Internet retailer KitchenBath.com has begun work on a new showroom in Franklin Square, NY. "After operating a successful kitchen and bath retail website for 10 years, we felt it was only natural to open a brick and mortar showroom," said Lenny Abiuso, owner of KitchenBath.com. "We feel we become more valuable to our suppliers by being able to physically showcase their products in one of the most affluent parts of the country."

The showroom is expected to be completed in September and will feature products from Graff, Americh, Linkasink, Acme Kitchenettes, Amba, Nova and Strasser.

"I think many people feel we're investing in our business at a terrible time. They feel that we should be hunkering down to ride out the recession. I think this is the best time to get ready for the upturn in business which we expect later this year," said Abiuso. "It also separates us from the internet dealers with no physical presence," said showroom manager Kathy Romano. "The guys working out of their homes."