Cobra back into beach jaqs

AT THE NEW YORK MARKET — After a 35-year lapse, Cobra/Espalma has brought back jacquard beach towels to its assortment.

Rae Ellen, Blum, vp, sales and marketing, said the re-introduction comes as a result of more competitive prices on jacquard varieties from Brazil, the company's source for all for its bath and beach towels. "The prices from Brazil have really gotten better with the rise of China as a competitor," Blum said.

The collection, launching with 20 skus, targets upscale retailers. Designs include bold colorways in florals and vertical and horizontal stripes. They coordinate with a line of solid bath towels with multi-color striped borders, as well as other bath ensemble collections.