Peking Handicrafts broadens assortment

By Marvin Lazaro -- Home Textiles Today, 2/17/2003 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

In an effort to make its name as widely known in other areas as it already is in quilts, Peking Handicraft Inc. (PHI) unveiled a wide range of new products at the recent winter mini-market.

Leading the way for PHI is its much broader assortment of decorative pillows. Formerly, the San Francisco-based supplier had presented a small selection of roughly 20 skus with little direction or focus.

All that has changed, however, as it presented a coordinated program of five constructions — microsuede, needlepoint, silk, velvet and linen — of more than 150 skus. Each of the constructions offers a non-solid solid line as well as a wide variety of embellishments, including beading, sequins, embroidery, ribbons and cord, which all coordinate back to the solids.

"We were all over the board," said Janie Leonard, national sales manager of PHI's former decorative pillow line. "Now, we actually have a collection."

The new pillows range in retail price from $14.99 to $39.99 depending on construction and embellishments.

PHI is also taking aim at the Christmas seasonal market by offering a wide variety of products, all presented as part of 12 different holiday groups and aimed at the department store channel.

Constructions for this new venture include faux fur, jacquard, felt, velvet, microsuede, chenille and cotton all utilized for tree skirts, decorative pillows, stockings, wine bags, coasters and kitchen guest towels. Like the decorative pillow line, many different embellishments are also used.

Price points fall between $14.99 to $19.99 for a stocking to $34.99 to $44.99 for a tree skirt. "Our designs are a little more elegant and tasteful than a lot of what you normally see out there," Leonard said.

Supplementing its quilt line, PHI is also offering seasonal quilts constructed from flannel. The six styles feature extensive piecing, combining various patterns and looks onto one face. Coordinating shams are also available. Designed specifically for the fall, retail prices range from $59.99 for a twin.