SPENCER, Mass (July 5, 2006) – Teaming with one of the most prominent, creative names in the world of children’s products, Taggies, Inc. has reached an agreement with Rashti & Rashti, a division of H.J. Rashti & Company, to create a new licensed line of newborn layette, sleep n’ play, playwear, gift items, and crib blankets, all trimmed with the Taggies patented concept: those multi-textured, looped ribbon tags that babies and kids love to rub. Rashti & Rashti’s first release is planned for Spring 2007.
Started by two moms who met at their toddlers’ playgroup, Taggies, headquartered in Spencer, Massachusetts, has won numerous awards for its product line, while experiencing dramatic sales growth during its six-year history. For almost 60 years, Rashti & Rashti has prided itself on producing value-driven, high quality products as well as maintaining its long-standing partnerships with retailers nationwide. As a third generation, family owned and operated business, Rashti & Rashti has upheld its integrity and hands-on approach while growing into a well-known, full-service company. The company designs, sources and sells its own brands, licensed products, and private label programs.
"It is just thrilling to partner with the vast expertise and outstanding creativity of the Rashti & Rashti team,” said Danielle Ayotte, co-founder/co-owner– with Julie Dix – of Taggies, Inc. “For as long as we can remember, Moms, Dads and caregivers have been asking us for a ‘Totally Taggie’ daytime and nighttime apparel experience for their children. With ultra soft fabrics, fantastic colors and fresh designs, the Rashti & Rashti/Taggies collection will provide them with just that; an ingenious mix of playful interactivity, along with developmentally and emotionally beneficial ‘Taggies’ comfort. This totally new clothing concept, truly revolutionary to the apparel industry, will finally be available for every Taggies fan!"
“We, at Rashti & Rashti, are excited about the possibilities the Taggies license presents,” said Charlotte Rashti, President of H.J. Rashti & Company, Inc. “Our company makes an effort to partner with brands that have longevity and provide consumers with valuable, yet fun products. We were so inspired by Julie Dix and Danielle Ayotte, the founders of Taggies. They’re genuine innovators, and we are delighted to work closely with them and the Taggies team to develop a cross-merchandised collection that will grow in both product and consumer recognition.”
The Rashti & Rashti/Taggies line, consisting primarily of newborn apparel, layette, gifts, and crib blankets, will be introduced to quality retailers nationwide, with plans to expand internationally. The collection including sleep ‘n play, playwear, and coordinating crib blankets, will incorporate Taggies’ innovative tactile and soothing elements into cute and playful designs.
The Rashti & Rashti association marks the fourth venture in which Taggies has joined with a leading company to create new licensed products. Scholastic Inc., the world’s largest children’s book publisher, sells the “My First TAGGIES®” soft-cover books, as well as the “My First TAGGIES®” hard-cover nursery rhyme books. International Playthings, Inc. offers the licensed Earlyears line of lovable, educational activity toys trimmed with Taggies tags. Additionally, plush powerhouse Mary Meyer, Inc. has partnered with Taggies to create a new family of Taggies plush toys.
Rashti & Rashti/Taggies products will be available in specialty and better department stores nationwide. “Based on the terrific success we’ve had with this approach thus far, we believe the traffic and cross marketing generated by these new products will really spread brand awareness, leading to increased sales of other core Taggies items,” said Dix, who with her business partner, Danielle Ayotte, shares management of the company they created together.
All Taggies and Rashti & Rashti products are completely safety tested and meet or exceed all applicable safety standards as set forth by the regulatory bodies in the United States, Canada, and in the other territories where Taggies and Rashti & Rashti products will be sold.
The patented Taggies licensed and core product line includes small and large blankets, plush items, activity toys, soft balls, rattles, baby booties, crib sets, and the Scholastic soft-cover “My First Taggies® Book” series and hard-cover “My First Taggies® Book” nursery rhyme series. The company’s Random Acts of Kindness program brings Taggies blankets to ill or impoverished children.
Taggies’ and Rashti & Rashti products are available at quality stores nationwide. Taggies products may be ordered online at www.taggies.com and by phone at 1-877-4-TAGGIE. A complete listing of authorized Taggies retailers may be found at www.taggies.com. To find stores and online retailers selling Rashti & Rashti products, visit www.rashtiandrashti.com.
For more information about Taggies or to schedule an interview with Danielle Ayotte and Julie Dix, please contact Elizabeth Waldman Frazier at Waldmania Public Relations: 415.334.2787 or waldmania@comcast.net.
For more information about Rashti & Rashti or to schedule an interview with Charlotte Rashti, please contact Danielle Signorelli at Rashti & Rashti: 212.594.3733, extension 131 or dsignorelli@rashtiandrashti.com.
