Springs gains Hispanic appeal with new deal

By Marvin Lazaro -- Home Textiles Today, 10/11/2002 12:00:00 AM

FORT MILL, SC —

Springs Industries has entered into a new licensing partnership with Three Amigas of Hard Nelson LLC that will result in bedding and bath designs with a distinct Hispanic perspective.

Actress Sonia Manzano, who is best known for her role as Maria on PBS' "Sesame Street," has designed collections aimed at both juveniles and tweens. Both are among the feature products being shown by Springs during the home textiles market.

"Sonia Manzano and the Three Amigas of Hard Nelson allow us to explore exciting designs that target an entirely new audience," said Nancie Siegel, director of marketing for licensed products at Springs. "The new styles have a distinct Hispanic flavor in their color and language, but the appeal extends beyond one culture."

La Playa is a complete ensemble targeted at the tweener market. The design features dancing feet and sunglasses in a decorative nail design. Aimed at the juvenile market is Alfabeto Animal, also a complete ensemble, which features a play on traditional flash cards and a color-block design with a variety of animals. Words in Spanish and English adorn both ensembles.

The line is being offered as open stock, which includes a comforter, bedskirt, pillow shams and sheet set.

"These styles are about a spirit and a mood as opposed to a language," said Manzano. "You don't have to be Latin to love this beautiful, upbeat and heartfelt collection with a Hispanic spirit."

Three Amigas includes the marketing and design team of Jeanne Taylor Hard and Marbeth Nelson. Hard Nelson is engaged in all phases of product licensing and product development aimed at both the Hispanic and non-Hispanic retail markets.