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                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.2


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of April 24, 1997 (the
"Effective Date"), by and between James S. Wassel (the "Executive") and Horizon
Group, Inc. (the "Company");

                                WITNESSETH THAT:

     WHEREAS, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement pertaining to the
employment of the Executive by the Company; and

     WHEREAS, the Company and Executive desire to specify the terms of the
Executive's employment with the Company;

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
set forth below, it is hereby agreed by the Executive and the Company as
follows:

1. Performance of Services.  The Executive's employment with the Company shall
be subject to the following:

(a)  The Company, on the Effective Date of April 24, 1997, hereby agrees to
     employ the Executive as its President and Chief Operating Officer.  It is
     the intent of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") that on
     or before December 31, 1997, it will consider, but shall not be obligated
     to employ the Executive as President and Chief Executive Officer, and to
     elect the Executive to be a member of the Board.  The Company agrees to
     promptly take all necessary action to execute the terms of this agreement.
     Should, for some unforeseen reason, the Company not create these titles,
     this agreement shall nevertheless bind the Company.  Executive shall have
     those duties generally associated with a chief operating officer position
     including, without limitation, direct responsibility for the day to day
     operations of the entire company. Material to the Company in agreeing to
     employ the Executive in these positions is the Executive's representation
     of his skills, abilities and background including, but not limited to, the
     Executive's education and employment as such is set forth in the
     Executive's resume and in the letter of introduction from Ferguson
     Partners which were submitted to the Company.

(b)  The Executive agrees that he shall perform his duties, as such are
     described in the bylaws of the Company, faithfully, diligently and
     efficiently.   The Executive will have such authority and power as are
     inherent to his position as set forth in the bylaws of the Company.


(c)  The Executive shall devote his full time, energies and talents to
     serving in the positions which he may hold pursuant to paragraph 1(a).
     Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 1, during the
     Agreement Term (as defined below), the Executive may 

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     devote reasonable time to activities other than those required under this
     Agreement, including activities involving  professional, charitable,
     educational, religious and similar types of organizations, speaking
     engagements, membership on the boards of directors of other organizations,
     and similar type activities, to the extent that such other activities do
     not, in the judgement of the Board, inhibit or prohibit the performance of
     the Executive's duties under this Agreement, or conflict in any material
     way with the business of the Company; provided, however, that the
     Executive shall not serve on the board of any business, or hold any other
     position with any business without the prior written consent of the Board.

(d)  The "Agreement Term" shall be the period beginning on the Effective Date
     and ending on April 30, 2000.

     2. Compensation and Benefits.  The Company shall compensate Executive for
his services as follows:

(a)  The Executive shall receive, for each 12-consecutive month period
     commencing on the Effective Date, or any portion thereof on a pro rata
     basis beginning on the Effective Date and each anniversary thereof, an
     annual base salary of not less than $360,000.  The Executive's salary
     shall be payable on a semimonthly basis.

(b)  The Executive shall receive incentive compensation from 0 to 100 percent
     of his  annual base salary.  The Executive's bonus will be determined and
     paid no later than the end of the first quarter of the calendar year
     following the calendar year in which it is earned.  The Executive will
     receive a performance review in December 1997.

(c)  The Executive's base salary (paragraph 2(a)) and incentive compensation
     (paragraph 2(b)) shall be reviewed annually by the Compensation Committee
     of the Board based on the Executive's performance as measured against
     predetermined performance criteria.

(d)  As an inducement essential to causing the Executive to enter into this
     Agreement, the Executive will be issued 50,000 shares of Company stock
     without payment of additional consideration by the Executive to the
     Company as follows:

     (1)  15,000 shares on April 15, 1998.

     (2)  15,000 shares on April 15, 1999.

     (3)  20,000 shares on April 15, 2000.

     These shares will only be issued if the Executive is employed on the
     dates specified in this paragraph or if the Executive's employment is
     terminated under paragraphs 5(a),(b),(e), and (f).

