Profiles In Business Excellence: 3 Sisters

     More than 25 years ago, Cathy Duffy, Mary Leeds, and Diane Dreier were just three sisters dreaming of starting their own business. Diane provided the name. Mary brought her retail expertise from Jordan Marsh Company, in Boston. Cathy took courses at GIA (Gemological Institute of America). And, in 1989, 3 Sisters– featuring sterling silver jewelry– opened in Forty Fort.

     As the business grew, 3 Sisters expanded its product offerings to include items like scarves, picture frames, and novelty glassware. In 1999, the business relocated to Kingston, the current location of the popular local business. Although Cathy has taken on most of the responsibility (her sisters have other businesses and family commitments), she credits them with helping to fulfill the dream.

     Today, 3 Sisters has two full-time and two part-time employees. Whether they’re buying, selling, or designing new displays, these ladies are very much a team. The goal is to please each customer, and once inside, the shop emits an aura of family and fun. Cathy shared that years ago– she sold stackable bracelets to a 5 year-old and recently the young woman had Cathy assist her with her bridal gifts.

     Constantly evolving, the store is always filled with distinctive items that will satisfy any taste and budget. Customers leave with something special, having received the high level of customer service that has become a trademark of 3 Sisters. Community-minded and environmentally conscious, Cathy strives to purchase fair trade, American-made, and eco-friendly products. She feels very strongly about giving back to local charities, particularly those benefiting children and education.

     Cathy has recently expanded her Pandora jewelry line and predicts that the collection will once again reign as the top-selling Christmas gift this season. She feels extremely fortunate to have cultivated such a loyal customer base and says that shoppers often travel an hour to purchase annual holiday gifts.

     They say, “It just isn’t the holidays without a gift from 3 Sisters.”

     Beginning November 26th, holiday hours will be Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Sun. noon-4 p.m. Shop online at www.3sisters.com.”