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[Mominohio]

Tonight on In the Kitchen with David. Pie basket. $53 and change. 

And there is quite a back story to the whole thing. The Longaberger sisters are the front face for the brand, but it is owned by the same company that has Issac's line and Judith Ripka's line ( i think I'm remembering that right from the article). There is a long article about who now owns it and the connections but I won't link it as I'm not sure it would let the post stand. Google if you are truly interested. 

The product page says the baskets are imported, which I notified Rachael Longaberger who will be presenting today, and they assure they are made in Ohio in Dresden and will get the product page info corrected. 

From following this story (as I'm in Ohio), it appears these baskets are for now being woven by a new upstart company in Dresden, called Dresden and Company. They have employed former Longaberger weavers and employees, and have their own line out and for sale now (can be seen online). It has been said they are the ones who made the baskets that will be sold today (I can't totally verify that, just follow a number of sources from that area that state this). 

At any rate, the name of the company is now up and going again, and it appears the baskets are made in Dresden Ohio, but the company is not going to be family owned and operated as it was originally. It also appears they will be reviving the consultant side of the business again too. 

I said back about 2005 that Longaberger needed to get on QVC or one of the other shopping channels. I'm glad to see that it's better late than never. 

On a personal opinion note, I know there are a ton of people still crazy for this line (I myself own probably 50 or more) but they are available on the secondary market for pretty cheap, the trend is toward minimalist home decor and 'stuff' so I don't k now how successful this venture will be. I certainly hope it is, as if the production stays in Ohio (or really anywhere in the US) that would be wonderful, but I have my doubts that this type of product, especially at these price points, will ever see the popularity it did in the 90's. 

I do wish them the best of luck though! Can't wait to see the presentation tonight.

[queendiva]

I did not like the fact that for over $53.00 the handle on the pie basket is stationary.

I think the secondary market is saturated with the original baskets selling for a fraction of that price, but no doubt David will sell the heck out of them.

Not really interested in baskets as I have all that I need, including at least one Longaberger where I keep my bills. Baskets are one item I would never pay full price for.

[Hooty]

@Mominohio, Wow thanks for the info!

[gtx]

I love baskets! Thrilled that Longaberger is back and  on QVC!

[4kitties]

I sure hope that they are made in Ohio by some of the local artisans.  Why does it say imported in the description, I wonder?  

I will not be purchasing any as I have all that I need. If I need any more I would buy the vintage ones before I would purchase any new from QVC.  

I wish them well.  

[deeva]

I have more than enough baskets, won't be buying or watching the show. 

[suziebee1]

I have a lot also, but I always had to buy them at in-home parties back in the day.  I wonder if they will all be available on QVC, because those in-home parties have died down.  In this day and age, people don't have the time to go to those parties any more.  They were a lot of fun, but we didn't have as much on our plates then.  Thanks for the info!!!!!!!

[Mominohio]

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@suziebee1 wrote:

I have a lot also, but I always had to buy them at in-home parties back in the day.  I wonder if they will all be available on QVC, because those in-home parties have died down.  In this day and age, people don't have the time to go to those parties any more.  They were a lot of fun, but we didn't have as much on our plates then.  Thanks for the info!!!!!!!

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It sounds @suziebee1 , like they are going to revive the consultant aspect of the business. 

My guess and what I suggested they do decades ago when internet shopping was beginning, was to have separate lines for TV selling, online selling, and consultant selling, therefore keeping true to their hardworking consultants that built the brand for them. 

I would assume something like that will happen now. A line for QVC, assuming this launch is successful, and a different line for consultants. 

And I think the home party aspect of consultants has changed in any business that uses this model. I think they can and still do some home parties, but a lot of consultants are selling online rather than or in addition to, actual physical parties. Lot less time and schlepping of products. 

I will say, in a way, QVC and other television sales channels were built and are still successful based on the same philosophy as the home party. Meet people in their comfort place (home), get the product into their hands (or in Q's case, on the screen where it can be fully seen and explained), described by 'experts' in the product who can answer questions, give ideas, create interest. Yes, people are very busy, but still that expanded ability to interact with the product, get much more detailed information about it and see (or feel) it up close is what many of us are still looking for in a shopping experience. A website with a couple of pictures just isn't enough to really entice me, or answer my questions about most products. 

[Allegheny]

@Mominohio   Thank you so much for the detailed information.  What an absolutely charming and beautiful area Dresden Ohio is!

DH and I are close enough for a day trip (though I really shouldn't shop) and I think my brother and his girlfriend would enjoy also.

[itsmagic]

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@4kitties wrote:

I sure hope that they are made in Ohio by some of the local artisans.  Why does it say imported in the description, I wonder?  

I will not be purchasing any as I have all that I need. If I need any more I would buy the vintage ones before I would purchase any new from QVC.  

I wish them well.  

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I found an article on line and it confirms they will be made in Dresden, Ohio:

”Dresden, Ohio-based Dresden & Co. has entered into a license agreement to manufacture the baskets again, in a deal with New York City consumer products conglomerate Xcel Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: XELB) and Chicago-based Hillco Global, which have acquired the intellectual property of the one-time distinctive brand of baskets and consumer goods.“