Ellison to debut blankets

-- Home Textiles Today, 9/2/2009 12:13:00 PM

New York – Ellison First Asia is expanding its product mix at this month’s New York Home Fashions Market to feature about 60 skus in its new blanket division.

“We are creating a niche business in blankets as we first did starting with fashion bedding in prints and embroideries, then quilted comforters and later quilts,” said Kevin Finlay, president.

The blanket division will be headed by blanket industry veteran Brian Ashley, who has joined the company as sales and marketing manager, blankets. Ashley most recently was with Faribault Mills serving as vp national sales manager.

The blanket assortment will range from traditional cottons to polyester fleece -- “with a new twist” -- Outlast with wool and Outlast with cotton, Finlay said. All will be made in China and warehoused in the company’s facility in South Carolina.

The showroom presentation will feature a blanket wall of 60 skus with throws to coordinate, Finlay added. Price points will range from traditional to high. “It’s a nice niche,” he commented.