DRESDEN – Longaberger the main source of employment in the Dresden area has been the towns lifeblood since 1973. At its peak of operation it employeed over 8,200 people and over a billion in sales. That was all over in 2016 with less than a hundred people running the company, then in 2018 the company announced a cease in operations.
On November 12, 2019 Robert W D’Loren CEO of XCEL Brands and Jim Lepi, Co-Founder and CEO of Dresden and Company announced yesterday that they have reached an agreement to enter into a license for the manufacturing of the iconic Longaberger baskets.
“From our first meeting git was clear to me the t Mr. Loren is a marketing genius. He has innovated ideas for Longaberger that include leveraging social media to drive sales through existing sales channels; we are fortunate to be included in his plans for a quick start and a fast-moving venture,” said Jim Lepi. “This is an amazing opportunity for Dresden & Company as well as the Village of Dresden. I know that we can coexist and support one another in the best interest of the Longaberger Brand as well as that of Dresden & Company.”
Robert W. Dloren, Xcel Chairman and Cheif Executive Officer stated, “I am very familiar with the Longaberger Company, community and family, having served on the company’s board of directors for two years beginning in 2006. We’re evicted to build on the long history of this brand and its engaged customer and home sales associate community. The Longaberger Company is known through the country and we’re looking forward to bringing the brand into the future.”
So for all you basket collectors out there, make some shelf space for the new line of baskets.
