EXHIBIT 99


Acorn Products to Appeal Nasdaq Determination


     COLUMBUS, Ohio, October 16, 2002 -- Acorn Products, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACRN)
announced today that it had received a Nasdaq Staff Determination on October 11,
2002, indicating that the Company fails to comply with the minimum market value
of publicly held shares requirement for continued listing as set forth in
Marketplace Rule 4310, and that its common stock, therefore, is subject to
delisting from The Nasdaq SmallCap Market. The Company intends to request a
hearing before a Nasdaq Listing Qualifications Panel to appeal the Staff
Determination.

     The Company believes that upon completion of its previously announced
rights offering, the Company will regain compliance with all Nasdaq listing
requirements. However, there can be no assurance the Panel will grant the
Company's request for continued listing.

     Acorn Products, Inc., through its operating subsidiary UnionTools, Inc., is
a leading manufacturer and marketer of non-powered lawn and garden tools in the
United States. Acorn's principal products include long handle tools (such as
forks, hoes, rakes and shovels), snow tools, posthole diggers, wheelbarrows,
striking tools, cutting tools and watering products. Acorn sells its products
under a variety of well-known brand names, including Razor-Back(TM), Union(TM),
Yard 'n Garden(TM), Perfect Cut(TM) and, pursuant to a license agreement,
Scotts(TM). In addition, Acorn manufactures private label products for a variety
of retailers. Acorn's customers include mass merchants, home centers, buying
groups and farm and industrial suppliers.

     Razor-Back(TM), Union(TM), Yard 'n Garden(TM) and Perfect Cut(TM) are
registered trademarks of Acorn. Scotts(TM) is a registered trademark of The
Scotts Company.

     The statements contained herein that are not purely historical are forward
looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
including statements regarding Acorn's expectations regarding compliance with
Nasdaq's listing requirements. All forward looking statements contained herein
are based upon information available to Acorn as of the date hereof, and Acorn
assumes no obligation to update any such forward looking statements. Actual
results could differ materially from Acorn's current expectations. Factors that
could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to,
the factors and risks discussed in Acorn's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2001, and the other reports filed from time to
time by Acorn with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact: John G. Jacob, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Acorn
Products, Inc. (614) 222-4400.





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