about us
a letter from our president
The year 2010 marks a dramatic turn for Calvin Fabrics. Changes in our industry have inspired us to look beyond the traditional home furnishings business model by finding innovative ways to present, support and deliver exciting new product to you, the designer.
When Henry Calvin and Robert Blair founded Calvin in 1952 from a single room located in Jackson Square San Francisco, their simple mission was to offer a straightforward body of textiles (primarily Belgian linen) at a reasonable price. They believed the key to superlative customer service was accessibility and keeping stock, stock and more stock.
Today we continue to hold on to those values along with a few standards we added over the years. We can ship your order out on the same day we receive it, provided it’s before 2:00 PM Pacific Time. All orders are routinely shipped third-day guaranteed at ground rates. You will never speak to a machine if you call us during regular business hours; in fact, you might be surprised to find that one of our personable staff members will recognize your voice after only a few calls. The most significant change, however, is the ability for you to conduct business 24/7 on our newly designed website. We know we’re not the first, but here’s what’s different:
Obviously, the Internet presents myriad possibilities as to marketing and fulfillment; nonetheless, challenges remain such as how to sample fabrics that designers can touch as well as view. With our interactive website, we hope to address some of these issues by providing free third-day delivery of memo samples (for web orders only). Once you find items of interest to you and your client, you can order what you need and receive it all before you can say, “traffic congestion, high fuel costs and outrageous parking fees.” Overnight samples are also available for a nominal charge. Special sample needs, as well as permanent placements, may be ordered through the site at no charge. Simply use the “Special Instructions” box.
When it comes to ordering our fabric you will be able to perform all the functions you’ve come to expect from your favorite websites. But here’s the big difference.....If you are less than satisfied with our performance, I want to know about it. You can contact Sheri Croy, my personal assistant, at (888) 732-1996, or e-mail me directly at ericharwood@calvinfabrics.com and together we’ll make it right.
Best regards,
Eric Harwood
President
about our design director
Danita Harwood came to Calvin Fabrics in 1995 after 17 years working as an interior designer in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Her early years at Calvin were spent as the protégé to its co-founder and head designer, Robert Blair, from whom she became well versed on the Calvin credo of “natural colors for natural fibers.”
After taking the reins in 1999, Danita extended the line’s scope to feature exclusive, original designs and textures, which ultimately evolved into Calvin’s high-end couture collection, “AH.” In the meantime, she has been careful not to lose sight of the company’s roots:
“The key is to stay true to the Calvin look while pushing to the edge of that ideal. I look to nature and the balance of geometry for ideas. My home is in Oregon where there is an abundance of beauty to draw from and my travels keep me exposed to what is new and innovative. I try to marry my surroundings with my experiences to stay inspired.”
As a result, Danita has managed to keep the company moving forward by preserving its vision and purity, yet molding it to become a harbinger of style.
You may contact Danita at danitah@calvinfabrics.com.
a word on customer service
There is nothing more frustrating than working with a company where customer service means pushing a lot of buttons and a long wait on hold. If you do manage to get a real live person on the phone, they seldom have the authority or know how to properly deal with your issue. Once you feel like you’re finally getting somewhere, there is little or no follow through and you have to start over with another nameless person.
At Calvin, that’s not the case. If you have a question about our fabric, need help with a substitute, have a shipping issue or a problem with an orderl, you will be connected directly with someone who is here to help.
My name is Summer Sheets and I am your real live customer service associate. Your call will come directly to me. If I’m not in the office, I’ll get back to you as soon as I return.
You may email me at ssheets@calvinfabrics.com or call toll-free (888) 732-1996 and ask for Summer. I’will be glad to help you.............