July 28, 2004

As you may know, “Cottura” opened in 1985 on Melrose Avenue on a shoestring budget and from then on Los Angeles was introduced to a creative and unique shopping experience.  Almost immediately after opening, Cottura was offered prime “A” locations in the best shopping centers in Southern California, received great editorial in top food and decorating magazines, and had incredible customer word of mouth. The Cottura Warehouse Sale was a news item on television three years running and The Cottura Catalog was an award winner for four years. 

Cottura developed its own brand identity and the name Cottura became synonymous with traditional Italian and Mediterranean ceramics as well as complimentary accessory products such as linens and silver.  Cottura eventually established six high end retail locations during our nineteen year history, established a Wholesale Division that sold to the best retailers nationwide, and was responsible for the rebirth of the ceramic industry in Italy.

You must have heard by now that Cottura closed its retail center locations.  We now have made the difficult decision to close the company.  The three of us started Cottura and are gratified to have achieved more success and notoriety than we ever dreamed of.  However, at this point, we have lost the desire to confront the business challenges inherent in retail that we have dealt with for the past twenty years.

Despite our individual decisions, Cottura remains a viable business opportunity and can continue operations in a variety of venues including brick and mortar, on-line website, direct mail catalog, or strictly on a wholesale basis.  All data processing systems for inventory and operations are functional and in place, and there is an established network of manufacturers available for product purchase.  Cottura’s verified customer data base numbers in the thousands, and proven buying customers continue to use the 800 number to shop, as well as visiting the retail store opened at our  warehouse location.

If you have an interest in discussing the possible acquisition of Cottura, please contact us or our attorney, Mr. Daniel Lev at SulmeyerKupetz.  His telephone number is (213) 626-2311 and his email address is dlev@sulmeyerlaw.com. 

Sincerely,

Jim Zimmerman
Christopher Smith
Michael Ruvo