Berkshire expands in assortment, location

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/31/2004 12:00:00 AM

GREAT BARRINGTON, MASS. —

The Berkshire Slipcover Outlet has expanded its merchandise mix and moved to larger quarters here.

Formerly focusing on Sure Fit slipcovers and based in the Lee, Mass., discount center, the company now offers sheets, chair cushions, futon covers and rugs, as well as slipcovers which continue to be the major portion of the mix, said Liana Toscanini, owner.

In the new location, which also has a Kmart, "We have double the space and are paying less rent," she added. The Barrington Plaza, site of the store, "is a community mall — different from the discount mall but with about the same amount of traffic."

The new store features three-room vignettes showcasing the new assortment. Sheets, from Elite Fashions, are doing very well, she said. The 320-count cotton-sateen queen set sells for $59.99; a queen promotional 200-count 50/50 cotton/polyester blend is $29.99.

Chair cushions are from Klear-Vu, rugs from Trans Ocean and futons from Burlington Futon.

Toscanini was formerly an executive with Sure Fit.