Exhibit 16.1




 Office of the Chief Accountant
 Securities and Exchange Commission
 450 Fifth Street, N.W.
 Washington, D.C. 20549

 May 20, 2002

 Dear Sir/Madam:

 We have read  Item 4 included  in the Form  8-K dated May  20, 2002 of  Home
 Products International, Inc. to  be filed with  the Securities and  Exchange
 Commission and are in agreement with the statements contained therein.

 Very truly yours,



 /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 Arthur Andersen LLP



 Copy to:
 Mr. James Winslow
 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 Home Products International, Inc.