JLA Introduces Broad New Programs

Launches Candice Olson Bedding

By Carole Sloan -- Home Textiles Today, 2/13/2007 12:00:00 AM

At the New York Market — JLA Home has come to market with new businesses, expanded programs in existing businesses, proprietary products, and a major launch of designer Candice Olson's bedding collection.

Just a few months after announcing the formation of a rug business, the new division is featuring a wide range of novelty rugs for kitchens, holiday, and general use. The rug programs range from these smaller pieces to area rugs as well as bath rugs.

The Studio collection of rugs features tufted high/low acrylic constructions with 5-by-8 retailing at $179.99. Any of the patterns can be created in all-wool constructions. They are hand carved at $199 for the 5-by-8. The company also is offering a service that will enable a customer to select a pattern from its JLA Home Fabrics line and have it translated into a rug design.

Basic bedding with an assortment of pillows, mattress pads, comforters in down, down alternatives and combined with its proprietary Microtec fiber is another new venture.

Microtec, a proprietary patented weaving and processing technique for micro-denier polyester, is featured in a major program of blankets, throws, "reader's robes," and robes. The fabric is offered in 22 colors across these product lines, with the queen blanket retailing at $49.99, said senior vp Scott White.

Edmund Jin, JLA ceo, noted that the fact that the company has global distribution control as well as product ensures that quality and price points will be maintained. He pointed to the Microtec's higher loft and softer hand than previous microfiber constructions.

In bedding, the debut of 14 beds and bedding accessories created by designer Candice Olson is a centerpiece of the fashion component of the line.

Olson, who already has licensed home products in furniture, rugs and lighting, has created beds with "a modern twist to traditional," White explained. And with each, there is an element of "bling" in trim, embellishment, shape or fabric.

Among the "bling" elements are flokati used as pillows, quilted satin, sparkles, burnouts, embroideries, leather, and patent leather.

Unique to this program, White pointed out, "is that every bed has a coverlet as a companion top of the bed piece. That's a particular look she feels strongly about."

Comforter sets in the Olson collection range from $180 to $230 for the queen.

In the Studio bedding, price points are $200 for queen bed in a bag, and $160 to $180 for the queen comforter set.

Olive Kids is the anchor for the youth division which has dramatically expanded its bath offerings to include shower curtains and accessories. Also new is a "hugger" comforter for bunk beds and a floor cushion. Clocks have expanded the hard accessory line and lighting is being expanded as well, White noted.

New for this season are Tea Party and Game On.