New York —The back-to-school and back-to-college season is proving a highlight on the selling calendar of Arlee Home Fashions.

“This year was one of our best back-to-school selling periods in a number of years,” said David Frankel, president, “and I think it's because even in tough times, people are still willing to spend on their kids.”

He added that some of Arlee's deep-discount retail accounts who had never offered back-to-school products entered the category for the first time this year, “and had much success.”

Another point of emphasis is the new Living Easy collection of weather-resistant outdoor cushions, dec pillows, placemats and chair pads; these goods answer not only to spring and summer periods but in some cases year-round use, he said.

In dec pillows, Arlee is still keeping its prices in the range of $9.99 to $12.99, said Frankel, while breathing new life into longtime solid-colored favorites. New offerings include updated two-pack sets that for the first time include fashion looks like textured and multi size sets, vs. the earlier solid colored two-pillow packs.

The open line has been refreshed with embroideries, quilted and stitching detailing, trims and pleating to subtly dress up popular solid-colored styles while maintaining contemporary trends.

In other news, Arlee recently hired Lisa Battaglia as its new director of product development, reporting to Frankel. She replaces Robert Panko, who left the company earlier this year to study interior design.

Battaglia comes most recently from Sunham, where she served as design director for three years. Prior to that, she held the same post at Ellery for one-and-a-half years.