We are an interior furnishings company that designs and distributes fabric, trimmings, and wallpapers together with custom window treatments and drapery hardware.
Stout Textiles was founded in 1927 by brothers Charles and Harry Stout. Four generations later, the company is still in family hands and is located only a few minutes from its original birthplace of Philadelphia. It began as an upholstery supply shop during the early 20th century in center city Philadelphia but quickly changed its offerings to appeal to the rapid rise of interior decorating.
Over the last several decades, we have expanded our company through acquisitions and diversifying our product offerings. While designs and styles have changed over time, our core values never have. Integrity, fairness, and approachability are the guiding factors in everything we do.
A Brief History of Stout
During the 1970s, the third generation of the Stout family entered the business, marking a significant turning point for Stout. It was during this period that Stout embarked on a national expansion towards the west coast, seeking to broaden their reach across the country. In 1974, the company made a strategic move, relocating from Philadelphia to the suburbs where they found ample land to expand their warehouse facilities once again. Recognizing the shifting market dynamics, with upholstery supplies losing popularity, Stout made a crucial decision to shift their focus towards textiles, filling their newly expanded shelves with a diverse range of fabric options.
In 1979, Stout made a noteworthy acquisition by purchasing S.J. Battler, a fabric competitor based in Cleveland, OH. This strategic move enabled Stout to serve the central and western states more effectively, thanks to lower shipping costs and faster delivery. By integrating the operations of S.J. Battler into their own, Stout strengthened their position in the market and enhanced their ability to meet the growing demand for fabrics in those regions.
In the early 1990s, the perceptive third generation of Stout recognized the growing prominence of higher-end designers and the subsequent need to elevate Stout's aesthetic to align with these emerging trends. This realization prompted a significant shift in the company's product offerings, marking a new era of transformation. The focus shifted towards exclusive fabrics and trimmings, which rapidly emerged as the fastest-growing category over the following decade.
As the late 1990s and early 2000s unfolded, the fourth generation of the Stout family began making their way into the family business, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Stout remained committed to its ongoing pursuit of exclusive product development, continuously striving to meet the evolving demands of discerning customers. Not content with domestic success alone, Stout boldly expanded into foreign markets, seeking to extend their reach and establish a global presence.
In their quest for expansion and market visibility, Stout also made strategic investments in national showrooms, creating dedicated spaces to showcase their exceptional products. These showrooms served as platforms for engaging with customers, fostering relationships, and demonstrating Stout's commitment to excellence and innovation. With each new endeavor, Stout reaffirmed its position as a leading player in the industry, catering to the discerning tastes of high-end designers and customers both domestically and internationally.
