By Allison Zisko
NEW YORK–Jay Imports’ acquisition of Teaseaco earlier this year has given it a leadership position in chargers, a spot it laid claim to during the recent tabletop show here.
The company showcased every conceivable style of charger in two locations: Jay Imports’ own showroom at 41 Madison Ave., and in the D. King Irwin suite at 7 W New York, where Teaseaco product was on display.
Jay Imports purchased Teaseaco, a spinoff of the now defunct Centrum Corp., back in February. Teaseaco, under the direction of President Tom Cushing, had made a name for itself by manufacturing the plastic gold charger using a gold-leafing process. Although that product is now ubiquitous, Teaseaco continues to innovate with various shapes, mixed colors and new techniques, according to David Jay, vice president and director of national sales.
“We do this all day, and when you see something new and different, it’s exciting,” Jay said. “We have taken his [Cushing’s] experience and taken it to a whole new level.”
The addition of Teaseaco, a subsidiary of Jay Imports, virtually doubles Jay’s overall charger assortment. The company now offers chargers in every material imaginable: glass, metal, bamboo, rattan, polypropylene, leather (both faux and genuine), velvet, mother-of-pearl, capiz shells and every variety of inlay. Retail price points range from $4.99 to $29.99 per charger, and they will be offered in bulk or in sets.
The acquisition underscores Jay’s commitment to what it considers a profitable business. “The business is important, especially in today’s market,” Jay said. Consumers not willing to invest in new dinnerware can purchase fashionable chargers for a whole new look for the table for less money, he said.
