Arlee Takes the Silk Road

By Cecile B. Corral -- Home Textiles Today, 10/17/2005 12:00:00 AM

At the New York Market — —

At the New York Market — Arlee this market is traveling the Silk Road — its newest collection of faux silk decorative pillows and coordinating throws and window treatments.

Robert Panko, vice president, product development, said this polyester collection offers silk looks, but at the company's $9.99 to $12.99 retail price points.

The range of designs includes faux silk dupioni, crushed silk, taffeta chenille stripes, bead trims, embroideries and envelope looks that can be reversed for two color options.

One of the collection's highlights is the Chinese character inspirational pillow group — Peace in blue, Love in red, Prosperity in tangerine and Happiness in gold.

Silk Road pillows come in 12 colors.

Also new for this market at Arlee is the second generation of decorative pillows-and-throw sets. The company has bumped up the quality for this group and anted up the price range a notch — $29.99 to $39.99. Available are six styles, most of which are heavy faux fur looks.

And to its back-to-school and tweener lines, the company has doubled its offerings with new faux fur looks as well as the addition of the 12-inch square pillow.

“This business is growing for us,” Panko said. “We have more customers coming to us for back-to-school. Many stores are layering these juvenile accessories into their juvenile bedding departments and it's working.”