LAKE PARK — When The Textile Studio opened March 17, it became the first of several national chains to join the Lake Park Factory Outlets family.

With 9,000 square feet are filled with rolls of fabric, walls of pictures, and rows of pillows, comforters and tassels, the store is the largest of its kind in the South Georgia area.

The Textile Studio carries designer fabrics for window dressings, curtains and upholstery work, home dcor items and a large selection of tassels and trim. Brand names like Waverly, Duralee, Kashmir, Carole R.M. and more than 20 others are discounted at wholesale prices.

Consumers will benefit at the new outlet because the store buys in bulk. The savings are passed on to customers as 25-50 percent discounts on inventory. All fabric is currently $6.45 a yard. The Textile Studio will also match or beat any competitor’s price.

“Consumers used to have to go to as far as Atlanta to find another store like this,” John Manion, general manager, said. He has been a resident of Lake Park for 23 years and has extensive experience in management and franchise consulting.

He believes general public will be intrigued by the vast selection of more than 2000 rolls of fabric that The Textile Studio has to offer and that interior designers, contractors and others are interested in the modern designs, many featured in popular sewing magazines, and the wholesale prices.

Custom-made draperies, slipcovers, and window dressings are offered. Any customer can bring in a picture, book or magazine with an example then a studio representative will help you choose the fabric, design and colors to create the perfect ensemble. A representative from the studio will not only help you place your order; one will deliver and install the finished product as well.

The Textile Studio will also special order fabrics from almost any manufacturer in the country. Manion hopes to offer custom-made upholstery soon, however all details have not been finalized.

This ability to create special-order designs in-house and cater to the specific needs of each customer makes The Textile Studio unique.

A one-on-one employee to customer relationship creates a friendly, helpful environment. Manion ensures his six other employees are people-oriented, honest, knowledgeable and helpful.

“We will go to great lengths to satisfy our customers,” Manion said.

The Textile Studio Web site, www.thetextile

studio.com, is undergoing construction but pictures of fabric and tassels give customers a sneak peak at what they will find in a store.

Located in the far right corner of Lake Park Factory Outlets at 5261 Mill Store Road, The Textile Studio holds the mall’s regular operating hours of 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Manion is very satisfied with the location. “It is excellent. We are right in the corner with the largest sign,” he said.

Although the sign may attract customers from the interstate, word-of-mouth has been the best advertising for The Textile Studio. Many customers are coming from Florida and other areas for the quality products and wide selection.

A grand opening is being planned, however official dates have not yet been set. Check the Web site for more information about the grand opening and other special offers.

While there are potentially five national chains that may begin leasing in Lake Park, Liz Claiborne is the only one that has made definite plans. The store is remodeling a space at the outlet mall and is scheduled to open this summer.

“We are pleased to add (The Textile Studio) to our tenant mix,” Linda Pickles, general manager for Lake Park Factory Outlets, said. “The store offers a variety that we did not have before.”