Interview with Linda Parker, from Pendleton Woolen Mills
We chat to Linda C Parker from Pendleton's Corporate Communications team who gave us a great insight into this renowned heritage brand. She explains what makes Pendleton a worldwide success, from their strict quality guidelines to social responsibility…
How do you think Pendleton remains so popular today despite staying true to its traditional roots?
Pendleton’s success is precisely because the Brand continues to stay true to its roots of authenticity, craftsmanship and quality. As a Heritage Brand, our authenticity, craftsmanship and quality are the same values instilled by our Founder, Thomas Kay.
What is the secret to Pendleton’s success?
Staying true to our commitment of fine craftsmanship, expertise and quality while remaining relevant to our consumers through innovative fabrics and products such as our recently introduced fabrics, WoolDenim™ and UtraFine Merino.
How does Pendleton continue to ensure its products meet the strict quality guidelines?
Pendleton woolen fabrics and all of our blankets are made in the USA. We inspect 100% of our woolen fabric and apply our standard for all products against our promise statement; “Warranted To Be A Pendleton”, which means we stand behind all of our products.
The Pendleton brand ethos focuses strongly on social responsibility, can you tell us a little about how as brand you ensure that you are socially responsible?
Our goal as a Brand is to leave the smallest footprint possible.
What is the most popular design or product from Pendleton – and why do you think customers favor it? Pendleton Blankets are known worldwide for their beauty, quality, and expressive nature. Our longest continuously produced blanket is the Chief Joseph blanket which first appeared in the 1920s.
How would you describe the Pendleton customer?
Pendleton customers are discriminating about quality, they look for the Pendleton brand as a complement to this same shared values.
What is a typical day like at the Pendleton Mill?
A typical day at a Pendleton Mill is focused on ensuring the quality of our woolen textile fabrics. We inspect 100% of all fabrics and blankets for color, hand and appearance and technical correctness. All of our fabric must meet the “Warranted To Be A Pendleton” standard.
What is your favorite Pendleton design and why?
Chief Joseph blanket is a favorite. It has been in continuous production since its introduction in the 1920s. It is a beautiful perennial design of Native American-inspired symbols. Its namesake is Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe.
What does the future hold for Pendleton?
Pendleton celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first National Park blanket, Pendleton Glacier Stripe, created in 1916. That same year President Woodrow Wilson penned into law the creation of the National Park Service for the care and maintenance of all of the US National Parks. In tribute to these two concurring birthdays, Pendleton created a National Park Collection, part of the proceeds will be a donation to the National Park Foundation for two landmark restoration projects; one in Glacier National Park and one in Grand Canyon National Park.
