Crabtree & Evelyn signs with Springs

By Michele SanFilippo -- Home Textiles Today, 2/23/2004 12:00:00 AM

FORT MILL, S.C. —

Crabtree & Evelyn has signed with Springs Industries to design and launch a new co-branded collection of bedding and bath called Crabtree & Evelyn by Wamsutta. The collection, which will target department and specialty stores, will debut in the Springs' showroom during market week in March.

According to Leslie Sanders, director of marketing for Crabtree & Evelyn, "The bed and bath category is core to our strategy of capitalizing on the Crabtree & Evelyn lifestyle brand. They fit in perfectly with the essence of Crabtree & Evelyn products and will serve as the anchor for our new lifestyle program based on the art of living well."

By bringing the brands together, Springs plans on offering home fashions that are "eclectic yet sophisticated, colorful but tranquil," said Demetra Bernard, manager of brand licensing at Springs.

Bernard added, "It's also an opportunity for Springs to bring new consumers who are not yet familiar with the Wamsutta brand into the fold."

Crabtree & Evelyn sells bath and body products, home fragrances, accessories, sleepwear and gourmet foods in 40 countries. The company operates personal care and home fragrance manufacturing facilities in the United States and Britain. The closely held company is primarily a retailer with over 350 stores worldwide, 160 stores of which are located in the United States.

The Crabtree & Evelyn by Wamsutta collection will feature comforter sets, sheets and quilts. Its bath component will include shower curtains, towels and accessories. Specifics on designs and colorways will be unveiled during the upcoming New York Home Textiles Market.