John Ritzenthaler expands in kitchen

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/4/2004 12:16:00 PM

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa. — The John Ritzenthaler Co. is boosting its printed kitchen textiles offerings this New York Home Textiles Market to 60 design groups, from just 10 to 12 in previous markets.

Debby Stirner, director of design and product development, said that the company — historically a strong player in the basic solid-color side of the business — is moving in to fill a recent void for printed kitchen textiles in the marketplace.

"We're really positioning ourselves to make a statement," she said.

Stirner said the line comprises a variety of weights and sizes for kitchen towels and a variety of styles for accessories — oven mitts, potholders and pocket mitts.

Price points range from opening and promotional to specialty and department store levels.

Promotional offerings will include three-piece sets of kitchen towels and two-piece sets of accessories. For the high-end stores, products will be sold on an open-stock basis, she said.

Designs range from traditional to novelty. One example is Summer Splash, an embroidered and embellished program that includes brightly colored woven kitchen towels with coordinating accessories and table linens.

The company will also be showing expansions in its barbecue offerings and its seasonal styles this market.