Park B. Smith developing on all fronts

-- Home Textiles Today, 3/4/2010 1:58:00 PM

New York – In a departure from past approaches, Park B. Smith is introducing collections of product that cross over its multiple classifications – rugs, kitchen, bedding, bath, bath rugs and novelty goods like wine holders and chair pads.

The evolution, according to Linda Smith, president, is in good measure a reaction to the way business is being done these days. “It’s a great opportunity to tell a story that consumers relate to on TV, catalog and the internet. It’s the wave of the future vs. how stores hold to their ideas as to how customers shop and how merchandise has to be presented in a specific way.”

For market, the company is launching Pfaltzgraff Everyday, a new label from Pfaltzgraff that began with that brand’s prepackaged dinnerware at ‘affordable’ prices. “We’re working with their success stories in soft tableware, rings, kitchen rugs and window to complete the room,” Smith said.

New for the company is the indoor/outdoor windows and dec pillows program featuring 84” window panels with projected prices starting at $24.99. Park B. Smith is using both cotton and synthetic fabrics with at least 25 styles. “It has a lot of splashy patterns,” Smith noted.

The company is expanding its pet accessory program, P.B. Paws & Co. – a whimsical take of the company name – that offers pillows, rugs, mats, as well as placemats and other accessories – for both people and pets. Prices range from $7.99 to $79.99.

Ultra Spa, a collection of bamboo fiber shower curtains, bamboo rugs and bedding, will feature prices from $9.99 to $79.99.

In Eileen West, “we have evolved the expansion of product in shower curtains and bath rugs,” Smith remarked.

Other new collections include Quick Dry rugs and aprons as well as expanded offerings from the Wine Gear tote bag program and new chair pads.

New Eco-Ordinates in a number of categories range from $5.99 to $249.99.