Steve Severance, right, owner of Steve’s Antiques & Collectibles, formerly B&S Beneath of Williamstown, moves into his new location on East Street along with the help of Peter Barbeck. Both Steve’s and Barb’s Thrift Shop will occupy the former quilt supply shop on East Street. Barb’s is owned by Steve’s wife, Barbara. Photo by Rob Wills, The Northfield News Activity has risen on East Street within the empty space once occupied by Vermont Quilts.

On May 1, the doors will open to the public for the new business in town called B&S. Formally B&S Beneath of Williamstown. Patrons will find a wide variety of antiques, used furniture and collectables run by Steve Severance. The second half of the building will be run by Barbara Severance as Barb’s Thrift Store.

Steve Severance said that they have been operating in Williamstown for five and a half years but wanted good store frontage in a good location. For some time, they looked in other areas including Barre. Steve said, “We didn’t find anything that suited what we wanted, we wanted to combine the two businesses and needed more space.”

The Severances plan to operate as they did in Williamstown. Steve stated, “We are going to try to do the same thing as we did in Williamstown, to get new things every weekend. We hope people will stop in each week to see the new things we have. It may be things from estates or auctions, furniture, dressers, tables and chairs. If someone is looking for something special, I will find it.”

“Barb will have good clean used clothes at a good price for babies up to adults,” Steve continued, “She also will carry books, knick-knacks and jewelry.”

Steve stated that they may consider renting out space for booths for a group shop, but isn’t in the immediate plans.

Steve said that during the move, they received warm welcomes from local people. He said, “It was a great thing, a woman came running up the street to say welcome to the neighborhood, Val from Delary’s Plumbing came up and introduced herself and to welcome us to the neighborhood. It was one after the other, a very warm welcome.”

During their move, many people in Williamstown were saddened by the move. Steve said, “People had been upset that we were leaving, they would like to see us stay. We appreciate all the support from the people of Williamstown. If we found a better location, we would have stayed there.” According to Barbara, many of the regular customers said they plan on coming to Northfield to shop in their store.

Originally Barb’s Thrift Store would open May 1 and Steve’s Antiques, Used Furniture and Collectables would open June 1, but the move went well enough that they plan to open both sides on May 1. Steve and Barb welcome people to come in on opening day to see the new store in town and to come for refreshments.

“The sad part is leaving Williamstown,” Steve said, “but we hope to see our regular customers stop in. We are hoping to make as many good friends in town as we have in Williamstown.”