SHELBY, North Carolina — Abercrombie Textiles, LLC is expanding its role in the outdoor market with its first full collection of performance outdoor fabrics. The line, which debuted in December of 2011, consists of textured body cloths and patterns in both 100% polyester and polyester-olefin blends.

The outdoor collection consisting of over 300 sku’s is priced from $6.50-$12.50.  Wendy Haithcox, Design director for Abercrombie, describes this offering as a balanced collection of contemporary, transitional and traditional design.

“The ideology behind Abercrombie’s outdoor line was to reach the market with a performance fabric at a better value than the acrylic options offered today,” says Haithcox.

The Cone Decorative division of Abercrombie historically offered a large selection of acrylic, polyester and olefin outdoor fabrics, but scaled back in recent years prior to being purchased by Abercrombie.  The choice to reemerge with a large, exclusively polyester and olefin collection is a decision that owner, John Regan, says he timed very carefully. “We’ve been following the technological progression of high UV polyester and olefin yarns closely for several years, and we like what we’ve seen.”

Regan says the new outdoor collection is receiving a warm response from furniture manufacturers in all segments of the outdoor market.

“There are many American retailers who have felt they had to specify imported woven and printed outdoor fabrics in order to hit their price points.  In return they’re not getting much mileage out of their fabric. With our new performance polyesters and olefins, we believe we have found an optimal balance; attractively priced fabric with exceptional lightfastness and a 5 year warranty.”

Abercrombie has already previewed some of next season’s collection per request from their residential furniture manufacturing customers.  “In September we’re adding a group of higher-end polyester fabrics that are deep in body cloths and beautiful patterns with a focus on a great hand”, says Regan.  “We’ll continue to bring value to the market with prices between $9.95-$14.95.”

In September, Abercrombie is also going to offer an exclusive Crypton outdoor collection.  The size of the collection is yet to be determined, but Abercrombie says it will be 100% high UV polyester and be targeted for the fine residential outdoor market.

Debbye Lustig, in her new role as Director of Sales and Marketing for Abercrombie, is in charge of overseeing the growth of the outdoor business. F&FI

Read more about this on the Abercrombie Textiles Website.