Banyan Tree climbs into U.S. fray

By Marvin Lazaro -- Home Textiles Today, 4/29/2002 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

With an array of highly embellished looks, Banyan Tree Inc. made its first appearance at the New York Home Textiles Show.

Based in Tustin, CA, this small manufacturer displayed five beds, six table runners and 15 decorative pillow styles, all imported from India from its own factory.

After serving the European and Southeast Asian markets for several years, as well as many small boutiques and retailers on the West Coast for the past year, Banyan Tree president Neeraj Goel said he was ready to bring his company's unique styles to east.

"We're wetting our feet to see how it goes," Goel said. "We want to just try and break into the American market and expand our customer base."

The company is targeting department and specialty stores.

Banyan Tree's various products feature a mix of constructions ranging from cotton to silk to velvet with embellishments including both hand and machine embroidery, applique and beadwork.