Westex Launches Raymond Waites Basic Bedding

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/14/2008 12:00:00 AM

Toronto —

Duvet, pillow and basic bedding manufacturer Westex International will produce a collection of Raymond Waites all-natural fill basic bedding tailored to mid- to high-end department store and specialty retailers in the United States and Canada.

"The new basic bedding will compliment the strong standing we have in fashion bedding and will enhance our presence with prominent retailers, enabling them to capitalize on a broader assortment," said Stacey Testa, svp of design for Raymond Waites Design.

"We wanted to develop the most eco-friendly bed basics program for the Raymond Waites brand," said Westex president Ellis Chitiz, noting that the program will feature a blend of down and Lyocell fills.

The launch collection offers a duvet, pillow and mattress topper with a 400-thread count, down-proof paisley printed cover.

"Lyocell, a derivative of the eucalyptus tree, has excellent moisture management properties, is lightweight and a natural insulator. A blend between this and down is a fantastic harmony of all natural products working well together," said Chitiz. "In addition to this fill we used an unbleached cotton bag to show and store the collection, with the Raymond Waites logo embroidered on."

Chitiz said this packaging fabrication eliminated the need for vinyl or PVCs.

"We have recently sold the line exclusively to Hudson Bay Company for department stores across Canada," remarked Chitiz. "The Canadian duvet retail prices are $299 and up; pillows are $129 and up."