small shop offering quality linens from China, Scotland, Italy and Ireland at affordable prices. Some 10 years later her sister Gloria Marks convinced her to open a branch in St. George's where Gloria had been successful selling giftware.

Not long afterwards Gloria was shown a catalogue of bedroom ensembles by Sheridan of Australia. "The vibrant colours and classic prints took my breath away; I knew it would be a big seller'' she says. She obtained the exclusive rights to carry it here and Marks & Co. was born.

Economics forced the sisters to join forces under one roof while continuing their own company identities and they moved into their present location on Reid Street in March 1992.

"These larger quarters have given us sweeping storefront windows and ample room for interior displays'', Gloria enthuses.

Both have a loyal clientele but the choice spot on a busy pedestrian thoroughfare provides a great chunk of their business.

Well-traveled tourists familiar with the internationally known Sheridan product are pleased to come across the shop. "We have been told that stores like Bloomingdale's which sell the line don't always have a particular design or accessory'' says Gloria. "But we carry almost the entire line - from bedroom sheets to wallpaper and matching shower curtains -- even fabrics by the yard!'' Marks & Co. also assists customers in designing bedrooms.

The House of Linens and Marks & Co. are also very supportive of local crafts and carry an array of fine pieces like hand-painted silk scarves by Jessica, Fay Robinson's exquisite needlepoint canvases and Suzie Hayward's "Little Friends'' group of hand-painted doorstops and dried flower arrangements.

Claire Smith's colourful imported gems from Bali and Indonesia are also sold here.