Halifax decorating institution Abby's Fabric Shoppe closed its doors in the Hydrostone on September 22. Don't fret, though: The shop's new owner, Karyn McCombe, began the process of transferring Abby's merchandise over to its new home, inside McCombe's shop, Bellissimo! (2743 Agricola), the very next day. After spending 28 years working in the custom drape and decorating business, Linda Shaffner, the owner of Abby's, decided to retire. McCombe thought the lovely drapery and upholstery fabrics available at Abby's would mesh well with Bellissimo!'s antique European furniture and lighting and newer home decor items. "They're complementary businesses," she says. As a division within Bellissimo!, Abby's will continue to specialize in custom-made drapes, blinds, bedding, pillows and slipcovers. The goal of Bellissimo! is to provide "decorative finds for beautiful living," points out McCombe. Incorporating Abby's into the store helps them do this even more effectively. Koren and Sacha, two long-standing, fabric-savvy members of the Abby's staff, have also come with the store inventory to Bellissimo! And all of the fabrics from Abby's have come with them. Even though Abby's is now a division within Bellissimo!, it'll keep its operating name. Reach Bellissimo! (and Abby's) at 423-6014.
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