Echtenkamp brings fresh ideas to Reverie Fine Linens

Small Business Spotlight story in The Memphis Daily News

Dec. 20, 2010

At an age when most people are coming to terms with having to make their own beds in the morning, Laura Echtenkamp has awoken, made her bed and is lying in it, too.

The 25-year-old entrepreneur bought the specialty retail shop Reverie Fine Linens and Down in September. She went to work there as an intern studying interior design and home furnishings merchandising at the University of Memphis, and stayed on as a permanent employee after graduating in 2008.

The original owners, Harold and Margie Steinberg, began the business 23 years ago and approached Echtenkamp about purchasing the store late last year when they decided it was time for retirement.

After talking it over with her mother and stepfather, Lisa and Doug Thomas, Echtenkamp said, “I couldn’t stop talking about all the things I wanted to do and all the ideas that I had.”

The store is known for its fine bed linens and down comforters, pillows, decorative accessories and nightwear; brand names such as Sferra, Scandia House, SDH, Ann Gish and Nancy Koltes. Changes will be minimal and mainly seen in an increase in basic inventory carried, a larger selection of children’s bedding and some younger styles from her core brands offered.

“I feel like we were missing a younger market that we could have been taking advantage of, so that’s one of the things I want to jump on,” Echtenkamp said … (read more)