• The Morning News [Northwest Arkansas] , Wednesday, September 24, 2008 10:30 AM

Walmart, which had been testing its exclusive home line with Better Homes and Gardens in a limited number of stores for several months, says that it has completed a national launch. The BHG line involves about 550 items, including interior and patio furniture, bed and bath sets, dinnerware and decorative accessories like candleholders, throw pillows and picture frames.

A broader assortment of the line will be introduced next year. The second half of the launch will add more bedding and bath products, and additional garden pieces and accents, Walmart says.

"Better Homes and Gardens is a trusted lifestyle brand that our core customer knows and loves," says Linda Hefner, vp of Walmart's home division. Hefner in June detailed the retailer's strategy in the division to offer more brands in the home merchandise assortment. At many of its stores, it also introduced "home pads," putting the home department on faux hardwood floors and grouping products by room to make coordination easier for its shopper.

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