Haywin gets a new attitude

By Michele SanFilippo -- Home Textiles Today, 12/22/2003 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Haywin Textile Products has signed a three-year licensing agreement for home with David & Goliath, the three-year-old apparel firm and wholesale business.

The deal with the $50 million Clearwater, FL-based marketer covers the U.S. and Canada and includes renewal options contingent on sales results.

David & Goliath markets and sells pajamas, tee shirts, accessories, books and toys in department stores, specialty shops and novelty chains. The company blends cutting edge humor and attitude into its fun product mix designed to target consumers aged 10 to 28.

The brand was recently featured in Bloomingdale's "What's Hot" fall 2003 catalog.

"Haywin's extremely excited about this strategic relationship with David & Goliath. It will allow [us] to address an age demographic that is looking for unique and innovative product and design," said Gregg Haft, Haywin ceo. "I think that this brand launch will help establish Haywin as the 'go-to' company for retailers that are trying to figure out how to best serve the consumer who falls into this age demographic."

The company's distribution of the new brand will mirror that of Dave & Goliath's current placements and merchandising and will include a destination soft shop concept. Products will begin shipping in March and a new TV cartoon show is scheduled to launched in September 2004.

Haywin's licensed products include sheet sets that will be offered in jersey knit, flannel and other woven constructions with retail price points of $19.99 to $49.99. Comforter sets will be made from alternate fabrications such as knits and denim and retail for $79.99 to $99.99. Fiber reactive print beach towels will have a targeted retail of $14.99.

The line will also offer microfiber printed throws that retail for $19.99. There will also be square and fun shaped dec pillows in the mix of new products.

Embroidered terry products, such as bath sheets, three-piece towel sets and bath/hair wrap sets will retail for $19.99 and higher. Vinyl shower curtains will retail for $14.99 and up. Matching chenille bath rugs will begin at $19.99 and bathroom accessories, including toothbrush holders, tumblers, soap dishes, lotion pumps, tissuebox holders and waste baskets will range from $9.99 to $19.99.