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     With respect to paragraphs 2(d) and 3(a), (b) and (c), the Executive       
     acknowledges that (i) such stock has not been registered under the
     Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), or any state securities
     laws, (ii) such stock may not be transferred unless registered in
     accordance with the Act and applicable state securities laws or unless an
     exemption from such registration is available, and (iii) the certificate
     or certificates evidencing such stock shall bear a legend indicating the
     foregoing restriction on transferability of such stock.  The Executive
     represents and warrants to the Company that he is acquiring such stock for
     investment purposes only for his account and not on behalf of other
     persons or with a view to any resale or distribution thereof.

(e)  Except as otherwise specifically provided to the contrary in this
     Agreement, the Executive shall be provided with the welfare benefits and
     other fringe benefits to the same extent and on the same terms as those
     benefits are provided by the Company from time to time to the Company's
     other senior management employees.

(f)  The Company shall maintain directors and officers liability insurance in
     commercially reasonable amounts (as reasonably determined by the Board),
     and the Executive shall be covered under such insurance to the same extent
     as other senior management employees of the Company.

(g)  The Executive is authorized to incur reasonable expenses for
     entertainment, travel, meals, lodging and similar items in promoting the
     Company's business.  The Company will reimburse the Executive for all
     reasonable expenses so incurred.

(h)  The Company will provide the Executive with a $1 million life insurance
     policy of the Executive's choice during his employment payable to the
     Executive's designation of beneficiary; provided however, that the Company
     is only obligated to provide such insurance if the Executive is insurable
     and if the Company can secure the policy at a cost not to exceed $15,000
     per year.  This policy will be assignable to the Executive upon his
     termination with no further financial obligations of the Company.

(i)  Within six months prior to April 30, 2000, either party may reopen
     negotiations and the Board consider in its sole discretion whether or not
     to enhance the Executive's salary, bonus, stock incentives and whether or
     not to renew the Executive's employment contract.  If it is the intent of
     the Board not to renew the Executive's Agreement, it will notify the
     Executive not later than December 31, 1999.

(j)  All compensation payable to the Executive shall be reduced by Social
     Security taxes and withholding taxes for which the Executive is obligated
     and any other taxes that may be lawfully levied by any governmental
     authority which the Company may be required by law from time to time to
     withhold.

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     3. Stock Options.  The Compensation Committee of the Board has recommended
to the Board to grant the Executive, subject to approval of the Company's 1997
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") by the Company's shareholders, an option which
shall be in full force on the Effective Date to acquire 400,000 shares of the
Company's common stock (the "Stock"). The price for the Stock shall be the fair
market value of the Stock on the Effective Date of this Agreement or the
earlier of the date the Executive actually begins employment or the date the
Executive executes this Agreement.  Formal documentation of the option granted
under the Plan shall be delivered to the Executive on the Effective Date.  The
Executive's right to acquire the Stock under the Plan shall be as follows:

(a)  The right of the Executive to purchase 200,000 shares of the Stock shall
     be vested upon the date of the approval of the Plan by the Company's
     shareholders and may be exercised anytime between the date of grant
     approval of the Plan through the last day of the month immediately
     preceding the tenth anniversary of the date of the approval of the Plan.

(b)  The right of the Executive to purchase an additional 100,000 shares of
     the Stock shall vest on the earlier of: (i) the date when the reported
     closing price of the Stock on the New York Stock Exchange equals or
     exceeds $16 per share for twenty consecutive trading sessions; or (ii) the
     last day of the month preceding the seventh anniversary of the date of the
     approval of the Plan. The Executive must be employed by the Company to
     purchase shares of Stock under this subparagraph (b).  The right to
     purchase the additional 100,000 shares of the Stock may be exercised
     anytime between the date of the approval of the Plan by the Company's
     shareholders through the last day of the month immediately preceding the
     tenth anniversary of the date of the approval of the Plan by the Company's
     shareholders.

