|
Bassett Furniture Announces Nationwide Search for the Bassettbaby
BASSETT ANNOUNCES BABY SEARCH
(Bassett, VA) - October 21, 1999 - In conjunction with the introduction of Bassettbaby, a new brand that links its juvenile line of furnishings with a brand identity that consumers trust, Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc. announces a nationwide contest search for the official "Bassettbaby." The contest will be announced October 23 at the national juvenile products show, JPMA, in Dallas.
The goal of the contest is to select 10 babies, whose images will become synonymous with the Bassettbaby image. Parents can find registrations forms at participating stores, Baby Faire expositions and through specially selected advertising vehicles.
Baby Faire Inc., produces consumer expositions that showcase products, services, information and entertainment for prospective parents and families with young children. Bassettbaby will participate in five Baby Faires in 1999 and 2000 - Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Washington and Boston. The shows will feature exciting new products, including hand-painted cribs and case pieces sure to delight both babies and their parents.
Also teaming up in the search for the Bassettbaby is Olan Mills Portrait Studios, an American icon in
family photography with over 65 years in the business. Olan Mills will be present at each Baby Faire,
offering a certificate for a free 8"x 10" photograph for anyone wishing to enter their baby in the contest.
The contest, which officially begins October 23, 1999 and continues through May 2000, will incorporate retail partners to help deliver the message to consumers, as well as advertising and consumer events.
"The whole concept is to feature today's babies with fresh new product offerings," says Bassett's Vice President of Marketing, Janice Hamlin. "The winners will star in Bassettbaby advertisements and promotions, as well as point of sale materials. It's a great opportunity for budding young stars."
The Bassettbaby brand will be officially launched October 24th during a party and reception in the Bassett showroom during the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association show in Dallas, October 23-26. The line will include established pieces and new adaptations of adult and youth collections such as Summerhouse, Urban Loft and Summits Edge. "The introduction of Bassettbaby offers continuity for the consumer," says Bassett's President and COO, Rob Spilman, "providing them with a complete line of home furnishings from infancy through adulthood."
Bassettbaby arrives on the heels of Bassettkids, which was introduced at spring market in High Point and encompasses the youth line of home furnishings, including a youth version of the popular Summerhouse Collection and the ever-popular Collage.
Currently, Bassettbaby products are sold through Babies R' Us, Burlington's, JC Penney catalog and Baby Depot, along with many privately-owned retailers. The line can be seen in the main showroom in Thomasville, as well as at the JPMA show. It encompasses all aspects of juvenile product, including cribs, changing tables and case pieces. The Bassettbaby line introduced the Nursery Rhyme Collection of hand-painted furniture, the Summerhouse Collection and a new Urban Loft finish in Country Blue. All collections have complementary product in the Bassettkids line that allows for extended product usage from infancy through youth.
Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., is one of the world's largest manufacturers and marketers of home
furnishings. Its products are sold in more than 33 countries through many channels, including Bassettā
Furniture Direct stores, major department stores, and other regional and upscale furniture stores. The
company operates 15 facilities in five states, owns or licenses 45 stores, and employs 5,000 nationwide.
Bassett's stock (BSET) is traded on the NASDAQ market.
For more information contact: Mary Leigh Wallace, T: 540.629.6222, F: 540.629.6418
#####
.
|
