Polo Ralph Lauren (NYSE:RL) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a license agreement with Mikasa, Inc. to manufacture and distribute the Lauren Ralph Lauren tabletop collection in North America effective March 1, 2003. The new tabletop collection will be available at select department and specialty stores in Spring 2004.
Lauren Ralph Lauren, a complete lifestyle home furnishings brand, debuted in Spring 2001 at select department and specialty stores with the introduction of bedding and bath products. The Lauren Ralph Lauren tabletop collection is the most recent addition to the line. Additional product categories, including furniture, will be introduced at later dates.
The Lauren Ralph Lauren tabletop collection will include dinnerware, stemware, barware, and an extensive selection of giftware in both casual and formal offerings. The new collection will be available in sets, as well as open stock to encourage consumers to mix and match patterns. The design aesthetic will reflect the diversity of Ralph Lauren's lifestyle inspirations including American country, English estates, the natural tones and textures of the African plains and the sleek, modern sensibility of a Manhattan loft.
'The Lauren Ralph Lauren collection presents an exciting opportunity to extend the reach of Ralph Lauren Home. Partnering with Mikasa on the tabletop collection will allow us to capitalize on both of our strengths – Polo Ralph Lauren's design expertise and Mikasa's ability to consistently manufacture and deliver a quality tabletop product,' said Ken Rood, President, Ralph Lauren Home.
In addition to the Lauren Ralph Lauren home line, Polo Ralph Lauren also offers Ralph Lauren Home which includes fashion bedding and bath product, expertly crafted furniture, tabletop, lighting, fabrics, wall and floor coverings, decorative accessories and paint.
Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation is a leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in four categories: apparel, home, accessories and fragrances. For 35 years, Polo's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include 'Polo', 'Polo by Ralph Lauren', 'Ralph Lauren Purple Label', 'Polo Sport', 'Ralph Lauren', 'RALPH', 'Lauren', 'Polo Jeans Co.', 'RL', 'Chaps', and 'Club Monaco' among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands. For more investor information, go to http://rlhome.polo.com.
CONTACT:
Ralph Lauren Home
Debra Kanabis, 212/318-7346
