Thank You Baby, Kathy Ireland partner for infant bedding
New collection to launch at ABC Expo
Tanya K. Merritte -- Kids Today, 5/21/2008 1:47:00 PM
KEARNEY, Neb. –Thank You Baby has signed a licensing deal to produce crib bedding and other infant accessories under the Kathy Ireland name.
Under the agreement, Thank You Baby plans to introduce several new collections at the ABC Expo in September under the Kathy Ireland Home by Thank You Baby brand name. In addition, all of Thank You Baby’s current crib bedding and other infant-related products will co-branded under the Kathy Ireland name, said Tracy George, president of Thank You Baby. The manufacturer’s youth offerings will continue to be released under the Thank You Baby brand.
“The opportunity to be the sole provider of baby-related top of bed and coordinated accessories for Kathy Ireland Home, the nation’s most trusted and loyally supported brand name, is a unique honor and a giant step,” George said. “We feel truly blessed for this opportunity and incredibly excited to enter into this relationship with Kathy and her company.”
The deal adds to Kathy Ireland Worldwide’s licensing relationships with other manufacturers in youth bedding, rugs, lighting, furniture and other categories.
“Our companies have been in discussion for some time and this event opens a world of opportunities to busy moms everywhere… . Everyone at Kathy Ireland Worldwide is excited and inspired by this partnership,” Ireland said in a statement. “Children and busy moms will find beautiful infant bedding and accessories in our powerful collections.”
The existing collections that have been co-branded under the new name started shipping to retailers this month. The sets being introduced at the ABC Expo are expected to be available in early 2009. George said the Kathy Ireland line will target a diverse group of retailers including big box, department stores and specialty boutiques.
“We will, however, offer exclusive collections for our big box and department (stores), so they are not competing with our smaller retailers and specialty boutiques,” she said. “We will also still be offering custom collections to our specialty stores that will continue to be produced in the USA for this specifically.”
Retail price points for existing four-piece collections start at $399, but George said pricing for the collections with be more competitive because of manufacturing changes.
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