The Longaberger Company History and Legacy

The Longaberger Company has a rich history that dates back to 1973, when it was founded by Dave Longaberger in Newark, Ohio. Dave started making handmade baskets in his garage, which eventually led to the creation of the iconic Longaberger basket.

Dave Longaberger's vision was to create a company that would bring people together through the art of basket-making. He believed that the traditional craft of basket-weaving could be a source of pride and a way to connect with others.

The company's early success was fueled by the unique and high-quality baskets that were made by skilled artisans. The baskets quickly gained popularity, and the company began to expand its operations to meet the growing demand.

The Longaberger Company has a rich history that spans over a century. J.W. Longaberger began his journey in the basket-making industry in 1896 when he started working at the Dresden Basket Factory.

After the company failed during the Great Depression, Longaberger continued to make baskets on the weekends. He eventually saved up enough money to purchase the closed basket factory and start his own business.

In 1973, Dave Longaberger, the fifth of J.W.'s 12 children, opened J.W.'s Handwoven Baskets. This marked the beginning of the Longaberger Company as we know it today.

The company started selling Longaberger baskets through home shows using a multi-level marketing model in 1978. Each basket, made in various sizes, was handmade and signed by the maker.

At its peak, the company employed over 8,200 people, not counting its direct sales consultants.

The Longaberger Company's rise to fame was swift, with Dave Longaberger's innovative idea of selling baskets from the back of a truck at festivals and fairs.

In 1973, he sold his first basket for $5.

The company's first catalog was released in 1978, featuring 20 different types of baskets.

By 1996, Longaberger had grown to over 1,000 employees and was raking in over $1 billion in sales annually.

Dave Longaberger became a household name, known for his charismatic leadership and innovative marketing strategies.

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The Longaberger Company has a lasting impact on the world of basketry and beyond. Founded in 1973 by Dave Longaberger, the company started as a small business in a barn in Newark, Ohio.

The company's innovative approach to basket design and manufacturing helped establish it as a leader in the industry. Longaberger's focus on quality and craftsmanship earned the company a reputation for excellence.

The iconic Longaberger Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, was a testament to the company's success and a symbol of its commitment to its community.

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The company's sales plummeted from $1 billion in the 2000s to about $100 million in 2012 due to a recession and changing tastes in home decor.

Tami Longaberger, who had led the company since Dave's passing in 1999, resigned as chief executive officer in May 2015.

The company's headquarters, the iconic Basket Building, was put up for sale in 2016, and employees were relocated to Frazeysburg, Ohio.

By April 2016, the company had dwindled to fewer than 75 full-time and part-time employees, with only about 30 still making baskets.

The company officially ceased operations on May 4, 2018, as announced by a sales force supervisor.

JRJR Networks, the holding company that took over the company in 2013, filed for bankruptcy in June 2018.

The Longaberger brand was revived in 2019 when Xcel Brands, led by Robert W. D'Loren, acquired the company's intellectual property and partnered with basket-weavers Dresden & Co.

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Longaberger baskets are about to get a new lease on life thanks to a licensing agreement between Dresden & Co. and Xcel Brands, Inc. and Hilco Global.

The Longaberger brand has two comeback stories to tell, with thousands of fans eagerly awaiting the return of their beloved baskets. Tami Longaberger, daughter of the company's founder, is committed to reclaiming the brand's values of integrity, craftsmanship, and opportunity for all.

The iconic Longaberger Basket Building in Newark, Ohio, is being renovated into a luxury hotel, with plans to reopen in 2020. The building's unique design, modeled after the Medium Market Basket, is a testament to the company's founder's sense of style.

The building's wooden handles, each weighing about 75 tons, took 18 months to construct and required a special heating system to prevent ice from forming in the winter. This attention to detail is a hallmark of the Longaberger brand's commitment to quality.

The atrium inside the building is 30,000 square feet and features a marble entryway, cherrywood trim, and a basket-weave wall treatment in the executive suites. The style is a nod to the company's heritage and is making a comeback.