(c)  The right of the Executive to purchase the remaining 100,000 shares of
     the Stock shall vest on the earlier of: (i) the date when the reported
     closing price of the Stock on the New York Stock Exchange equals or
     exceeds $20 per share for twenty consecutive trading sessions; or (ii) the
     last day of the month preceding the seventh anniversary of the date of the
     approval of the Plan.  The Executive must be employed by the Company to
     purchase shares of Stock under this subparagraph (b).  The right to
     purchase the remaining 100,000 shares of the Stock may be exercised any
     time between the date of the approval of the Plan by the Company's
     shareholders through the last day of the month immediately preceding the
     tenth anniversary of the date of the approval of the Plan by the Company's
     shareholders.

(d)  In the event the Plan is not approved by the Company's shareholders, at
     its annual meeting on May 14, 1997 the Executive will be fully compensated
     under subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c) above by the use of phantom stock or
     some other method acceptable to both parties.

     4. Relocation/Cost of Living.   The Executive shall receive the following
relocation/cost of living benefits.


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(a)  The Company will pay the Executive for the following reasonable
     relocation costs: the cost to move the Executive's household possessions
     from the Dallas, Texas area to the McLean, Virginia area; all commissions,
     attorney's fees, and other expenses related to the sale of Executive's
     Dallas, Texas residence; all costs related to Executive obtaining a
     mortgage on his McLean, Virginia area residence; the cost of temporary
     housing for up to one year after the Effective Date and; travel expenses
     related to the Executive's relocation including house-hunting visits for
     the Executive and spouse.

(b)  The Company will reimburse the Executive in an amount not to exceed
     $25,000 for miscellaneous house preparation, house set up and moving
     expenses.  These expenses will be paid by the Company as they are incurred
     by the Executive.  Any amount not used by the Executive will remain with
     the Company.

(c)  The Company will reimburse the Executive for any loss on the sale of his
     Dallas, Texas residence not to exceed $100,000.  For this subparagraph,
     loss will be defined as the difference, if any, between the price the
     Executive paid to purchase his Dallas, Texas residence and the net
     proceeds realized from the sale of his Dallas, Texas residence.  If the
     sale of the Executive's Dallas, Texas residence will result in a loss as
     defined in this paragraph 4(c), the Executive will notify the Company
     prior to signing the sale contract to obtain the Company agreement to the
     sale price which will not be unreasonably withheld.

(d)  The Company will add to the Executive's base salary, for the term of this
     Employment Agreement, a housing cost differential allowance determined as
     follows:

     (i)   The rate of interest the Executive pays for the first
           mortgage on his new residence will be multiplied by $625,000, or the
           actual sale price of the Executive's Dallas, Texas residence,
           whichever is less, which will then be multiplied by the index
           differential, as determined by Coldwell Banker, between Highland
           Park, Texas and Fairfax County, Virginia divided by the index amount
           for Highland Park, Texas; plus

     (ii)  The interest rate differential between the rate of interest
           the executive pays on the mortgage for his new home and the interest
           on his current mortgage times $425,000.

      For instance, if the executive pays 10% interest for his new mortgage and
      homes in the Fairfax are valued at 120% of Highland Park, the adjustment
      for the first factor would be:

                       .10 x 625,000 x (1.2-1/1) = 12,500

      Likewise, if the interest on the executive's old mortgage was 8% versus
      10% on the new mortgage, the adjustment for the second factor would be:

                             .02 x 425,000 = 8,500.


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(e)  The Company will gross up the Executive's benefits under this paragraph
     4, except paragraph 4(d), so that all amounts paid net the Executive such
     benefits on an after tax basis.  With respect to paragraph 4(d), the gross
     up will be limited to the amount by which the payments under paragraph
     4(d) are not offset by an interest deduction for individual tax purposes.

     5. Termination.  The Executive's employment with the Company during the
Agreement Term may be terminated by the Company or the Executive under the
circumstances described in paragraphs 5(a) through 5(f):

(a)  Death.  The Executive's employment and compensation will terminate upon
     his death.

(b)  Disability.  If the Executive is Disabled for ninety days (which need not
     be continuous) during a twelve continuous month period (or any shorter
     period), the Company may terminate the Executive's employment with the
     Company.  For purposes of the Agreement, the Executive shall be deemed to
     be "Disabled" if he has a physical or mental disability which renders him
     incapable, after reasonable accommodation, of performing his duties under
     this Agreement.  In the event of a dispute as to whether the Executive is
     Disabled, the Company may refer the Executive to a licensed practicing
     physician of the Company's choice, and the Executive agrees to submit to
     such tests and examination as such physician shall deem appropriate.

