HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network articles from January 2002

HFN The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network archives from January 2002

FOLEY'S SOIREE.(Tricia Foley's holiday party)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... In the season of festive fetes, designer and stylist Tricia Foley's stood out as one not to be missed. Packed into her iconoclastic duplex on Manhattan's Upper East Side, the evening is a guaranteed good time for everyone. The apartment was...

REAL SIMPLE FINDS THE TIME RIGHT FOR SUCCESS.(women's magazine)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-When it debuted, Real Simple, a women's magazine that advocates a simplified but sophisticated lifestyle, may have been a bit ahead of its time. With the economy booming, the idea of living a less complicated life seemed like a nice...

MARTHA STEWART REARRANGES OMNIMEDIA EMPIRE.(personnel changes)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. has made one executive appointment and one new hire. Margaret Roach has been named editor in chief of all editorial content for the company. Shelley S. Nandkeolyar has been named executive vice...

FED RATE CUTS SEEN BENEFITING RETAILERS WITH STRONG CREDIT.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-The Federal Reserve's whopping interest rate cuts last year to 1.75 percent will have a positive impact on retailers with strong balance sheets, according to a Credit Suisse research report by analyst Michael Exstein. "Given the...

SURVEY: HOME GOODS RETAILERS TO HOLD BACK ON AD SPENDING.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-After a year of tighter spending on advertising, industry analysts expect U.S. companies to dole out slightly more money on print, circular and run-of-press ads in 2002. But for the top home goods retailers, expenditures may remain...

ANIMAL MANUAL.(book review)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... With a foreword by Mary Tyler Moore, "Animal House Style" by Julia Szabo is an animal-lover's must-have. The book (no relation to the frathouse movie) is the definitive guide to making any home pet-friendly. Topics include everything from how...

NEWS BRIEFS.(financial statistics)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 7, 2002... Tuesday Morning Lowers Forecast Tuesday Morning Corp. lowered its earnings outlook for the fourth quarter last week after sales came in lower than expected. Management expects earnings of 63 cents per share for the quarter. Full-year...

HOME GOODS REBOUND IN BB&T INDEX.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... RICHMOND, Va.-In the BB&T Capital Markets' most recent quarterly valuation report, the finance team offered a bright spot in an otherwise dismal climate on Wall Street: The home furnishings segment rebounded. "While the public company...

TRUSERV, LENDER REACH DEAL ON CREDIT FACILITY.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... CHICAGO-TruServ Corp., based here, said last week that it reached an agreement with a lender that holds its revolving credit facility as well as holders of its senior notes to amend its financial agreements. "The terms include an extension...

THE BIG HFNDEX REBOUND: 2002 IS LOOKING UP...REALLY.(forecast for home furnishings stores)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Job openings may be down, consumers may be shopping less, but key home furnishings retailers, on average, are expecting the financial picture to brighten over the next year. The HFNdex, a proprietary measure of leading retail...

HOLIDAY REGISTER RINGS UP CHEER--AND JEERS.(retail sales)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Wal-Mart may have stolen the show, but it wasn't the only retailer to hit a home run for the holidays. Traditional products across several home classifications saved the season for some stores and provided a few surprises for others....

RITZY BUSINESS: HOW LUXURY PLAYS IN A STRUGGLING ECONOMY.
January 7, 2002... (Second of two-part series) NEW YORK-There's luxury, and then there's luxury, vendors say. As upper-end department stores and specialty stores lick their wounds following a scrappy holiday season, the home furnishings industry is...

NEWS BRIEFS.(home furnishings industry)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... New York Version of Maison & Objet Postponed The first American edition of the Parisian trade show Maison & Objet, scheduled for May, has been postponed due to the "unfavorable international economic situation" and a continuing reluctance...

PILLOWTEX REORG PLAN: NEW OWNERS, NEW START.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... KANNAPOLIS, N.C.-When Pillowtex emerges from bankruptcy, it will have new owners led by Oaktree Capital Management and a debt of $200 million from $1.1 billion. Pillowtex spokesman Don Mallo told HFN Oaktree Capital, Bank of America,...

