Telescope Casual teams with WUGS for a ‘weighty’ outdoor living solution

GRANVILLE, N.Y. — Made-in-America outdoor supplier Telescope Casual is entering a new category through a partnership with entrepreneur Whitney Atkinson, becoming the exclusive outdoor distributor of her brand WUGS.

The collaboration brings weighted outdoor accessories — designed to address common frustrations like shifting rugs and windblown cushions — into Telescope Casual‘s product lineup.

The company said it plans to begin manufacturing and shipping the products by early May.

WUGS, short for Weighted Universal Grounding Solutions, includes a range of items such as weighted rugs, pillows and poufs. The products are designed to remain in place in outdoor environments, offering an alternative to traditional textiles that can move or curl due to wind and weather exposure.

Matt Pisani, vice president of sales at Telescope Casual, said the partnership aligns with the company’s focus on practical design solutions.

“At Telescope Casual, innovation and evolution are part of our DNA,” Pisani said. “Whitney Atkinson and the weighted solutions concept embody that same spirit. Her product is smart, unique and solves a real problem for outdoor living spaces.”

Pisani added that the company’s domestic manufacturing capabilities and established sales channels made it well-positioned to bring the WUGS line to market.

The concept behind WUGS originated from Atkinson’s personal experience with outdoor furnishings that failed to stay in place. According to the company, the product line grew from a backyard solution into a broader offering aimed at residential, design and hospitality settings.

“What started as a personal solution has grown into a full line of weighted outdoor products engineered to stand up to wind, weather, and the elements,” the company said.

Atkinson said the partnership with Telescope Casual provides an opportunity to scale the brand within the outdoor furnishings industry.

“From the very first conversation with the Telescope Casual team, I knew this was where I was supposed to be,” she said. “That family-first culture, combined with over a century of craftsmanship and a true commitment to quality, made this an easy yes.”

The partnership will make its official debut during the upcoming High Point Market, where the companies plan to host a launch event on April 27 at its Showplace showroom on the first floor. The event will introduce key products from the line, including weighted pillows and poufs, to designers, retailers and other industry attendees.

Founded in 1903, Telescope Casual has a long history in outdoor furniture manufacturing and is based in Granville, New York. The company said the WUGS partnership reflects its continued focus on product innovation and collaboration within the outdoor category.

WUGS represents a newer entrant in the market, with its weighted approach offering a functional variation on traditional outdoor accessories. The partnership positions the brand for broader distribution while expanding Telescope Casual’s assortment into adjacent product categories.