(c)  Cause.  The Company may terminate the Executive's employment hereunder at
     any time for Cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Cause"
     shall mean:

     (i)   the continued failure by the Executive in the sole opinion of
           the Board to substantially perform his duties with the Company
           (other than any such failure resulting from the Executive's being
           Disabled), within a reasonable period of time after a written demand
           for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive by the
           Board, which demand specifically identifies the manner in which the
           Board believes that the Executive has not substantially performed
           his duties;

     (ii)  the engaging by the Executive in conduct which is materially
           injurious to the Company, monetarily or otherwise; or

     (iii) the Executive committing acts of moral turpitude that, in
           the judgment of the Board, materially impair the Executive's
           credibility and reputation.


(d)  Mutual Agreement.  This Agreement may be terminated at any time by the
     mutual agreement of the parties.  Any termination of the Executive's
     employment by mutual

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     agreement of the parties will be memorialized by an agreement which is     
     reduced to writing and signed by the Executive and a duly appointed
     officer of the Company.

(e)  Termination by Company.  The Company may terminate the Executive's
     employment hereunder at any time for any reason or by not renewing the
     Executive's employment contract.  The Company shall not be required to
     specify a reason for the termination.

(f)  Change of Control.  The Executive's employment will terminate if there is
     a change of control at the Company.  For purposes of this Agreement
     "Change of Control" shall mean a merger, acquisition or other corporate
     transaction where substantially all of the Company's assets or controlling
     interest in the stock are acquired and where the Executive is not retained
     in the positions in paragraph 1(a), or another position acceptable to the
     Executive.

(g)  Notice of Termination.  Any termination of the Executive's employment by
     the Company (other than a termination pursuant to paragraph 5(a) or
     paragraph 5(e)) must be communicated by a written Notice of Termination to
     the other party hereto.  For purposes of this Agreement, a "Notice of
     Termination" means a dated notice which indicates the specific termination
     provision in this Agreement relied on and which sets forth in reasonable
     detail the facts and circumstances, if any, claimed to provide a basis for
     termination of the Executive's employment under the provision so
     indicated.

     6. Rights Upon Termination.  The Executive's right to payment and benefits
under this Agreement for periods after his date of termination shall be
determined as follows:

(a)  If the Executive's date of termination occurs during the Agreement Term
     for any reason, the Company shall pay to the Executive:
            
     (i)    The Executive's Salary for the period ending on the date of
            termination.

     (ii)   Payment for unused vacation days, as determined in accordance
            with Company policy as in effect from time to time.

            The final Salary payable in accordance with this paragraph 6(a)(i)
            and payment for unused vacation days in accordance with paragraph
            6(a)(ii) shall be paid as soon as practicable (in no event later
            than 45 days) after the date of termination.

     (iii)  Any other payments or benefits to be provided to the
            Executive by the Company pursuant to any employee benefit plans or
            arrangements adopted by the Company, to the extent such amounts are
            due from the Company.


     Except as may otherwise be expressly provided to the contrary in this      
     Agreement or by operation of law, nothing in this Agreement shall be
     construed as requiring the Executive

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     to be treated as employed by the Company for purposes of any employee      
     benefit plan or arrangement following the date of the Executive's date of
     termination.

(b)  If the Executive's date of termination occurs during the Agreement Term
     under circumstances described in paragraph 5(a) (relating to the
     Executive's death), paragraph 5(b) (relating to the Executive being
     Disabled), paragraph 5(d) (relating to the termination by mutual
     agreement), or if the Executive's employment with the Company terminates
     after the end of the Agreement Term then, except as otherwise expressly
     provided in this Agreement or otherwise agreed in writing between the
     Executive and the Company, the Company shall have no obligation to make
     payments under the Agreement for periods after the Executive's date of
     termination.  If the Executive's date of termination occurs during the
     Agreement Term under paragraphs 5(a) (relating to Executive's death) or
     5(b) (relating to Executive being disabled), the Executive or his
     beneficiary will receive the 50,000 shares of Company stock provided in
     paragraph 2(d), the options to purchase 200,000 shares of Company stock
     provided in paragraph 3(a) and the options to purchase 200,000 shares of
     Company stock provided in paragraphs 3(b) and 3(c).

