Arben International to Launch Tapestry Gallery Outlets
December 16, 2002
Moscow — Arben International, a major wholesaler and retailer of decorative fabrics in Russia, is opening the first of what may reach 100 retail stores by 2005, according to principal Archie Tchernov. The Tapestry Gallery outlets will carry tapestries woven by established European weavers.
Currently, ten stores of about 250 square feet are planned for Moscow and St. Petersburgh, said Tchernov. Mila Potapova has been named president of Tapestry Club, which is directing the operation. She is also involved with Galleria Arben, a 10,000 square-foot showroom in Moscow.
"The tapestries will be made by Algemene as well as Metrax and Craye of Belgium," he said. The product offering is divided into five lines: 'Bohemia,' the highest priced line, depicts famous Russians; 'Flandria,' made by Craye and Metrax, is the next highest line and portrays more classical themes; 'Vizantia,' will consist of silk tapestries from China; Algemene will also supply a contemporary line at moderate prices, while the 'Hermitage Collection' will be produced locally in Russia and in China.
In addition to wall tapestries, there is a plan to convert tapestries with exclusive designs for the bedding market sewn locally in Russia.
The plans began to take shape at the end of 2000, according to Tchernov, when Arben decided to diversify. The company opened a design studio for making tapestries and started to convert tapestries and make confeccion in Russia a year later. In 2002 Arben formed a Russian based company operating under the Tapestry Club name.F&FI
Currently, ten stores of about 250 square feet are planned for Moscow and St. Petersburgh, said Tchernov. Mila Potapova has been named president of Tapestry Club, which is directing the operation. She is also involved with Galleria Arben, a 10,000 square-foot showroom in Moscow.
"The tapestries will be made by Algemene as well as Metrax and Craye of Belgium," he said. The product offering is divided into five lines: 'Bohemia,' the highest priced line, depicts famous Russians; 'Flandria,' made by Craye and Metrax, is the next highest line and portrays more classical themes; 'Vizantia,' will consist of silk tapestries from China; Algemene will also supply a contemporary line at moderate prices, while the 'Hermitage Collection' will be produced locally in Russia and in China.
In addition to wall tapestries, there is a plan to convert tapestries with exclusive designs for the bedding market sewn locally in Russia.
The plans began to take shape at the end of 2000, according to Tchernov, when Arben decided to diversify. The company opened a design studio for making tapestries and started to convert tapestries and make confeccion in Russia a year later. In 2002 Arben formed a Russian based company operating under the Tapestry Club name.F&FI
