Tropitone To Focus On Adding New Features And Innovative Designs To Its Basta Sole Market Umbrella Products

Furniture World Magazine

Tropitone Furniture Co., a leading manufacturer of fine casual furniture, is partnering with the founder of Basta Sole to add innovative product features as well as to define new market opportunities for the high-styled and exquisitely-designed line of Basta Sole market umbrella products, which Tropitone acquired in 1995. According to Michael Echolds, chief executive officer of Tropitone, Mike Gompertz will contribute his imaginative design concepts and sure-footed entrepreneurial spirit to expanding the Basta Sole product line throughout the coming months. "Mike Gompertz founded Basta Sole in 1983 to create distinctive umbrellas which capture the colorful drama and graceful silhouettes found in mid-eastern and European market umbrellas," Echolds said. "His commitment to superior craftsmanship as well as captivating designs set the benchmark for these majestic and charming umbrellas. He is the visionary behind the Basta Sole ‘mystique’ which has made the brand a powerhouse name in the marketplace. We are pleased and excited to have him as part of the Basta Sole team again," Echolds said. Based on a long-term consulting agreement with Tropitone, Gompertz will act in the capacity of the product and brand manager for the Basta Sole market umbrella and shade products with particular emphasis on adding new features and values for both the retail market as well as the contract and hospitality markets. According to Gompertz, today’s customers appreciate as much as ever the imaginative and decorative features in a product like Basta Sole, which is also built for functionality and longevity. "I am eager to be a part of the Basta Sole product development effort as we set new standards for quality of construction and ingenious use of design and materials to create long-lived and versatile, yet visually alluring market umbrella and shade products. I also look forward to capitalizing on the already strong presence and reputation of the Basta Sole brand in the marketplace, while simultaneously pursuing new ways to offer customers an elegant and enduring solution to shelter from the sun," Gompertz said. Founded in 1954, Tropitone is based in Irvine, California, and is recognized throughout the casual furniture marketplace for its design leadership as well as its commitment to service and value. The company sells its products to retailers, designers and the hospitality trade under the Tropitone, Veneman and Basta Sole trademarks. In August 2001, it acquired Sun West Creations, which offers an extensive selection of contemporary styles and sizes of tabletops that go beyond the traditional glass tabletops to include faux stone and marble mosaic tile. In additional to its headquarters and manufacturing plant in Irvine, the company operates a manufacturing facility in Sarasota, Florida. For more information about the company, visit www.tropitone.com.