Housewares giant plans greater presence in Canada
Garden City, N.Y.-based housewares maker Lifetime Brands has announced a new strategic partnership with Toronto-based Accent-Fairchild Group, with the aim of expanding Lifetime’s offerings in the Canadian market.
Under the proposed agreement, Lifetime will make available certain brands and products to Accent-Fairchild, which will in turn distribute the products directly to Canadian retailers. Accent-Fairchild, which formerly sold certain Lifetime products under the name Target Home Products, will also re-brand itself as LTB Canada. Although financial terms were not disclosed, Lifetime Brands said in a statement, “the proposed arrangement will not involve any cash investment on the part of Lifetime Brands.”
Canada has seen an expansion in recent months from American retailers in the DIY, decor and housewares categories. Lowe’s, Crate & Barrel and Container Store have entered the Canadian market in the past year.
“As our long-time distributor, with a deep knowledge of the market and strong ties to retailers, AFG is the logical partner to help Lifetime substantially increase our penetration of the Canadian market,” said Jeffrey Siegel, chairman, president and CEO of Lifetime Brands, in a statement.
Lifetime Brands designs, develops, manufactures and markets housewares under names including KitchenAid, Farberware, Cuisinart and Pfaltzgraff.