Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams launches at Bloomies

Debut is source's first entry at department stores

Carole Sloan -- Furniture Today, September 2, 2008

NEW YORK — Bloomingdale's launched the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams collection of furniture and accessories as a major element of its August furniture, bedding and rug sales event.

The launch marks the first time a department store has carried the almost 20-year-old furniture supplier's line. Until now, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams has been a major supplier to lifestyle retailers such as Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and Crate & Barrel, specialty retailer ABC Carpet & Home, and other specialty and catalog retailers.

Comfort, one of the key features of the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams furniture collection, is highlighted in this spread in Blooming-dale’s August circular.

In addition, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams has 20 dedicated specialty stores with three or four more locations scheduled to open in 2009.

"We saw that Bloomingdale's really regained the luster it had in the 1970s," said Mitchell Gold, co-CEO and founder of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. "The New York flagship (store) especially looks terrific, and the timing was right for both of us."

The debut was spotlighted on the cover of the store's fashion sale circular and featured in the opening spread. Bloomingdale's is offering about 40 pieces of furniture and accessories as well as rugs from the company's line, along with a variety of custom fabrics.

The furniture department in Bloomingdale's flagship store here is undergoing major renovation, so the new collection occupies about 800 square feet - showcased down the main aisle.

"We are pleased with how all the product was received," said Joe Laneve, senior vice president, general merchandise manager, home. Even with the small space, "it came together very well and is giving the floor a nice lift."