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Countryside Carpet & Paint Buys Phinney’s Paint & Decorating

photo by Mike Cameron Phinney's Building on Court Street, Middlebury

photo by Mike Cameron Janice & Eric Denu in front of their recently purchased Phinney's location.

photo by Mike Cameron Janice & Eric Denu in front of the existing Countryside Carpet & Paint building.

Tuesday July 10, 2007

By Mike Cameron

   Two longtime Middlebury businesses have become one.  

   On July 6th, 2007 Countryside Carpet and Paint owner Eric Denu purchased Phinney's Decorating Center and the Court Street Market Place Shopping Center.  Denu plans to combine the inventories of both stores.  “The opportunity was available and the future for the new store looks very promising,” he said in a recent interview.

   The new Countryside Carpet and Paint will see the combined inventories of both Countryside and Phinney's consolidated under one roof in the original Phinney's location. That process is underway and ongoing.  “We are looking for an August 1st Grand Opening for the new store,” Eric explained.

   Both businesses have a longtime association with the Middlebury community.  

   Phinney's was established by George and Jane Phinney in 1974 and operated as a full service  paint and decorating center until it was sold to John Wehde.  Wehde operated the store and shopping center until recently before deciding to sell.

   The store has enjoyed an excellent reputation as a full-line paint and decorating center featuring premiere products like Benjamin Moore Paints, Muralo, Sikkens and others.  

   Former Phinney's paint & decorating is featured the largest paint and supplies department in the county, according to their web site Phinney’s Paint & Decorating.

   Phinney's has also featured custom window treatments, and a large selection  of  wall and   floor coverings. vinyl and wood flooring have also been a Phinney’s main-stay through the years.

  Eric Denu began business at Countryside in 1988 in the old Marbleworks.  He then moved the business to Route 7, south of Middlebury where his current business has continued to grow for the past 15 years.  

   Countryside  has continued to attract a large and varied customer base from Addison County and beyond over the years.  Eric is excited about combining the leading brands from both stores under one roof in the current Phinney’s location. “We will now be able to offer Pittsburgh, Cabot, Benjamin Moore and other quality paints and stains as well as  first name floor coverings by Mohawk, Mannington and Armstrong.  

  The store will also continue to take advantage of marketing and merchandising opportunities available through their membership in the Flooring Network.

  Eric was quick to add that he plans to continue offering Phinney’s traditional window treatment service and wallcovering department saying that the new store will have everything that is needed to decorate a home or office from floor to ceiling.

  Both Eric, and his wife Janice, who has added her skills and talents to the business full time, will continue doing business under the name of Countryside Carpet and Paint as they look forward to moving into their new Court Street Marketplace location.

   Eric explained that the purchase  included the buildings and land that make up the marketplace complex.

   Asked why he decided to make the purchase, Eric was matter-of-fact and to the point.  “We have faith in the economic potential of the area.  There is an upswing in the building industry currently and people are continuing to renovate and remodel their existing homes and businesses,” he said.

   “The Court Street Marketplace has a diverse business base and continues to show excellent potential for all of us,” he explained.

   Both Eric and Janice are looking forward to beginning their new marketing and advertising theme “Decorating The Countryside Way.”

   The theme reflects their dedication to continue presenting product offerings featuring just about everything you need to decorate your home, office or business.     

  A contingent of local business people offered the following congratulation and comments.

   Jim Bushey of Bourdeau  Bros. said. “ Eric is a man of his word, offers good service and I am pleased to see his business grow.”

   Stevie Dupoise of County Tire said “Seeing a local person like Eric purchase another local business is exciting.We wish him the best of luck.”

  Brian Carpenter of Champlain Valley Equipment said “ I am pleased to see a business person like Eric purchase the existing commercial property at the corner of Court Street and Creek Road in Middlebury.”

   Greg Wry of Greg’s Market said “The local economic impact of this new combination of business is great for the area. Congratulations”

  Nancy Foster of Re/Max said “ I am so excited for Eric, with his knowledge and experience in the area made this great business decision.  Bob and Heather Foster of Vermont Natural Ag Products  are sorry to see Eric’s wife Janice  leave VNAP. she is a huge asset to our company. We wish Eric and Janice the very best.”

   Scott Foster of Foster Motors said” This is wonderful opportunity. Eric has great knowledge  paint, carpet and flooring. Eric’s new  location will be even better for him. Congratulations.”

   Mike Hendy of Hendy Bros. said” I am sure with Eric’s knowledge, his customer base will grow even more. It is  nice to see Eric have local control  of an existing  business.”

  Tony Neri said “This is a great match, very positive move on Eric’s behalf. With his knowledge it will be absolutely wonderful. Excellent for the community. Congratulations.”

   Cheryl White of Valley Voice said. “ It is great to see someone with Eric’s experience and personality purchase another local  retail business and property. Congratulations to Eric and Janice on their new endeavor”.

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