Hancock Fabrics trades for Smith

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 3/22/2004 12:00:00 AM

TUPELO, MISS. —

Laurie Smith, designer/personality on the cable television show "Trading Spaces", will create several exclusive product lines for Hancock Fabrics, Inc.'s fabric and home décor stores.

"We are all fans of "Trading Spaces". We love how Laurie combines classic and contemporary design elements," said Hancock Fabrics Chief Operating Officer Jamie Austin. "She understands how fabric can transform a room."

"Although "Trading Spaces" and Laurie Smith have a broad following among all our customers," Austin continues, "we believe her designs will particularly appeal to younger women who are just beginning to decorate their homes. We will market the Laurie Smith line aggressively to that audience."

"Smith's product line at Hancock will primarily be for home decorating. She hopes Hancock's customers will find it also gives them ideas for apparel, quilting, purse-making and other creative projects," Smith added.

The first Laurie Smith products will be available in Hancock Fabrics stores nationwide in the first quarter of 2005, joining the Martha Pullen Collection.