May 3, 2007

Vineyard Decorators lures Islanders to shop at homeBy Janet HeflerThe Martha's Vineyard Times

Vineyard Decorators recently unveiled a newly expanded design center and wide-ranging array of home furnishings, suitable for cottage or trophy house, aimed at keeping Islanders shopping locally.

Although Vineyard Decorators has been in business for 33 years, with the increasing lure of off-Island competition, owners John and Birgitta Parker said they recognized the importance of periodically analyzing their market and products in order to be responsive to their customers’ needs. They also check prices on the mainland to keep theirs competitive.

“We want people on Martha’s Vineyard to stay shopping on the Vineyard,” said Ms. Parker. “We want them to come to us first, and see that we have affordable products, as well as high-end ones.”

Mr. Parker said he started Vineyard Decorators at its airport location as an upholstery shop in 1973, expanding the business over the years to include indoor and outdoor furniture, window treatments, rugs, bath accessories, lingerie, giftware, and bedding.

The second floor features more affordable furniture, Ms. Parker said, perhaps for couples starting out or people furnishing second homes or rentals. The store also is adding an affordable line of bed linens, mattress pads, and pillows. Vineyard Decorators continues to offer custom upholstery, draperies, and furniture repair in a separate building behind the store, managed by James Meyst, an employee since 1984.

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