Lexington Home Brands announced that it has reached an agreement to expand the scope of its highly successful license with Tommy Bahama to include casual furniture for outdoor living. The move further solidifies the company’s position in the upscale island category. Lexington launched the initial Tommy Bahama lifestyle collection in April of 2000, and has built that business into the most successful brand in the category.
“Tommy Bahama is the number one brand in a style category that has experienced exceptional growth despite the economic downturn,” said Phil Haney, President and CEO of Lexington Home Brands. “The brand is iconic, with designs and a lifestyle message that have proven highly effective in attracting the aspirational consumer. Tommy Bahama Outdoor is a natural extension for Lexington. We have a keen understanding of the brand, and will leverage our design and marketing expertise in energizing the product line through the current outdoor distribution channels. At the same time, we see an opportunity to partner with our traditional home furnishings retailers and design professionals in adding an exciting new dimension to our successful indoor business.”
“Given the phenomenal success that Lexington Home Brands has demonstrated in their lifestyle designs for indoor product, the decision to expand our relationship to include the rapidly growing outdoor category was one that felt very appropriate,” said Chrisann Furciato, Vice President of Licensing for Tommy Bahama. “When it comes to interpreting the relaxed sophisticated style of Tommy Bahama in the home, Lexington totally gets it.”
Lexington will facilitate a seamless transition of the existing business from the previous licensee. Bill Echols will operate in a consulting role for Lexington, continuing to serve as Director of Sales for Tommy Bahama Outdoor, and the current Tommy Bahama Outdoor independent account managers will continue to represent the line. Existing inventory, as well as work-in-process inventory, will be purchased and moved to Lexington’s distribution complex in North Carolina. All other operational elements of the business will be managed at Lexington’s corporate center in High Point. Retailers will soon see expanded product offerings and new designs.
Lexington Home Brands: Lexington Home Brands is a global manufacturer and marketer of residential and custom contract home furnishings, and a recognized industry leader in innovative design and lifestyle merchandising. The company's product line encompasses a broad range of medium to upper-end case goods and upholstered furniture, with highly recognized brand names that include Lexington®, Tommy Bahama®, Sligh®, and Henry Link Trading Co.® Products are distributed through home furnishings retailers, independent design professionals, design firms, and to-the-trade showrooms. A privately held company, Lexington Home Brands is an affiliate of Boca Raton-based Sun Capital Partners, Inc.
Tommy Bahama: Tommy Bahama is owned by Tommy Bahama Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Oxford Industries, Inc. (NYSE:OXM). Established in August 1992, with corporate headquarters in Seattle, Tommy Bahama is a lifestyle company that defines relaxed, sophisticated style in men’s and women’s sportswear, denim, swimwear, accessories and a complete home furnishings collection. Tommy Bahama is available at the country’s finest retailers, including Nordstrom, as well as high profile resort locations around the world. There are 97 Tommy Bahama retail locations across the country, 13 of which include a Tommy Bahama restaurant & bar. For more information, please visit www.tommybahama.com.