In a move that will bring a new brand name to the mass market, US chain store Wal-Mart has teamed up with Noritake to launch an exclusive line of dinnerware and glassware.
The line, branded Epoch Exc…
In a move that will bring a new brand name to the mass market, US chain store Wal-Mart has teamed up with Noritake to launch an exclusive line of dinnerware and glassware. The line, branded Epoch Exclusives, will carry the Noritake name on the packaging and is set to debut in spring 2000. The assortment will initially be sold in select Wal-Mart Super Centers in the US. Seven patterns – three formal china patterns and four casual stoneware patterns – will debut, along with stemware, glassware and accessories. According to Floyd Sullivan, senior vice president, director of tabletop for Noritake, the line will only be sold in boxed sets, and prices for a service for four will start at US$ 49.97. Wal-Mart spokesman John Bisio said the new line will complement Wal-Mart“s existing tabletop assortment while appealing to customers who are looking for quality. “We try to avoid duplication within a category, and Noritake is one of the most recognized names in dinnerware,” Bisio said. “This is an opportunity to sell to the higher end of the market.”