Marta Benson, senior vp/strategy & business development stands alongside Williams-Sonoma CEO Laura Alber.

Today, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. announced that it has launched its newest direct-to-customer brand, Mark and Graham, specializing in personalized gifts and accessories, including tabletop, home décor and organizational products. The retailer said that Mark and Graham will offer “colorful and timeless products” that can be personalized with a choice of more than 50 monograms and font treatments.

Mark and Graham will operate an exclusive direct mail catalog and an e-commerce website, markandgraham.com. Williams-Sonoma characterized the operation as a premier destination for gift buying. As part of the website, Mark and Graham specialty shops include home décor, men’s and women’s accessories, small leather goods, jewelry, entertaining and bar, do-it-yourself wrapping supplies and seasonal. Purchases come with complimentary personalization and arrive in a signature linen box finished with extra-wide grosgrain ribbon as well as a customizable gift card. All orders over $49 qualify for complimentary shipping with promotional code FREESHIP.

The differentiating factor in the Mark and Graham business is the complimentary monogramming and personalization, Williams-Sonoma noted, and the brand website provides a range of custom monograms and dynamic fonts, colors and techniques— from embroidery to engraving—  that can transform an everyday gift into a modern-day heirloom.

Williams-Sonoma noted that a small team, led by its senior vp/strategy and business development Marta Benson in collaboration with award-winning graphic designer Jennifer Morla, conceived the Mark and Graham concept as a means of offering quality, modern and thoughtful gift options with a personal sentiment. In doing so, the company could make the gift-giving experience unique and memorable, Williams-Sonoma said.

“I’m extremely proud to launch Mark and Graham, as it is an example of our innovative culture here at Williams-Sonoma, Inc.,” said Laura Alber, company president and CEO. “One of the things that differentiates our company is our ability to incubate and launch new brands that can grow into substantial businesses. With Mark and Graham, our goal is to create a destination for beautiful, high-quality, thoughtful gifts that are personalized by the artful use of typography.”