(c)  If the Executive's date of termination occurs during the Agreement Term
     under circumstances described in paragraph 5(f) (change of control), the
     Executive shall receive the greater of the base salary, and maximum bonus
     (as described in paragraphs 2(a) and (b)) remaining under the Agreement or
     the amount of the Executive's base salary and bonus actually paid to him
     for the most recently completed twenty-four month period.  In addition,
     the Executive will receive the 50,000 shares of Company Stock and the
     option to purchase the 200,000 shares of Company stock (provided in
     paragraph 3(a)). The options for shares of Company stock provided in
     paragraphs 3(b) and (c) will also vest even if the conditions specified in
     those paragraphs have not occurred.

(d)  If the Executive's date of termination occurs during the Agreement Term
     under circumstances described in paragraph 5(e) (termination by Company),
     paragraph 5(c)(i) (termination for cause/nonperformance), or if the
     Agreement is not renewed after May 31, 2000 the Executive shall receive
     the greater of the remaining base salary and bonus equal to the last bonus
     the Company paid to the Executive for each year of base salary remaining
     under the Agreement or twelve months of base salary and a bonus equal to
     the last bonus the Company paid to the Executive. The Executive will also
     receive the 50,000 shares of Company stock provided in paragraph 2(a), the
     options to purchase the 200,000 shares of Company stock provided in
     paragraph 3(a), and the options to purchase the 200,000 shares of Company
     stock in paragraphs 3(b) and 3(c) only if the conditions specified in
     paragraphs 3(b) and 3(c) have occurred.

(e)  Except as specifically provided in this Agreement, payment of all  
     remuneration and benefits including, but not limited to, the Executive's
     insurance policy (paragraph 2(h)), payments under paragraph 4(d), and the
     issuance of shares under paragraph 2(d), shall cease upon the Executive's
     termination. 

(f)  Except as may be otherwise specifically provided in an amendment of
     this paragraph (f) adopted in accordance with paragraph 14, payments
     under this paragraph 6 shall be in  


     

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     lieu of any benefits that may be otherwise payable to or on behalf of
     the Executive pursuant to the terms of any severance pay arrangement of
     the Company.
     
     7. Duties on Termination.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement, during the period beginning on the date of delivery of a Notice of
Termination, and ending on the date of termination, the Executive shall
continue to perform his duties as set forth in this Agreement, and shall also
perform such services for the Company as are necessary and appropriate for a
smooth transition to the Executive's successor, if any.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph 7, the Company may suspend the Executive
from performing his duties under this Agreement following the delivery of a
Notice of Termination providing for the Executive's resignation, or delivery by
the Company of a Notice of Termination providing for the Executive's
termination of employment for any reason; provided, however, that during the
period of suspension (which shall end on the date of termination), the
Executive shall continue to be treated as employed by the Company for other
purposes, and his rights to compensation or benefits shall not be reduced by
reason of the suspension.

     8. Noncompetition.  While the Executive is employed by the Company, and
for a period of one year after the Executive's date of termination for cause
(as described in paragraph 5(c)), the Executive agrees that he will not
directly or indirectly engage in, assist, perform services for, establish or
open, or have any equity interest (other than ownership of 5% or less of the
outstanding stock of any corporation listed on the New York or American Stock
Exchange or included in the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotation System) in any person, firm, corporation, or business
entity (whether as an employee, officer, director, agent, security holder,
creditor, consultant, or otherwise) that engages in any activity in any state
in which the Employer is conducting or has reasonable expectation of commencing
business activities at date of termination, which activity is the same as,
similar to, or competitive with factory outlet centers.  For one year after the
Executive's date of termination, the Executive agrees not to solicit employees
of the Company to leave its employ or to otherwise interfere with the Company's
business relations in any respect.  Nothing in this paragraph 8 or paragraph 9
shall be construed as limiting the Executive's duty of loyalty to the Company
while he is employed by the Company, or any other duty he may otherwise have to
the Company while he is employed by the Company.

