“This gives us more freedom to respond to our customers locally,”Shaw said.

Jan Jessup, a spokeswoman at Calico Corners’ headquarters in Kennett Square, Pa., said the non renewal of the franchise agreement was mutual. “Caryn wanted to go out on her own, and we have a carefully developed concept that works well in over 100 stores,” Jessup said. As a franchisee, Shaw could not develop her own Web site. She could not expand into Northern Kentucky or Dayton, where several customers live, and she could not special-order fabrics she felt were geared to her customer base.

Now, she’ll be able to do all of those things. But becoming an independent operator is not as simple as changing the name on the building.

But becoming an independent operator is not as simple as changing the name on the building, said Barry Elkus, a master franchisee for three Roly Poly sandwich shops and the man who started the Big Sky bakery chain.When working under a franchise agreement, the business owner gets support, training and sales discounts through the partnership, as well as instant name recognition, Elkus said.

“You’re buying a brand and the instant recognition and credibility that goes with it,” Elkus said. “But you’re also buying into a system and a way of doing things.”

But for someone who’s been in the business as long as Shaw, the restrictions of a franchise agreement could limit growth, Elkus said. As she makes the transition to owning an independent business, Shaw is learning all about marketing campaigns. Calico Corners runs a very professional marketing operation that produces catalogs and a central Web site. Shaw can’t compete with that, but she wants to ensure her customers understand she’s staying put. And she wants to reach new customers as well. So she’s buying new signs and sending direct mailings.

Some suppliers will leave along with the Calico Corners name, but Shaw said most brands will remain. After 25 years in the business, Shaw has extensive contacts with buyers, sellers and “work rooms,” or the people who do contract work on piece jobs such as finishing slipcovers or bedspreads. Shaw believes the ability to expand her product line and open additional stores will help her compete against big-box home decor retailers. When The Great Indoors opened in Tri-County, Shaw saw sales of her drapery hardware decline. Prices are comparable, but the larger store offers more selection.

“It does hurt,” she said.

Shaw’s strategy is to distinguish Swatches through service — providing customers one-on-one attention from trained professionals who know their decorating. In part, that’s a family affair. Her husband, Jerry, does all of the window measurements and computer networking. Other employees and contract workers have been with Shaw for decades. If a customer wants to reupholster a chair or hang new drapes in a bedroom, Shaw and her staff help them select the fabric style, color and pattern. An employee might go to the customer’s home to take measurements.

Shaw sells a lot of “seconds”, which might have a slight flaw but can be sold at a reduced price. It’s how Calico Corners got started, a concept Shaw said she plans to expand with Swatches.

Now, Shaw hopes her customers will value her store’s second incarnation.

With more than 30 years in the business, Caryn Shaw, owner of Swatches still takes great pride in making her customers happy. She lives in Mason with her husband, James Thierbach. She has four step children and a grand child. Swatches is truly a family business as her husband does a lot of the installation, measuring and maintenance. Formerly know as Calico Corners, Swatches carries the area’s largest selection of in-stock, up to-date fabric styles at discount prices. Our expert buyers purchase fabric directly from all the major mills around the world, allowing us to offer you the hottest styles at the lowest prices in the area.

“We offer the best quality product at the best price possible,” said Shaw.

“We can offer our customers a real value.” Swatches also carries the largest selection of what’s new in trim and accessories. The stock every color of tassel, cording, fringe, and tieback. They offer an unlimited number of decorating options. Swatches sales associates have more than 40 years combined experience, which allows them to answer questions, offer suggestions, and to help solve any problem you might have. Whether you’re a seasoned home sewer or a novice, Swatches associates can assist you.