Elka Price shows off her company's range of ICC CWC 2007 official merchandise - cushions, bandannas and aprons. - Contributed

Cricket fans will be sitting pretty at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground thanks to the cushions designed by local company EKP Furnishings - the only company in Antigua & Barbuda licensed to produce official ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 merchandise.

EKP has been selling cushions at Test matches for more than five years and in 2005, Elka Price approached Antigua & Barbuda's Local Organising Committee (LOC) about getting her products licensed.

"It has been a very lengthy process. First of all I started by meeting with the LOC and then working directly with the licensing and merchandising department in Jamaica. There was a lot of waiting for approval of concept and then (approval of) design before we could send samples," explained Price.

Hard work has paid off

The hard work has paid off as EKP unveiled its line of CWC cushions, team bandannas and limited-edition, hand-painted aprons for adults and children. A range of bags will be available soon as well.

Price disclosed that she has started looking at distribution outside of Antigua.

"I am really excited to have come this far. It's great to be a part of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. Our products are available in local stores in St. John's, in the airport and in English Harbour. We are also approaching hotels and other retail outlets across the country. I am also hoping to work with local vendors and source persons in the region to sell our items."

EKP is also contributing to the local economy by outsourcing its work to a factory.

"We believe in assisting local people because we know how difficult it was for us to get this far. It is working out well for us as they are pretty excited about being involved in the event," said Price.