     9. Confidential Information.  Except as may be required by the lawful 
order of a court or agency of competent jurisdiction, or except to the extent
that the Executive has express authorization from the Company, the Executive
agrees to keep secret and confidential indefinitely all non-public information
(including, without limitation, information regarding litigation and pending
litigation) concerning the Company which was acquired by or disclosed to the
Executive during the course of his employment with the Company, or during the
course of his consultation with the Company following his termination of
employment, and not to disclose the same, either directly or indirectly, to any
other person, firm, or business entity, or to use it in any way.  The Executive
agrees that, to the extent that any court or agency seeks to have him disclose
Confidential Information, he shall promptly inform the Company, and he shall
take such reasonable steps to prevent disclosure of Confidential Information
until the Company has been informed of such requested disclosure, and the
Company has an opportunity to respond to such court or agency.  To the extent
that the Executive obtains information on behalf of the Company 



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that may be subject to attorney-client  privilege as to the Company's
attorneys, the Executive shall take reasonable steps to maintain the
confidentiality of such information and to preserve such privilege. Nothing in
the foregoing provisions of this paragraph 9 shall be construed so as to
prevent the Executive from using, in connection with his employment for himself
or an employer other than the Company, knowledge which was acquired by him
during the course of his employment with the Company, and which is generally
known to persons of his experience in other companies in the same industry.

     10. Non-Disparagement.  The Executive agrees that, while he is employed by
the Company, and after his date of termination, he shall not make any false,
defamatory or disparaging statements about the Company, the officers or
directors of the Company. While the Executive is employed by the Company, and
after his date of termination, the Company agrees that neither the officers nor
the directors of the Company or the Subsidiaries shall make any false,
defamatory or disparaging statements about the Executive.

     11. Defense of Claims.  The Executive agrees that, for the period
beginning the Effective Date, and continuing for a reasonable period after the
Executive's termination of employment with the Company, the Executive will
cooperate with the Company in defense of any claims that may be made against
the Company, and will cooperate with the Company in the prosecution of any
claims that may be made by the Company, to the extent that such claims may
relate to services performed by the Executive for the Company.  The Executive
agrees to promptly inform the Company if he becomes aware of any lawsuits
involving such claims that may be filed against the Company.  The Company
agrees to reimburse the Executive for all of the Executive's reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses associated with such cooperation, including travel
expenses.  For periods after the Executive's employment with the Company
terminates, the Company agrees to provide reasonable compensation to the
Executive for such cooperation.  The Executive also agrees to promptly inform
the Company if he is asked to assist in any investigation of the Company (or
its actions) that may relate to services performed by the Executive for the
Company, regardless of whether a lawsuit has then been filed against the
Company with respect to such investigation.

     12. Equitable Remedies.  The Executive acknowledges that the Company would
be irreparably injured by a violation of paragraph 8 or 9, and he agrees that
the Company, in addition to any other remedies available to it for such breach
or threatened breach, shall be entitled to a preliminary injunction, temporary
restraining order, or other equivalent relief, restraining the Executive from
any actual or threatened breach of either paragraph 8 or 9.

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     13. Nonalienation.  The interests of the Executive under this Agreement
are not subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer,
assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment, or garnishment by creditors of the
Executive or the Executive's beneficiary.

     14. Amendment.  This Agreement may be amended or canceled only by mutual
agreement of the parties in writing without the consent of any other person.
So long as the Executive lives, no person, other than the parties hereto, shall
have any rights under or interest in this Agreement or the subject matter
hereof.

     15. Applicable Law.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to the
conflict of law provisions of any state.

     16. Severability.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of
this Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other
provision of this Agreement, and this Agreement will be construed as if such
invalid or unenforceable provision were omitted (but only to the extent that
such provision cannot be appropriately reformed or modified).

