Dear Santa,

My name is Kristen. You may remember me from last year. I left you cookies. I left carrots for Rudolph and Co. I even left a glass of milk, and I don’t even like milk.

You did not leave me a Coach bag (though the Chicken Dance Elmo was a nice touch).

But that’s OK. This year, to avoid any confusion, I’ve made a list. I’ve checked it twice. I’ve been less naughty and more nice. I’m aiming high. I don’t just want stuff for Christmas – I want stores.

Actually, I’m really doing this for you. I want to lighten your load. Rather than haul a sleigh full of toys, clothes and candy to Bangor, you could just plop down a few new retailers and people could do the shopping themselves. This, in turn, would free up room in the sleigh, making the ride roomier and more luxurious. Heck, you could even bring your own milk and cookies.

So when you come to town, I hope you could bring the following items on my list. Oh, and while you’re at it, could you fill some of the storefronts downtown with chic, fun boutiques? Maybe a coffee shop or two? Thanks.

. Old Navy – If ever a town needed an Old Navy it’s Bangor. The only question is, why don’t we have one yet? I mean, clearly this is an area where people love a bargain. The clothing is stylish and inexpensive, and the dog accessories can’t be beat. And where else can you find flip-flops for $3.50?

. Banana Republic – Let’s just go for the whole Gap Inc. triumvirate. Well-made clothes that never go out of style. Imagine that.

. Reny’s – Ellsworth is close, but not close enough. Great clothes, interesting appliances, shoe deals and an unusual but appealing selection of food products make Reny’s one of my all-time favorites.

. Kohl’s – No, I didn’t say coal. If Macy’s and Kmart decided to have an illicit affair, Kohl’s would be their love child. The store has a good selection of brand names packed in a chain store-type atmosphere. Not chi-chi, but who cares when you’re buying things for 40 percent off?

. Express – Simply the best pants, ever, especially if your hips are larger than the average supermodel. Express designs sexy, trendy clothing for women, as well as more tailored items for the young professional. It’s all affordable, and as a bonus, they just added a men’s line, too.

. Chico’s – With a blend of classic, elegant styles and chic accent pieces, the selection at Chico’s just may be enough to cause many women over 30 to kick their Christmas sweater habit once and for all.

. Lowe’s – Why? Because choice is good. Especially when you’re renovating.

. Target – Yes, I know it’s scheduled to open in March, but couldn’t you persuade the elves to hurry up?

. Pottery Barn – A girl can dream, can’t she? But seriously, sometimes, the catalog isn’t enough. I just want to be able to sit on one of those cushy, expensive leather couches. Will I ever buy one? Yes. As soon as Starbucks opens in Medway.

. Sephora – OK, now I’m really dreaming. But my idea of a good makeup selection doesn’t end with Clinique. It doesn’t even begin there. For now, I’ll be content drooling at www.sephora.com.

. Michael’s and-or A.C. Moore – I threw this in for my colleague, whose wife travels to Portland to buy craft supplies, quilting fabric and other goodies. She deserves a break.

. The Christmas Tree Shop – It’s not just for Christmas, folks. I’ve found velvet curtains there for under $20, a great selection of lamps, and enough strange gourmet food products to rival Reny’s. I love it.

. Famous Footwear – Discount shoes that you’d actually wear. Need I say more?

. Coach Factory Store – A long shot, but I figure if Santa won’t bring me my bag, I’ll go get my own. On sale.

ShopNotes

. Make a “clean” start to the Christmas season by picking up a free “Holiday Season of Conscience” pamphlet. The brochure, published by the Bangor Clean Clothes Campaign, is intended to raise awareness about child labor and sweatshop working conditions. It includes a list of local stores participating in the campaign, and simple steps people can take to make a difference during the holiday season. For more information, or for a copy of the pamphlet, call 947-4203.

. Who says gardening has to end with the first frost? Sweet Pea Gardens in Surry has decided to go year-round and its owner, Susan Keating, will hold a grand opening of The Little Flower & Garden Shop in Surry village from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Photographer Lynn Karlin will be on hand to sign her book, “Gardens Maine Style” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and if you call ahead, you can participate in a holiday wreath-making workshop. The shop, which is located in the former post office, sells fresh flowers, wreaths, unusual greenery and berries for decorating, seasonal and garden-related gifts. For information, call 667-6751or visit www.sweetpeagardens.com.

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476.