BENTONVILLE, Ark., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As a part of its ongoing commitment to help customers save money and live better, Wal-Mart today announced the addition of two new Home brands coming to stores soon. Canopy(TM) will launch in February 2008 and will feature multi-category home essentials. In fall 2008, Wal-Mart and Meredith Corporation will launch a new line of Better Homes and Gardens(R) products focused on traditional and timeless style available exclusively at Wal-Mart stores.
"Our customer looks to Wal-Mart for great brands and a compelling assortment, all at a superior value," said Linda Hefner, executive vice president of Home at Wal-Mart. "The additions of Canopy and Better Homes and Gardens brands to our portfolio further enhance our ongoing commitment to providing these needs to our customers."
The Canopy brand will launch essential home decor goods in stores nationwide in February 2008 with a select number of stores featuring an extended line. Walmart.com will have the complete in-store line in addition to products offered exclusively online.
"The Canopy brand is focused on providing durable, thoughtful, functional and livable decor that creates a warm and inviting home," said Hefner.
The Better Homes and Gardens line will be introduced by fall of 2008 and will feature colors, patterns and designs focused on traditional style. Merchandise that will be developed includes items in popular home categories such as bedding and throws; bath accessories; dinnerware and kitchen textiles; and decorative pillows. Better Homes and Gardens' creative staff will take an active role in product design, and all items will reflect the brand's high standards.
"This represents the largest extension of products bearing the Better Homes and Gardens brand in its 85-year history," said Meredith President and CEO Stephen M. Lacy. "We're excited to be partnering with Wal-Mart in bringing the Better Homes and Gardens style into the homes of millions of American shoppers."
In addition to the new brands coming to Wal-Mart stores, the company will expand its new Home layout to more stores in 2008, focusing on new stores and remodels. The new layout features a "room solutions" orientation, navigational signage, lower-profile fixtures and "power walls" for power categories like towels.
"Our Home brand portfolio is well positioned to introduce new brands to our customers and protect and grow strong existing brands, such as Mainstays and Home Trends," Hefner said. "We will continue to focus on driving price leadership, strengthening our portfolio of brands, offering compelling product, and improving the store experience for our customers."
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Every week, millions of customers visit Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam's Club locations across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com. The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back locally. Wal-Mart is proud to support the causes that are important to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year gave more than $270 million to local communities in the United States. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfacts.com/, http://www.walmartstores.com/, or http://www.walmartfoundation.org/.
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk,
