Crown, Eddie Bauer team up on infant line

GONZALES, LA — Crown Crafts Infant Products and Hamco, another Crown Crafts Inc. unit, have teamed with specialty retailer Eddie Bauer to create designer nursery soft goods, including coordinated decorating accessories, infant bibs, hooded towels and gift sets.

The new Eddie Bauer Baby collection will launch in the first quarter of 2003 exclusively at Babies "R" Us stores.

The new collection "brings the quality and adventurous spirit of the 82-year-old retailer into the home nursery environment," said Crown Crafts. The new collection blends "a modern, outdoor-inspired interpretation of classic American design with casual comfort and a touch of whimsy."

Nanci Freeman, president and ceo of Crown Crafts Infant Products, said, "Through warm colors, rich earth tones and fresh accents, this nursery decor has classic, timeless appeal. We are proud to partner with Eddie Bauer."

Don Pernichef, divisional vp of corporate sales and licensing for Eddie Bauer, commented, "Eddie Bauer customers have an affinity for spending time outside doing everything from hiking to taking their children to the park. With the launch of the Eddie Bauer Baby collection, parents will be able to bring this enjoyment of the outdoors into their baby's room.

The new Eddie Bauer group will offer a broad assortment of products and accessories to complement the crib bedding. Heading up the product line-up are four-piece bedding sets, including comforters, sheets, dust ruffles and bumper guards. Accessories include window dressings, diaper stackers, nursery organizers, musical mobiles, rugs, wall hangings, decorative pillows, lamps, bookends, night lights, shelves, switch plates, drawer knobs, quilt clips, infant bibs, hooded towels and gift sets.