.

Homeowners, builders, and architects will no longer find hard-to-find kitchen and bathroom fixtures, unique architectural hardware or speciality lighting on Commercial Street.

Web shopping and lack of parking also contributed to the decline in business. And most of their current business is special order, which doesn’t require a prime retail location.

Nostalgia Lighting, which operated as part of Decorum, has relocated to Falmouth. And hopefully Decorum will find a way to reopen as well, one day soon. We miss it!

Nostalgia, 234 Middle Road, Falmouth, ME 04105, (207) 772-1096

This classic Italian Deli was started by Leo & Iris Micucci in 1950 on Middle Street in Portland.

The business catered mostly to what was at the time, Portland’s “Little Italy.”

Mr. Micucci was one of the first to supply Maine’s pizza shops, which included Angelone’s in Portland, Luiggi’s in Lewiston and Pat’s Pizza in Orono.

The ‘Sicilian Slab’ that can be found in the back of the shop gets rave reviews, even on Yelp.

And anyone who has spent anytime in Italy will be happy to find all the tasty items most Americans haven’t yet discovered.

It’s only steps from Duckfat, and just down the street from Hugo’s. Foodies should love this neighborhood.

Micucci’s Grocery, 45 India Street, Portland, ME 04101, (207) 775-1854

Micucci Wholesale Foods, 961 Riverside Street, Portland, ME 04103, (207) 797-7573, (800) MICUCCI, Fax: (207) 797-4103

Here’s the website.

Nope.

This stylish shop is in another hotspot where folks with a certain sophisticated taste level gather.

You know the types — fashionistas, hipsters, trendsetters.

They flock to places where style and design is an artform.

And they shop in only the coolest shops. Like this one.

This stunning space is a joy to walk into, with it’s high ceilings, nice proportions, and great light.

And if you’re looking for some really cool loot, cancel the Amsterdam flight. You can visit Black Parrot right downtown in Portland, Maine. Thanks to owners Sherrie Gibson and Warren Selig.

Black Parrot, 131 Middle Street, Portland, ME, 207-221-691, blackparrot@maine.rr.com. Here’s the website. ***Update — They’re moving to 193 Middle Street.