JS Fiber Lands at 230 Fifth

James Mammarella -- Home Textiles Today, 10/15/2010 5:02:23 AM

NEW YORK - Diversified manufacturer JS Fiber Co. has opened a permanent showroom, in suite 1513 of 230 Fifth Avenue.
     The maker of basic bedding, blanket, shower curtain and drapery lining products at the recent market showed a range of line extensions for: its value-priced American Dream line; the "better" Sleep Free line of gel fiber pillows; and the patented Fossfill line of extended-life, shape-retaining pillows and related bedding. Other goods will augment the assortment.
     All JS Fiber products are made in the United States- a fact that Steve Pierangeli, national sales manager, said is helping the company in new ways. "Nobody wants to own container loads of these goods anymore," he said, noting that many retailers who had turned to direct-sourcing in recent years, which nearly always means overseas production, "are now really switching back to domestic."
     JS Fiber, which decades ago geared its original business to supplying the healthcare and hospitality industries, has of late made great strides in catering to the needs of major retail chains serving the less affluent households - and bargain-hunting shoppers - of America. Merchandisers from the big regional and national Dollar stores, as well as the leading off-price retailers, are expected in the showroom this week, Pierangeli said.
     The company has typically taken temporary showrooms in past markets, but Pierangeli and JS Fiber owner Morris Long decided it was time to make the move to a permanent Fifth Avenue presence. The showroom was staffed by Steve Cohen Associates, a sales representation firm that specializes in Beacon electric blankets, and has ample experience with retailers.
     Both retail and hospitality products were on display, Pierangeli said.