Elvis coming to Vaughan-Bassett in April
By Powell Slaughter -- Furniture Today, January 14, 2002
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The King lives! And in Furnitureland too!
Case goods manufacturer Vaughan-Bassett is set to rock 'n' roll with wood furniture licensed by Elvis Presley Enterprises, the first furniture under the late singer's name.
"We are very excited to have the opportunity to make the Elvis Presley Collection," said John Bassett, president and chief executive officer of Vaughan-Bassett. "We plan to introduce the collection at the April market in High Point and ship our first cutting to dealers by mid-summer."
The collection was announced here at the entertainment legend's mansion, Graceland, on the date of Presley's birth, Jan. 8.
The initial round of Presley product will include master bedroom only, but Vaughan-Bassett plans to add dining room as soon as the October market. Other possibilities include occasional tables and home entertainment. Beds will retail under $1,000.
Vaughan-Bassett probably will show three master bedroom groups in April, said Wyatt Bassett, executive vice president. Style specifics are being worked out, but looks in the collection will vary.
"We recognize that different consumers like different styles, so we'll have a variety of looks geared to urban or country, or with appeal in different geographical areas," he said. "All the furniture, however, will have a logical connection to Elvis and Graceland."
Vaughan-Bassett is counting on Presley's enduring popularity to draw consumers to its dealers' stores.
The King should have an even higher profile than usual this year, with August marking the 25th anniversary of his death. That month, around 50,000 fans are expected to commemorate the singer during "Elvis Week" at Graceland.
"This is a great opportunity for Elvis Presley Enterprises, and we look forward to working with Vaughan-Bassett," said Jack Soden, president and chief executive officer of EPE. "They are a wonderful furniture manufacturer, and we know the association with Elvis Presley will be successful."
Presley is the only musician inducted into the Rock and Roll, Country Music and Gospel Music halls of fame. More than 1 billion of his records have been sold worldwide, and the Elvis Presley stamp remains the best-selling commemorative stamp ever offered by the U.S. Postal Service.
Presley-licensed upholstered product is a possibility down the road, said Carol Butler, who is responsible for licensing at EPE.
"While we have a great deal of interest in an upholstered collection, our area of concentration now is wood products," Butler said. "After the launch by Vaughan-Bassett, we intend to look at other wood groupings before we consider upholstered items."
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| At Graceland in Memphis, Tenn., are Doug Bassett, left, Vaughan-Bassett; Carol Butler, Elvis Presley Enterprises; John Bassett, Vaughan-Bassett; Jack Soden, Elvis Presley Enterprises; and Wyatt Bassett, Vaughan-Bassett. |
