Quaker set to import
Fabrics designed in U.S., made in Asia
By Carole Sloan -- Furniture Today, July 4, 2005
Fall River, Mass. — Quaker Fabric will launch two programs this summer using offshore fabric production for the first time.
The imported products are velvets and flat woven linen/cotton blends, said Larry Liebenow, president and CEO.
In his last quarterly financial report in April, Liebenow had said Quaker planned to start "distributing certain imported fabrics that we don't have the equipment to make ourselves." He said last week that the imported goods, to be introduced shortly after the Showtime fabric show in High Point July 11–14, will be "small programs" that are "designed and copyrighted by Quaker."
"The velvets are all cotton in fine, rather than bulky yarns," added Bea Spires, Quaker vice president, design and merchandising. One is a "simple stripe, the other a corduroy look, each in 20 colors." She described the colors as "fresh and current" and said both constructions have a light backing. Each is priced at $5.95 per yard.
In the linen/cotton collection, there are four patterns — a large plaid and a large stripe, and reduced versions of each — and a space-dyed, chenille-faced plain. All have a light backing, Spires said. The plaids and stripes are in one "natural look" color combination and the plain is available in 18 colors, she said. The large plaid and stripe are $5.95, the smaller versions $6.95, and the plain between $5 and $5.50.
All are treated for stain resistance and weatherproofing, she said.
Liebenow said the fabrics, produced in China and Taiwan, represent "new concepts and components not available to us in Fall River."
Separately, at Showtime, Quaker plans to expand its U.S.-made faux suede products for the residential market to compete with imported goods.
The new products are called Wool Suede, Felt Suede and Grand Suede. The first two use Marquesa olefin performance fibers and finishes, and Grand Suede uses Ultra rayon construction. Each is offered in 30 colors. Wool Suede is priced at $3.95, Felt Suede at $5.95 and Grand Suede at $8.95.
