New owner will keep this almost half-century-old Wichita store in business

At this time last year, Bill Little and Gary Fry were trying to sell their Accent Interiors. Little said if they couldn’t find a buyer they possibly would have to close the then 45-year-old store “if it comes down to it.”

That’s not going to happen because with the help of Todd Bailey, president of Transworld Business Advisors of Wichita, they found someone who wants to carry on the store.

The new owner prefers not to be named, but Erika Choriego is going to run the business for him.

“They’ve done a great job and (have a) great customer base and clientele,” Choriego said of Little and Fry.

She said there’s a great foundation on which to build the business and “just inject some new life into it.”

That includes taking the store’s offerings beyond window treatments and wallpaper.

“We’re looking to expand some of that product line,” Choriego said.

There will be granite, counter tops, cabinets and possibly flooring, though there won’t be a full showroom of everything for sale.

Choriego said there will be less of an emphasis on draperies. Wallpaper, however, will remain a big focus.

“We’re excited wallpaper is making a comeback,” she said, calling Accent Interiors “one of the go-to places” for it in Wichita.

For now, the store will remain at 511 S. Woodlawn, Choriego said.

“We’re very excited and proud to take over something that’s been so great.”

This story was originally published April 3, 2023 at 5:27 AM.