Carter Grandle, Wrangler to develop outdoor furniture line

Will debut in Jan. '06 at Vegas

-- Casual Living, 11/7/2005 9:23:00 AM

The Wrangler brand signed a definitive licensing agreement with Carter Grandle to design and manufacture a line of outdoor furnishings for the Wrangler Home collection.

“It’s an exciting time for our company,” said Webb Carter, CEO of Carter Grandle, a family-based business headquartered in Sarasota, Fla. “This is our first licensed collection, and it is an honor to partner with such a well-respected brand that has long been an emblem of American style.” The Wrangler Home collection, which was introduced in October of 2004 at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, N.C., currently partners with Flexsteel Industries, Feizy Rugs and Sedgefield by Adams lighting. The entry into outdoor confirms the brand’s evolution into a complete home furnishings concept. Retailers will get their first look at the collection in January 2006 at the Las Vegas Market. It will begin hitting retail stores in time for the summer 2006 selling season.  “The Wrangler Home collection is about real, American lifestyle – featuring products designed for the way you live your life,” said George Weldon, director of licensing for Wrangler Home™.  “We believe outdoor furnishings are a natural extension of our brand.” The outdoor collection will launch with three different lines – a wood group with a new faux weathered teak finish, a cast and extruded aluminum group and one designed with all aluminum extrusion. The furnishings will also include umbrellas and an all-weather fabric line.  “Finish will play a key role in our outdoor groupings, just as it does in our jeanswear,” Weldon said. “Each grouping will reflect the inherent comfort and casual nature of the brand’s heritage.”