Daniadown enters the U.S. market

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

VANCOUVER —

Denver-based Gabler & Associates, which handles Peacock Alley and other high-end firms, has been selected to represent the Canadian Daniadown line of fashion bed linens and down products in Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Nebraska and New Mexico.

The deal between the firms marks Daniadown's first foray into the U.S. market.

"We have decided to focus on the western and mountain states first, and then build our U.S. business from there," explained Daniadown Vice President of Sales Richard Earthy. "In western Canada, we have 16 Daniadown-branded retail stores, so this makes us a little different in that we are getting day-to-day feedback from our stores and can adjust our products based on how effectively they are selling."

Daniadown is a Canada-based manufacturer and distributor of basic bedding, down comforters and pillows. The company focuses on independent boutiques and small chains, while also working with interior designers and the hospitality industry.

"We try to make it very easy to work with us, even though we are a Canadian company and therefore have some cultural and vocabulary differences," said Earthy, who jokingly added that he's been referred to by customers as a Canadian who thinks like an American. "We believe we have a good story to tell in the United States as a reliable Canadian manufacturer who listens to its customers."

The company, he said, has experience dealing with the United States and is therefore set up for expansion. The move will be further aided, said Earthy, because its FOB point is located in Blaine, Wash., its prices are set in U.S. dollars and its 800 number is accessible from anywhere in the United States or Canada.

Earthy added, "We are delighted to have such a group of professionals, with a reputation for supplying first-rate products and customer service, representing the Daniadown line."

Rick Gabler, president of Gabler & Associates, said, "We are pleased to add such top-quality products to our mix and present the Daniadown line to our established customers."