Blue Ridge to exhibit wares in larger space

By Marvin Lazaro -- Home Textiles Today, 4/8/2002 12:00:00 AM

EAST WILLISTON, NY —

Just in time for April market, Blue Ridge Home Fashions has announced the opening of its new showroom space at 295 5th Ave.

Formerly occupying a 400-square-foot space at 303 5th Ave., Blue Ridge is now located in Suite 1501 of the Textiles Building. With 2,700 square feet of space, Blue Ridge now is able to adequately showcase all of its products.

"The company really has grown enormously in the last six or seven years," said Fred Buonocoure, president. "The new showroom shows people how big we are now."

Bounocoure said the recently completed space, in contrast to its 303 counterpart, now includes conference tables, a private office, much more extensive shelving and "the ability for someone to be able to sit 75 feet away from someone else." In order to show off Blue Ridge's extensive line of down-based bedding, five beds will be on the showroom floor, although Bounocoure said there was more than enough room to add two more beds, which he will do after this market.

The company's many packaging options will also be fully displayed, including its printed comforter carry boxes.

"Everybody can come in, and no one will be on top of each other," Bounocoure said of the much more business-friendly showroom, which during the offseason, will be open only for appointments. "We really did it up sharp."

This is Bounocoure's second stint at 295. He had occupied two different showrooms previously during his tenure with Down Inc.

Among this market's introductions from Blue Ridge will be an expanded comforter line, including a 700-count down comforter and 530-count silk blend comforter with white down or white goose down fill. Woven damask comforters, many with baffle-wall construction, will also be displayed.