Primo International and kathy ireland Worldwide Announce Licensing Partnership

MONTREAL, Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Primo International, a leading Canadian-based furniture and mattress manufacturer and importer, has signed a licensing partnership with kathy ireland Worldwide® aimed at providing solutions for the growing market for casual seating and sleeping furniture.

According to John DeFalco, Primo International's executive vice president, the agreement will result in an initial launch of up to 30 new Klik Klak Studio Sleepers, futons and other items.

The branded furniture will debut at next month's Las Vegas Market in Primo International's showroom in space C 1212 at the World Market Center. "However, the initial 30 items just represent our first steps together. Kathy and her team are already working on additional pieces that will roll out later in the year and will also be shown in High Point, Montreal and Toronto," DeFalco explained.

"The partnership, along with Kathy's design direction, has been in the works for the past several months and we are truly proud and delighted to have this opportunity to develop a product lineup that supports Kathy's mission of "...finding solutions for families, especially busy Moms," DeFalco said.

He added that the timing of this partnership couldn't be better, particularly in light of the ongoing and steadily growing popularity of furniture that supports the consumer's growing appetite for a casual and relaxed lifestyle.

"Comfort is not a trend. It is a revolution. Working with Primo International, who is at the forefront of this revolution in the home industry, is an exciting opportunity. Our team is at work finalizing new designs for our next market that will bring innovation and great style to kathy ireland Home® by Primo International," said Kathy, CEO and Chief Designer for kathy ireland Worldwide®.

"To be able to bring affordable casual lifestyle furniture to the marketplace while bringing the branding and recognition of kathy ireland Worldwide®, which was recently recognized by 2010 License Global Magazine as the 28th most powerfully licensed brand globally, is going to represent is a win-win-for Primo International, our customers and consumers," DeFalco said. Initial retail price points will range from $149 to $499.

About Primo International

Today, Primo International is a leading Canadian importer of fine quality leather upholstery, fabric upholstery, mattresses, futons, casual dining, youth furniture and more. Headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, the company is still a family run business, now led by President and CEO George Itzkovitz.

Primo's steady growth and success is a result of its strong alliance with its suppliers across Asia and its customers worldwide. As a relationship driven company, Primo treats all of its suppliers and clients alike with honesty, fairness and respect. We remain relentlessly committed to satisfy our customers by offering them the highest standards of production and design while maintaining competitive prices.

Primo owns and operates 500,000 sq. ft. facilities in Montreal, QC, and utilizes independently owned stocking facilities in Los Angeles, CA and Tampa, FL to effectively service all of Canada and the continental United States.  Always a participant at furniture market events across North America, Primo occupies several permanent showrooms to allow its clients more interactive and convenient representations of its products.

Primo's staff consists of over 250 dedicated employees worldwide. Primo International continues to grow thanks to the shared vision and hard work of its team. As quality is one of Primo's primary goals, it has achieved and maintains the ISO 9001-2008 certification. This important certificate underlines the commitment Primo has made to quality, domestically and abroad.

Primo International is also a Tier II Validated C-TPAT Member. The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) is an innovative government/private sector partnership program that helps to ease and speed secure importing and exporting of goods, which results into reducing the lead time to customers.

OUR MISSION

Primo's mission is to remain committed to our customers. We are dedicated to providing them with exciting and innovative quality made products, at reasonable prices. We are devoted to the highest level of service possible. We, Primo International, firmly believe in the fair, ethical and equal treatment of our valued clients, team members and suppliers.

About kathy ireland Worldwide®

kathy ireland Worldwide® (kiWW®) is the design and marketing firm founded in 1993 by CEO and Chief Designer, Kathy Ireland. The mission statement of kiWW® is "...finding solutions for families, especially busy moms."™ kiWW® turns to design experts in many areas, kiWW® Brand Solutions include kathy Ireland Home® ACafe Society by Chef Andre which addresses cooking and entertaining and kathy Ireland Home® Jardin JduJ by Nicholas Walker, which celebrates the gardens of the world and brings the outdoors in. Forbes.com names Kathy Ireland one of the 20 Best-Branded Women on Twitter.  Forbes Magazine reports that kathy ireland Worldwide® (kiWW®) is a "design empire which grosses over 1.4 billion dollars annually in retail sales." 2010 License Global Magazine names kathy ireland Worldwide #28 most powerfully licensed brand globally.

kathy ireland Worldwide® products include furniture, flooring, lighting and accessories, window treatments, home office and entertainment, leather and microfiber, upholstery, infant, youth and adult top of bed, bedding, candles, hand-painted fine porcelain, decorative shelving, fine jewelry, apparel, Bridal Gowns, Mother of the Bride, and Special Occasion gowns, fresh-cut flowers, skin-care for men and women, wall coverings, ceiling fans, mattresses, totes, hand bags, travel bags, frames, wall decor, clocks, Design It Yourself jewelry and crafting supplies, kitchen and bath cabinetry, decorative surfaces, infant furniture, Ready to Assemble (RTA), wigs and hair extensions, real estate, vacation events, wedding program licenses, music and film licenses, publishing and greeting cards. Kathy serves as Chief Designer for Window World, America's largest home renovation company. Kathy is the author of six books: Powerful Inspirations: Eight Lessons that Will Change Your Life, Real Solutions for Busy Moms: Your Guide To Success and Sanity, Real Solutions for Busy Moms Devotional: 52-God Inspired Messages for Your Heart and children's books: What Do Mommies Do?, An Angel Called Hope and Mona's Favorite Words.

kiWW® maintains offices and design studios in Los Angeles, Rancho Mirage, and Santa Barbara, CA, Hawaii and Israel. Additional information is available at www.kathyireland.com.

SOURCE Primo International