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About Us

Winston Brands Incorporated


Thank you for visiting Winston Brands Incorporated.

Since our very first catalog in 1997, we have grown into one of the fastest growing direct to consumer multichannel merchandising companies. Our growth has been built on a simple philosophy of providing customers with unique and appealing merchandise at an exceptional value. With customer satisfaction as our number one priority, we proudly offer a Satisfaction Guarantee for all of our merchandise. From our appealing merchandise and incredible values, to our friendly customer service, we strive to provide a positive shopping experience by meeting or exceeding your shopping experience.

Located in the Chicago Northwest suburb of Elk Grove Village, IL, the privately owned company maintains an entrepreneurial, fast-paced, yet casual environment with a constant focus on taking care of its customers. A lot has changed since the company's inception over 40 years ago, however the basics of developing and sourcing appealing and desirable merchandise remains the same driving force.

From our very first brand, Collections Etc., we have since expanded into five distinct brands, each brand providing a unique opportunity to showcase our merchandising focus and talent.

The business began operations as a solo sheet mailer. The solo sheet was accompanied by a punch card, giving the offer a sweepstake's feel. Merchandise selection was always a key focus, historically complemented with a theme offering. As the cost of expanding the solo sheet format was challenged by repeated postage increases, the company transitioned to the catalog format in 1997. This format provided an enhanced presentation of the company's merchandise. However, in an effort to present this catalog as a unique experience, extensive experimentation was done on the format of the catalog. The brand, Collections Etc., with a single price point format of $14.99 resulted from a decision to concentrate on the ease of customer use and a high-perceived value.



Amish Country Wagon

Collections Etc.'s Exclusive
Amish Country Wagon

The early success of the company's merchandise selection led to wholesaling opportunities with other much larger, branded name catalogs. While the success of the wholesaling effort was significant, the company decided to discontinue this business in 1999, focusing its resources on the explosive catalog growth.

Collections Etc.'s unique selection of value priced merchandise and customer focus propelled the growth of the company by capturing the hearts and loyalty of our customers. The Collections Etc. brand ranks in the top 100 catalogs in the "MULTICHANNEL MERCHANT 100" list published by MULTICHANNEL MERCHANT* and has been recognized as the one of the fastest growing major catalog companies in the country!


The success of the Collections Etc. brand has led to the creation of several new specialty brands, each with a distinctive and unique personality. The specific value of our portfolio of brands is in the manner in which each brand uniquely complements our customer's lifestyle with appealing and affordable merchandise. Our portfolio of brands includes:

Gold Square  Collections Etc®A collection of unique and often whimsical items that are ideal for gifts, special occasions or just to liven up the home and all of them are offered at value prices.

Gold Square  Mallory Lane®High quality home decor at great prices! Our catalogs and website feature fresh and exclusive decor solutions for every room in your home, including furniture, rugs, bedding, window coverings, lamps, accessories and much more. Let Mallory Lane help you transform your house into a home.

Gold Square  How Helpful®New and innovative solutions for everyday challenges, problems and small tasks. With our strong product selection and affordable prices HowHelpful.com will be your go to site to make your life easier.

Gold Square  Nature's Touch Catalog®Build yourself an outdoor space that is imaginative and inspired! Nature's Touch has everything from Gardening Supplies to Patio Furniture at prices that won't break your budget!

Gold Square Samantha's Style Shoppe®A new line of apparel just for you. Samantha's Style Shoppe features a large selection of fresh and exclusive fashion at unbeatable prices, including apparel for women and misses', coats, jewelry and even shoes. No matter what the occasion, Samantha's Style Shoppe will have you covered from head-to-toe.

We trust that you'll appreciate the value and appeal that our brands offer, and that we'll continue to service you for many years to come.


Warmest regards,






Todd Lustbader
Customer Service
Founder and CEO


*Winston Brands, Inc. is ranked number 72 in the 2006 "MULTICHANNEL MERCHANT 100" list published by MULTICHANNEL MERCHANT. The U.S.-based catalogers are ranked on direct sales in 2006. Winston Brands, Inc. ranked 85th in 2005.