Peacock Alley bolsters bath

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 3/18/2002 12:00:00 AM

DALLAS —

Luxury linens manufacturer and retailer Peacock Alley has purchased certain assets of King Cotton, a high-end bath supplier that specializes in importing European goods, effective April 1.

In addition, Dale Cooper, president of King Cotton, also based here, will join the staff of Peacock Alley as vp of the bath division, a new position. She will oversee the sales for the bath division and assist in product development.

In the agreement, Peacock will absorb King Cotton's inventory of bath products and will become the U.S. distributor for specialty stores of bath products from Chortex, a British company. The King Cotton label will eventually switch to the Peacock Alley label.

Leslie Needleman, vp, creative services, said the addition of King Cotton's bath products will only enhance Peacock's bath division, which represents about 20 percent of the company's sales.

In addition, the companies will combine their inventories, shipping and warehousing into Peacock Alley's facility.

Both companies sell to the specialty luxury retail market, though the merger will broaden Peacock's customer base and product line. Needleman said that King Cotton's products would be shipped to Peacock Alley's stores and customers immediately.

"We are extremely proud to have Dale Cooper and her quality bath products joining the Peacock Alley family," said Mary Ella Gabler, Peacock Alley founder and ceo.

At the upcoming Home Textiles Show, Peacock Alley will operate six booths, as well as the two King Cotton had committed to, which will be used to show bath product from both companies.