Windham inks deal with Tabletops Unlimited
Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 6/17/2002
NEW YORK — Confident that a strong roster of licensing partnerships is one of the biggest business drivers for table linens and kitchen textiles, Windham Weavers recently signed its fifth deal with a major property in the past 18 months.
Gardena, CA-based Tabletops Unlimited, a major importer and distributor of tabletop goods, recently partnered with Windham Weavers to produce a line of tablecloths, place mats, runners, pot holders, oven mitts, kitchen towels, decorative pillows and rugs in up to 38 existing designs to coordinate with dishes.
For the launch, set for October at the New York Home Textiles Market, Windham Weavers will initially present about one-fourth of the total line, Howie Mallow and Lance Orlick, both executive vps with Windham, told HTT.
"Tabletops Unlimited has great exposure in the dinnerware industry, a great presence at retail and great patterns for our textiles that are so appealing that they can be presented at the store level for a fully coordinated look with the dinnerware or even as standalone items," Orlick added. "For our total mix, licenses are important and fit very well. We are selective in who we go after."
The entire line will be imported from China, India and possibly Taiwan, as well.
The targeted retail channels include specialty and department stores. Price points have not yet been set.
Windham Weavers is also a licensee of Gear, Pfaltzgraff and several artists.
