Starmount to launch Nautica line
By Heath E. Combs -- Furniture Today, July 13, 2009
NEW YORK — Nautica Apparel has signed a licensing agreement with manufacturer Starmount Home Furnishings to produce a broad line of furniture to be introduced in October.
Starmount will roll out wood, metal, upholstered and ready-to-assemble items for the living room, dining room and bedroom.
The Nautica collection will consist of two lifestyle groups with 96 wood and 40 upholstery SKUs, according to Michael Foster, president of Starmount. The collection will be launched at the fall High Point Market and should hit stores by next spring, Starmount officials said.
One group, Henderson, is described as a straight-lined casual contemporary collection with a soft finish. The other, Governors Island, has nautical references and the feel of a sporty, elegant yacht, Foster said.
Nautica's license with Lexington Home Brands expired last year, said Kerry Glasser, president and CEO of Concept Marketing Group, the agent for the deal.
The companies did not disclose financial terms of the agreement.
“We know that Nautica has loyal brand recognition with the global consumer and Starmount Home Furnishings intends to provide furniture offerings to meet their needs and aspirations,” said Foster.
Starmount, which incorporated in January, is a North Carolina-based furniture development, marketing, sales and distribution company founded by CEO Mike Shyu of Hainan Topywood and industry veteran Foster.
Case goods will be produced in Shyu's factory on Hainan Island in China, while upholstered furniture will be manufactured in Valdese, N.C.
The company, which incorporated in January, also will introduce a line of six private-label, solid-wood collections in October, Foster said.
Nautica is a subsidiary of VF Sportswear, a division of VF Corp.
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