continued. . . 

Vaughn’s inimitable spirit shines through in the assortments; the ideal milieu for his muse. How can you not be enchanted by a Kaldun & Bogle grinning rabbit holding a bouquet of carrots or a delighted goose who seems to be breaking out in song or a frog perched atop a toadstool, teacup in hand? Vaughn even tends to resemble his pieces (or vice versa?); a Santa Claus of a man, imbuing his designs with an approachability that elicits smiles. “Stevens’ ability to think outside the box while pouring his individuality and spirit into a product is what makes his work so successful,” affirms Cone. “At the same time, the product is very middle America. Stevens has a knack for appealing to what most people would like to have in their homes.”

With more than 1,000 SKUs developed these last four years (the line has been streamlined to a much more manageable 400 pieces), there are 25 collections (each carrying from six to 12 items, including teapots, figurines, pitchers, vases, and platters) with such monikers as Chef Pig, Farmers Market, Carrot Bunny, and Williamsburg Santa. “There’s a focused simplicity to the collections,” Cone continues. “We give people what they want and it sells.” Seasonal merchandise is a stock-in-trade, particularly harvest and spring themes, usually centering around Thanksgiving and Easter; this category generates upwards of 50% of annual sales. “Both are very optimistic holidays,” reminds Vaughn.

You could say in spring Vaughn’s thoughts turn to fancies which he loves. “Spring is when we all come alive,” he enthuses in his rich singsong tenor. “And rabbits – which we’re known for – always make people smile.” Autumn is another signature. “Autumn is all about abundance and that always makes you feel good,” Vaughn presses on. “So rabbits with carrots and tulips and pumpkins of every shape, size, and color, that’s what we do better than anyone.”

Vaughn sculpts most pieces by hand, initially. “Our goose, for instance, is one of our best sellers,” he shares. “When I was at the final sculpting stage I lifted its feathers a bit, like the wind was hitting him. It just gives it a better look.” And a look at the price tag reveals a very attractive under $100 price point. “Oh, we’re so cheap,” Vaughn guffaws. “Our pumpkin tureens are all under $75. We’re the number one pumpkin resource in the U.S. I can do them wild, short, fat, skinny, you name it. I had eight pumpkin collections this year alone. I love working in China where the designer is the importer and the agent all in one. We’re alpha to omega, cutting out much of the cost for our retailers.” All Kaldun & Bogle collections range from $10 to $200. “Our goal is to provide people in all segments of the market product that’s great value at accessible price points,” Vaughn imparts.

Something’s working. Kaldun & Bogle’s sales are on skyward trajectory thanks to a strong independent base, representing 90% of all accounts. There are more than 2,000 stores which Cone is eager to double over the next two years, a mix of tabletop, gourmet, and gift stores as well as nontraditional retailers like pharmacies, car washes, and restaurants. “We like the stability of smaller independents,” Cone says, “and we’ve only just begun to tap their potential.” Kaldun & Bogle’s seasonal ceramics are a strong self-purchase as well as a robust gift category. “We’re trend aware, but aren’t slaves to trends,” Cone offers. Shelf lives range from a single season to many years; Chef Pig, for example, has brought in the bacon since the company began with no decline in sight. “We believe strongly in retiring a product before it dies so the consumer is always coming back for more,” Cone clues. “We never want to see a product sitting on a shelf. We want the customer to continually be excited.”


continued . . . .