SO-FRO FABRICS REOPENS WITH NEW NAME, LOCATION

So-Fro Fabrics has opened under a new name in a new place.

"We're enlarging our operations throughout the nation," said Ralph Johnson, district supervisor for the firm. "As we expand we're reverting back to our original name, House of Fabrics."

So-Fro Fabrics, one of the charter businesses when West Park Mall opened a decade ago, has moved to Cape Girardeau Centre in the 300 block of South Broadview, adjacent to Hartford's.

"We have more than doubled our space," said Johnson, who works out of the Ellisville, Mo., district office. "We have about 10,000 square feet at the new site."

The firm is expanding its inventory of notions, craft items and decorating fabrics.

"We're also adding to our sewing center," said Johnson. "We have taken on the dealership for Singer Sewing Machines."

Wilma Flugge is manager of the store, which will increase its work force from nine to 20.

"We're looking forward to our new location," said Johnson. "In addition to more space, the parking is more convenient. With more inventory and better parking we feel we can service our customers better."

House of Fabrics, headquartered in Van Nuys, Calif., was founded in 1946, and now has about 675 stores in the U.S.