     17. Waiver of Breach.  No waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any
provision of this Agreement by any other party, or of compliance with any
condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party,
will operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by such other
party or any similar or dissimilar provisions and conditions at the same or any
prior or subsequent time.  The failure of any party hereto to take any action
by reason of such breach will not deprive such party of the right to take
action at any time while such breach continues.

     18. Successors.  This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the
benefit of, the Company and its successors and assigns and upon any person
acquiring, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase of assets or otherwise,
all or substantially all of the Company's assets and business.

     19. Notices.  Notices and all other communications provided for in this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by
registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or
sent by facsimile or prepaid overnight courier to the parties at the addresses
set forth below (or such other addresses as shall be specified by the parties
by like notice).  Such notices, demands, claims and other communications shall
be deemed given:

(a)  In the case of delivery by overnight service with guaranteed next day
     delivery, the next day or the day designated for delivery;

(b)  in the case of certified or registered U.S. mail, five days after deposit
     in the U.S. mail; or

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(c)  in the case of facsimile, the date upon which the transmitting party
     received confirmation of receipt by facsimile, telephone or otherwise;

provided, however, that in no event shall any such communications be deemed to
be given later than the date they are actually received.  Communications that
are to be delivered by the U.S. mail or by overnight service are to be
delivered to the addresses set forth below:

to the Company:

Chairman of the Board
Horizon Group, Inc.
5000 Hakes Drive
Norton Shores, MI 49441

with a copy to:

Mr. Don H. Reuben
Altheimer & Gray
10 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 4000
Chicago, IL 60606


or to the Executive:

James S. Wassel
Horizon Group, Inc.
5000 Hakes Drive
Norton Shores, MI 49441

with a copy to:

Mr. David Bennett
The Law Offices of David Bennett, P.C.
6060 N. Central, Suite 736
Dallas, TX 75206-5200

Each party, by written notice furnished to the other party, may modify the
applicable delivery address, except that notice of change of address shall be
effective only upon receipt.

     20. Costs of Dispute.  Each party shall bear his/its own costs in
connection with any controversy or dispute arising out of or relating to this
Agreement (or the breach thereof).

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     21. Survival of Agreement.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, the rights and obligations of the parties to this Agreement shall
survive the termination of the Executive's employment with the Company.

     22. Entire Agreement.  Except as otherwise noted herein, this Agreement
constitutes the entire agreement between the parties concerning the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, if any,
between the parties relating to the subject matter hereof.  The enforceability
of this Agreement shall not cease or otherwise be adversely affected by the
termination of the Executive's employment with the Company.

     23. ACKNOWLEDGMENT BY EXECUTIVE.  THE EXECUTIVE REPRESENTS TO THE COMPANY
THAT HE IS KNOWLEDGEABLE AND SOPHISTICATED AS TO BUSINESS MATTERS, INCLUDING
THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT, THAT HE HAS READ THIS AGREEMENT AND THAT
HE UNDERSTANDS ITS TERMS.  THE EXECUTIVE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT, PRIOR TO ASSENTING
TO TERMS THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT, HE HAS BEEN GIVEN A REASONABLE TIME TO
REVIEW IT, TO CONSULT WITH COUNSEL OF HIS CHOICE, AND TO NEGOTIATE AT
ARM'S-LENGTH WITH THE COMPANY AS TO THE CONTENTS.  THE EXECUTIVE AND THE
COMPANY AGREE THAT THE LANGUAGE USED IN THIS AGREEMENT IS THE LANGUAGE CHOSEN
BY THE PARTIES TO EXPRESS THEIR MUTUAL INTENT, AND THAT NO RULE OF STRICT
CONSTRUCTION IS TO BE APPLIED AGAINST ANY PARTY HERETO.

     IN WITNESS THEREOF, the Executive has hereunto set his hand, and the
company has caused these presents to be executed in its name and on its behalf,
and its corporate seal to be hereunto affixed, all as of the day and year first
above written.


/s/  James S. Wassel
     James S. Wassel


Horizon Group, Inc.


By  /s/ Ronald L. Piasecki
 Its  President

ATTEST:


/s/ Perry D. Grueber (Seal)






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