Amherst Closets/Garage Space opens showroom
Storage for every room in the house
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Frank Fedele, co-owner of Amherst Closets/Garage Space stands in the brand new showroom at 450 Niagara Falls Blvd. He will hold a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Oct. 27. Photo by Joe Eberle Purchase color photos at www.BeeNews.com

The leaves aren't the only thing changing in October. It's time to pack up the shorts and pull out the sweaters. The lawnmower should soon be moved to the back of the garage, giving the prime spot to the snow blower.

Seasonal hobbies and clothing require a lot of packing, unpacking and moving throughout the year.

This fall, consider making some storage changes for closet and garage needs in the house.

Frank Fedele of Amherst recently opened Amherst Closets - Garage Space, a showroom for the latest designs in garage and closet storage to make the best use of space available.

"There is greater growth in the closest business, but garage storage is emerging," he said, adding a boom in the industry is expected in the next four years.

His business offers storage solutions for every room in the house. On the one side of the showroom is a model of a garage. Fedele said the system is completely flexible for adjusting to tools, sports equipment, gardening accessories or any other storage needs.

The vinyl paneling requires no nails. The hooks that fit into the panels are completely adjustable. Panels come in sections of 1-foot by 8-feet so customers can choose to cover all the walls or just one, or any percentage they choose.

Fedele also carries a wide variety of flooring options for garages and basements. One design resembles hardwood flooring but is waterproof, as are the other designs, which come in various colors.

While garage organizing is a newer concept compared to closets, it is growing.

Fedele has been in the industry for four years. When opening his own business he was often asked if he did closet organizing - so now he does.

The second half of the showroom is a mock-bedroom closet, a laundry room and a kitchen. Visitors to the showroom can walk through the models, seeing the many options for storage.

From drawers to baskets, hooks to hangers, custom closets can be designed for different spaces, and different budgets.

"When people think of custom closets they think expensive. They think it can't be, but a basic system can be very affordable," Fedele said, adding that quality doesn't have to be sacrificed.

"They can get an affordable, high quality product that is as good, if not better, than other leaders."

There are many options for customers to consider, depending on what type of storage they are looking for. With the new showroom, they can see those options in person.

Installation is offered by Amherst Closets. Seminars for self installation are also available. The company will also visit the home for a free estimate.

Fedele and co-owner Michael Marranca of Williamsville will hold a grand opening of the showroom, 450 Niagara Falls Blvd., Kenmore Avenue, Tonawanda, on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Hours are currently set at 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Saturday. Amherst Closets is also open by appointment.

Call 831-9713 or e-mail sales@garage-space.com for information. The Web sites are www.amherstclosets.com and www. garage- space. com.