Big companies are getting bigger, and the gap between “players” and “niche” companies is getting wider. Large manufacturers and importers are expanding through major licensing agreements, product diversification and more channels of distribution.
A strong license can be a vehicle to explore new design territory. Nourison has been diversifying its line for several years, expanding from handmade to machine-made products four years ago. Alex Peykar, a Nourison principal, sees the new alliance with Calvin Klein as another diversification step.