Columbia Sportswear Company announced that is has signed a license agreement with PEM America for the design, manufacture and marketing of a new Home Furnishing collection — bed pillows, comforters, throws, mattress pads, blankets and bath accessories. The assortment will debut for the 2004 season.

“PEM America is a premier manufacturer of home furnishings, and has an excellent reputation for quality and value,” said Tim Boyle, Columbia's President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are extremely pleased to work with them to provide Columbia-branded home furnishings to consumers this spring.”

While home furnishings complement Columbia's outdoor product, the production and distribution of these items are highly specialized. Therefore, Columbia opted to pursue a license agreement rather than design and manufacture the home collection.

“We're extremely excited to partner with a great brand like Columbia Sportswear,” said Heath Hart, PEM America's EVP of Sales and Marketing. “We believe that we will be able to develop quality products for the home that complements Columbia's successful apparel and footwear business.”