Tradition of downtown furniture store continues with new twist

St. Joseph's central business district has grown by one furniture store.

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place Sept. 7 for HarborTown Interiors. Stephanie Grill, Kerry Cressler and Mary Kay Hylton, co-owners of HarborTown Interiors, officially opened their new store at 613 Broad St.

Gill says it was important for them to locate in downtown St. Joseph to carry on the tradition of a successful furniture store there over the past 100 years.

HarborTown Interiors will offer home furnishings, accessories, lamps and light fixtures, mattresses and bed coverings, area rugs and art.

Full-time home owners and summer residents can take advantage of the store's complete design services to make a house a home. The store features many American made products and wood furniture made from reclaimed lumber.

The store is the culmination of more than a year's work, says Margaret Adams, program manager of the Women's Business Center. Co-owners Stephanie Grill and Mary Kay Hylton met with Women's Business Center Counselors in April 2009 and began the information gathering process needed to get the doors open. They also took classes offered by Small Business Services.

"They wanted to be sure that absolutely nothing was missing from their business planning process," says Adams. "I applaud them for their determination and hard work."

The store is open seven days a week including Thursday and Friday evenings or by appointment. In-home visits are also available by appointment for a small fee.
 
A grand opening celebration will take place later this month.

Writer: Kathy Jennings
Source: Jamie Nilson-Balkin, Cornerstone Alliance