Doblin, Circa 1801 join forces

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/31/2002 12:00:00 AM

Tyngsboro, MA — Doblin and Circa 1801 have been merged to form a newly combined entity — Circa 1801/Doblin, the high-end unit of the giant home furnishings textiles producer Joan Fabrics Corp.

Elkin McCallum, chairman of Joan Fabrics, said, "When I bought Circa 1801 eight months ago it was always my plan to bring these two entities under the leadership of John Lenox and Margaret Coffin. One of the most creative design teams is Margaret and John, and I'm glad to have them back."

Lenox and Coffin were formerly with Doblin and left to be part of the startup team of Circa 1801 in 1997. Under the new arrangement, Lenox will be president and Coffin will be executive vp of the combined entity, based in Connelly Springs, NC. Doblin is one of the units of Joan Fabrics Corp., which includes Mastercraft, Home Fabrics, Joan Fabrics and Main Street.

The partnership arrangement with Lenox and Coffin is through a marketing company that designs, markets and sells the products. McCallum owns the manufacturing facilities.