Elizabeth's Shoppe to celebrate anniversary this weekend

CUMBERLAND - Elizabeth's Shoppe has had a presence in town for 25 years.

And to celebrate, it's holding a customer appreciation event this weekend, Nov. 7 and 8.

Stop by to see what's new - especially for the upcoming holidays - and take the opportunity to win a jelly cupboard.

Owner Elizabeth Dubois said she's always strived to provide quality gifts and decorative home accessories. She prides herself on offering a wide array of primitive items.

The 60-year-old Cumberland resident, who always had a desire to own her own business, worked as a designer in a local flower shop for 25 years before going full-time with her shop.

Right away her business flourished.

"It grew very rapidly," said Dubois, adding that she quickly grew out of her first digs in a tiny general store in the Berkeley section of town.

She moved to two other spots on Mendon Road, including one in the Ashton section, the other close to the Woonsocket line. In 1991, she moved to her present location at 2352 Mendon Road.

The 10 rooms she occupies had once served as a hair salon. In fact, Dubois used to be a customer at the salon and had always thought to herself that the space would "be conducive" to a gift shop. So, when it became available, she was thrilled to move her business into the yellow building next to House of Clocks, where there's always a busy flow of traffic.

With almost 2,000 square feet of space, there is plenty of room to display primitive and country furniture that's unlike that in a typical furniture store. It also features some 50 quilts, pottery, country and primitive curtains, swags, shower curtains, seasonal decorations, primitive wool rugs and runners, a selection of candles, including the Sam's Tart Shop brand, and an eclectic assortment of accessories.

The shop also carries period lighting, including wood and tin chandeliers and wrought iron floor, table and wall lamps. Always in stock and popular are star bulbs and window lights. An assortment of clocks in various sizes and styles can also be found.

Over the years, merchandise has evolved. In recent years, items such as jewelry, pocketbooks and, most recently, women's jackets have been added.

Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. It is closed on Monday.

For more information, call 658-2737.