Lexington Home Brands and OSullivan have teamed up to create a ready-to-assemble NASCAR youth furniture group, with a big-box retailer now testing three pieces at select stores. If the test goes well, more of the chains stores will carry the group and other retailers will have a chance to stock it, said Jim Myers, Lexingtons vice president of product development. Myers is a friend of stock car driver Bobby Labonte, who called one day to talk about a possible Labonte youth group. They pursued the necessary licenses. Labontes teammate at Joe Gibbs Racing, Tony Stewart, joined the effort, as did Labontes brother, Terry, also a racer. Drivers Jeff Gordon and Elliot Sadler were added later. Lexington contacted OSullivan, which had been doing suite-in-a-box furniture. Lexington provided the licensing and design and OSullivan handled the manufacturing of a twin bed, nightstand and five-drawer chest to retail for $189. Decals for all five NASCAR drivers are included in the box. Lexington and OSullivan are working to add a small bench to the group, to go at the footboard or elsewhere in the room.(kidstodayonline.com)(2-8-2005)
