National Geographic Society Announces Major Licensing Initiative For New Home Collection

Furniture World Magazine

The National Geographic Society™ announced that it has multi licensing agreements to develop and market a complete line of home furnishings and accessories inspired by the world travels and personal residences of National Geographic’s own explorers. This unique collection will be introduced at Highpoint in October 2003. The National Geographic Home Collection will provide the public with new ways to furnish their living spaces from top to bottom. The collection is comprised of over 2,500 items and represents one of the largest home collections ever conceived, designed, produced and introduced at one launch. Each of the eight licensees has contributed their respective talents and areas of expertise to the line, creating a unique collection that reflects the sense of global exploration behind the National Geographic brand. Just as National Geographic has set the standard in cultural and scientific studies for the past 100 years, Lane Home Furnishings has been creating quality furniture for nearly a century and will be the cornerstone of this collection. Lane Furniture Industries is owned by Furniture Brands International, which also owns Broyhill and Thomasville. The additional seven licensees behind The National Geographic Home Collection include: Palecek—Handmade Decorative Accessories and Accents Toyo—Hand-Painted Decorative Accessories Sferra Bros.—Bed & Bath Textiles, Table Linens, Pillows and Throws Wildwood—Lighting, Mirrors and Wall Screens Zrike—Ceramic Table Top, Flatware and Glassware RJS—Candles, Silver and Stainless Gift Sets iPhoto—Photographic prints Launching in October 2003 at Highpoint, North Carolina, this eclectic collection will be introduced in Lane Comfort Galleries, department stores, furniture specialty stores and better gift retailers in April 2004. Each design is inspired by an authentic cultural story. “We are delighted to introduce this new line furnishings that bring a taste of foreign culture into the home,” says John Dumbacher, Senior Vice President of Licensing for National Geographic. “This collection was inspired by our own explorers’ personal residences—they shared their homes and the items they have collected from around the world, helping us develop this eclectic collection.” "For nearly 100 years, we have been committed to creating top quality furniture—what better way to continue that tradition. " said Skipper Holliman, Vice President of Marketing for Lane Home Furnishings. " By working together with National Geographic and drawing inspiration from the homes and travels of their unrivaled team of photographers, we've been able to develop a very exciting collection. The National Geographic Home Collection by Lane will include over 150 unique pieces of upholstery and wood that have been designed and merchandised together." About National Geographic: The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Its mission is to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research and education. Founded in 1888 for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge, National Geographic reflects the world through magazines, television programs, books, videos, maps, interactive media and merchandise. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine, the Society’s official journal, published in 20 languages, is read by 40 million people each month in every country in the world. The National Geographic Channel reaches more than 200 million households in 25 languages in 145 countries. Nationalgeographic.com averages around 44 million page views per month. National Geographic has funded over 7,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. All National Geographic net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs. National Geographic Enterprises includes licensing, a catalog business, online commerce and retail. These units oversee the merchandise related to the National Geographic brand worldwide. To learn more about National Geographic, log on to www.nationalgeographic.com, AOL Keyword: NatGeo. About Lane Home Furnishings: Lane Home Furnishings is a subsidiary of Furniture Brands International (NYSE:FBN), the nations leading residential furniture manufacturer.