Gt. Barrington – On Saturday, May 1st, the Berkshire Slipcover Outlet moves from Prime Outlets at Lee to Barrington Plaza in the space formerly occupied by the linen store, Open House. Coincidentally, the Berkshire Slipcover Outlet will also carry a variety of linens and home furnishings including slipcovers, decorative pillows, sheets, futon covers, chair pads and rugs.
Owner, Liana Toscanini, says the new store is 2000 square feet and will feature more displays, more product lines, and increased staff. After making a profit in her first year of business, Toscanini is taking a calculated risk that moving to tourist mecca, Great Barrington, and doubling the size of the store will reap similar rewards within the next 12 months.
“I love the concept of the ‘community mall,’ says Toscanini, referring to Barrington Plaza, home of Kmart, Price Chopper and The Bookloft. “My local and regional customers are thrilled we’re moving to such a convenient place.â€
A showcase for Sure Fit brand slipcovers, the store carries a full line of discounted, readymade covers for chairs, loveseats, sofas, dining chairs, folding chairs and ottomans as well as hard-to-find catalog items including slipcovers for wingback furniture, recliners, and chair ½’s. New this season are covers for sectional furniture.
Toscanini also plans to introduce some custom work. “There is a need for smaller chair covers,†says Toscanini, who is responding by partnering with designer and seamstress, Jane Hason, to make “semi-custom†slipcovers for petite chairs. Customers will provide a few basic measurements and bring their seat cushion in to be custom-covered. This two-piece cover would look more like custom-made slipcovers but wouldn’t be quite as fitted says Toscanini.
The Berkshire Slipcover Outlet is unique in the U.S. and may serve as a prototype for a future franchise operation. Toscanini , a resident of Sandisfield, was a Vice President at Sure Fit, the country’s largest slipcover manufacturer, for ten years prior to starting her retail venture. The store is open 7 days a week.
For more information, call (413) 528-9737 or visit www.berkshireslipcoveroutlet.com .
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
Gracelyn Wright struck out eight, and Genevieve Lagess went 3-for-5 with four runs batted in as the Hurricanes beat Monson, 17-3, to claim their first Western Mass title in four years. click for more
