Category: FABRICS
Country: United States
By Andrea Lillo, Executive Editor.
12th May, 2025.
In 1927, the company now known as Stout Textiles was founded when two brothers – Charles and Harry Stout – decided to sell supplies to upholsterers, later transitioning their business to fabrics.
Now led by the fourth generation – John Greenawalt became president in March, his sister Kate Greenawalt is vice president and cousin Janie Robertson is design director – the fabric, trims and wallpaper resource is preparing for its next chapter. We spoke to John Greenawalt to talk about the company’s legacy and plans for the future. (You can read more about Stout Textiles‘ history in the upcoming May/June issue of Designers Today).
Your great-grandfather founded the company almost 100 years ago — how does that legacy shape the decisions you make today?
John Greenawalt: “Our goal is to have this company around for four more generations, so we intentionally run the business with longevity in mind. We take very calculated risks when we need to.”
What changes or innovations are you most excited to bring to the company in this new chapter?
“We are making a stronger push in marketing and technology than we have in the past. Stout is offering easy-to-use workroom services through our new Custom Creations program, and we’re adding additional supportive products like wallpaper to the line.”
With shifting tariff policies on imported goods, how do you see current or upcoming tariffs impacting your sourcing, pricing or production strategies?
“If tariffs stay in place, prices will go up. New prices on most products will be palatable, while others will not (e.g., products from China). We have already started pulling back from these types of products.”
How do you balance honoring the heritage of the brand with staying competitive in today’s fast-moving textile industry?
“Our heritage is built on integrity, fairness and approachability. Those qualities do not need to change to stay competitive or relevant. With regard to product design, we make a conscious effort to stay on top of trends and we always listen to the needs of designer clientele.”
What’s something about the company’s history that still surprises or inspires you?
“I find it surprising and inspiring that we have been able to keep 100% in family hands this whole time.”
Looking ahead, what role do you see sustainability and technology playing in the future of the business?
“I hope that with advancements in printing and weaving technologies, there will be more on-demand manufacturing of fabrics, resulting in less waste over time. I also hope that technology gets to the point where designers can very accurately source materials without the need to see multiple samples. Less samples = less waste and less transporting of these samples. I would never want a designer to purchase a fabric sight unseen, but hopefully with technology advancements, they can narrow down their choices to far fewer samples.”
Courtesy: designerstoday.com
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