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Blaming postal increases and chaotic economic conditions, gifts and home decor cataloger TouchStone is closing its doors. The merchant, which is not filing for bankruptcy, has begun a controlled and orderly phasing out of its business. TouchStone says vendors have been informed, and that that their obligations will be paid in full.
Many of TouchStone employees have more than 20 years experience in the direct mail industry, said company owner/president, Sarah Luce in a statement. “We love the dynamics of the business and are proud of what we have accomplished as a single stand alone title. However, in this economic environment, it is truly difficult for a single private title to bear the entire cost structure of producing, mailing, buying and shipping without the leverage that a multititle business has.”
The Atlanta–based merchant was founded in 1989 and sells products such as traditional furniture accents, tableware, lighting, bed and bath accessories and seasonal decorations. “One of key frustrations at this time is knowing that Washington ignored catalogers’ requests to repeal the 2007 postal increases,” Luce said. “We strongly feel that the repeal would have allowed many catalogers, like us, to remain in business.”