Susan Sargent extends textiles reach with Mohawk deal

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/17/2002 3:17:00 PM

At The New York Market — Extending her licensing reach within the home textiles arena, designer Susan Sargent has inked a deal with Mohawk Home for a collection of accent rugs, throws and decorative pillows to debut next spring.

Although Sargent already produces handmade rugs, pillows and such, aligning herself with Mohawk will allow her line to expand into many new levels, she said. And for the "first round," Mohawk will take over the distribution and development of her existing line.

Handmade rugs will comprise the largest product category in the new collection, with 20 tufted and 20 hooked rugs to premiere in April. About 15 colors of silk pillows will also be offered.

The alliance will also result in deeper penetration in the throw category, with eight woven throws to debut. Sargent's company, based in Pawlet, VT, has dabbled in throws before, producing about two throws a season, for example. "We didn't really get into throws ... they were a spinoff of our pillows," she said, adding now it will be a much broader line.

And though it is still too early to price products, she said, "I guarantee you — they will be cheaper than what I sold them for."

Sargent and Mohawk began talking about 18 months ago, said Sargent, and though other companies had approached her about a similar deal, she liked the range that Mohawk will give her. "I liked their breadth of products -- they're not just pillows or rugs. They are a resource. And they want to do what I want to do."

Sargent's wholesale business, launched in 1995, includes handmade rugs, pillows, bedding, etched glass, ceramics and decorative accessories, and her textiles licensors include Wamsutta by Springs and The John Ritzenthaler Co.