Scala has designs on new direction

NEW YORK — Scala has been a long-time supplier to various retail chains throughout the country, but the company's attendance at the February International Gift Fair here persuaded its president, Chip Scala, to change the design direction.

The new direction is aimed at much smaller retail operations, such as boutiques or local chains, which have more flexibility to buy and are always looking for home textiles companies to give them the attention they want, he said.

"I found that that when customers were looking for resources which will service them. They may not be able to give you that large-scale order, but they will give you continuity of business," Scala said. "You just have to build your relationship.

"There's a void in companies which service the smaller ones," he continued. "We're trying to be that vendor they can come to. And we'll be there to service them, too."

The new focus does not mean that Scala is abandoning its present customers, Scala stressed. All of the new items are available for any of the channels that are interested in them. The Scala brand name also remains available.

Appliqué, bath accessories, body and bath products, table cloths, table lines, various gifts, Turkish towels and robes make up a large part of the new presentation. Egyptian cotton and fine linens are also on the product menu as well as what Scala called "bed dressings," or accessory items for a bed ensemble such as shams, bedcovers, throws, decorative pillows and coordinating soft window coverings. Scala called the wider variety of designs and fabrications a "more adventurous look."

The new offerings will be showcased at Scala's 230 Fifth Ave. showroom during the market later this month.