Anticipation has been building since the news broke in July at the annual Dave Longaberger Legacy Dinner that the Longaberger brand was going to make a comeback.
Yesterday, an official press release was made public which stated that Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) and Hilco Global has acquired the intellectual property of Longaberger. The Longaberger brand will be managed by Xcel Brands.
Rachel Longaberger will be representing the Longaberger brand in an appearance tonight, Wednesday, November 13th on QVC on ‘In The Kitchen With David” show airing from 8 – 10pm ET. The Longaberger Woven Pie Basket is currently featured on the QVC website.
Another press release was also published yesterday that stated that Robert W. D’Loren CEO of XCEL Brands and Jim Lepi, Co-Founder and CEO of Dresden and Company (D&Co.) “reached an agreement to enter into a license for the manufacturing of the iconic Longaberger handcrafted baskets”.
Both announcements are extremely exciting for the Village of Dresden. Already, Dresden & Company has made job opportunities for about 35 basket weavers since their inception in July of this year.
Excitement is building in the village and there has been a renewed interest in the area. The Patio Shops reopened recently, two new shops (The Farm Table, and New Found Treasures) also opened last season, the number of buses coming to the village has increased and some local businesses are beautifying their storefronts, expanding their inventory and are seeing growth. Local events like tomorrow’s Ladies’ Night Out and Chocolate Walk brings the community and the retail shops and restaurants together which makes for a stronger, united Dresden.
That’s really what it is all about… the community supporting one another and businesses working together. That is how Dave Longaberger would have wanted it, for that I am sure.
Photo Caption: Rachel and Tami Longaberger posed for a picture after speaking and signing baskets at the 2019 Dave Longaberger Legacy Dinner. [Dresden Buzz archive photo]
Read the press release – Xcel Brands, Inc. and Hilco Global Acquire the Intellectual Property of the Heritage Home and Collectibles Brand Longaberger
Read the press release – Dresden & Company Enters Into License to Manufacture Longaberger Baskets
