Mount Vernon shifts LaFrance south

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/26/2003 12:00:00 AM

GREENVILLE SC —

Fabric producer Mount Vernon Mills has "transitioned" its LaFrance Home retail business to Southern Home Accents, also based here.

Southern Home has been involved with the product development, the cut and sew, and at one point in the past, with LaFrance Home's retail distribution.

The transition is not an acquisition, according to Scott Goodman, vp, sales and marketing, Southern Home Accents. However, Southern Home will acquire existing inventory to ensure a steady flow of deliveries, he said.

"Southern Home will retain all of the finished product division's marketing, merchandising and sales staff. Mount Vernon's LaFrance fabric division will continue to supply fabrics for the line, and the finished products group will significantly expand our product offerings with imports using Southern Homes expertise," Goodman said.

"We are excited about continuing to supply well designed quality fabrics for Southern Home for the retail market. We look forward to a simple transition and a successful partnership," said Charles Little, president of LaFrance Industries.

Southern Home Accents plans to show its new lines during the September 2003 New York Home Textiles Market in the LaFrance showroom at 230 5th Ave.