Susan Sargent extends Ritzenthaler's reach

By Andrea Lillo -- Home Textiles Today, 10/11/2002 12:00:00 AM

WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA —

Solid-color kitchen textiles supplier John Ritzenthaler will step out in several new directions this market as it premieres its Susan Sargent line of kitchen textiles and table linens as well as significantly enlarging its bath towel line.

The Susan Sargent line, announced in July, brings the artist's patterns to the table in three groups and with around 400 skus, said Debby Stirner, director of design.

This will also represent the company's first true push into table linens. "We print, weave and embroider all types of fabrications," Stirner said. "Why not table linens?"

The initial launch will consist of three print designs and such wovens as a plaid, a linen, a vine and another from an upholstery fabric. Sargent was reluctant to lend her name to vinyl tablecloths, Stirner said, and so instead the manufacturer will have an oilcloth group in four designs and in cloths and mats, as well as kitchen textiles, she said. Retails for a 52" x 52" tablecloth will range from $14.99 to $19.99.

About 80 percent of the designs are original to the collection, she added.

Ritzenthaler will also significantly grow its bath towel collection at market, adding 250 skus in 100 percent ring spun combed cotton in a variety of jacquard constructions. Bath towels measure 30" x 54" and will range from $9.99 to $12.99 at retail. Hand towels and washcloths or fingertip towels will also be available.

"John Ritzenthaler has been involved with terry manufacturing for more than 100 years," said Stirner. "It makes sense to expand into this area; we know terry."

A two-color jacquard towel in four patterns — Bamboo, Pickup Stix, Tropical Leaves and Ombre Stripe — will be available in five colorways. A solid-color sculpted jacquard, which coordinates back to the two-color jacquards, will have puzzle, Greek key, chevron, and Southwest designs. Floral brights is an embellished group of towels where the body of the towel is a bright color, the border is white and the woven designs of Shell, Leaf and Floral look like embroidery.