Houseware industry holds New York City expo.

By Richard Lee, The Stamford Advocate, Conn. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Jan. 27--Manufacturers and buyers kept the deal-making in high gear yesterday at the second annual Lapine East Coast Product Expo, hosted by Stamford-based Lapine Inc., at the LaGuardia Marriott in New York City. More than 100 buyers representing retailers including Bed, Bath and Beyond, Linens 'N Things, Macy's East, The Home Depot, PC Richard and Sons, Pathmark, Black & Decker Stores, Brooks Pharmacy and Fortunoffs descended on the hotel to get a close-up look at 2005 product lines offered through Lapine from more than 25 manufacturers.

Lapine, a manufacturer's representative for the retail, grocery and …