KMART DOWNGRADE SHAKES INDUSTRY.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... TROY, Mich.-Prudential Securities' downgrade rating of Kmart stock last week sent the retailer's shares plummeting and raised concerns among most members of the home furnishings industry. At least one home goods supplier is debating whether...

HE'S BACK: KALKIN RESURFACES WITH NEW HOME DECOR STORE.(Kalkin and Company Pinch Penny)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... PARAMUS, N.J.-Eugene Kalkin is at it again, with a new home decor store that uses a stack-it-high, price-it-low format similar to the formula that made his original incarnation of Linens 'n Things a success. The just-opened Kalkin & Co....

EXPO NAMES SUPPLIERS OF THE YEAR.
January 7, 2002... ATLANTA-In a ceremony this month, Expo Design Center presented Supplier of the Year awards in 14 categories, based on on-time deliveries, customer service, creative marketing programs and innovative product offerings. Winners named are: soft...

AB ELECTROLUX TO ELIMINATE 2,800 JOBS, MOSTLY OVERSEAS.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... STOCKHOLM, Sweden-Directors of AB Electrolux have voted to consolidate several plants and eliminate about 2,800 jobs worldwide. None of the major appliance factories are in North America. However, in a statement, the company said "continued...

HONORABLE DIMENSIONS.(open dimensional designs )(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... Whether they're called trelliswork or fretwork, open dimensional designs have held a leading role for centuries in the decorative arts. Originally becoming popular in the 18th century, when the craze for all things chinoiserie hit Europe, the...

CHANGE IS GOOD.(twelve countries in European Union release cash version of euro)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-In a historic move last week, 12 countries within the European Union took the next step in the evolution toward a single European currency, monetary policy and economy by releasing a cold, hard cash version of the euro. This...

A CONVERSION OF CONVENIENCE FOR THE BUSINESS TRAVELER.(euro changeover in notes, coins)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... The home goods business traveler can expect to see great benefits from the euro changeover in notes and coins. A single currency means less confusion, especially for executives who bounce from one country to another. The impact of the...

VENDORS EXPECT FEWER 'LOOKERS' AMONG BUYERS AT DOMONEX.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Because of the economy, some suppliers exhibiting at the Domotex trade show in Hannover, Germany, this month predict that most of the "lookers" won't be there. While their presence makes a trade show feel crowded, buyers who are...

PAKASTANI RUG IMPORTERS FEEL IMPACT OF WAR IN AFGHANISTAN.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Anecdotal reports from rug suppliers importing from Pakistan reveal some of the difficulties of doing business in the shadow of the war in neighboring Afghanistan. At the start of the war, Safavieh rushed a large shipment of...

PAIR OF EUROPEAN SHOWS TO KICK OFF 2002 TRADE CALENDAR.
January 7, 2002... HIGH POINT, N.C.-The world of furniture kicks off 2002 with back-to-back trendsetting trade shows in Paris and in Cologne, Germany. Salon du Meuble opens Thursday, Jan. 10, for a five-day run at the Paris Expo Center, followed by the...

[0] NEWS BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... AFMA's Batson Named to Trade Panel Russell Batson, vice president for government affairs at the American Furniture Manufacturers Association, has been named to the U.S. Commerce Department's principal advisory committee for trade policy....

NEWS BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... DuPont Aids in Pentagon Renovation DuPont Flooring Systems professionals assisted in the renovation of carpeting in the Pentagon, following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. After receiving a request on Sept. 27 to bring the damaged...

NORTHERN EXPOSURE; THE CANADIAN HOME FURNISHINGS MARKET PROVIDES ANOTHER SHOWCASE FOR MANUFACTURERS.
January 7, 2002... TORONTO-Canadian furniture manufacturers disappointed by retailer attendance at the October market in High Point, N.C., are hoping to make up for lost time at January's show here. The Toronto furniture market celebrates its 30th year with a...

ANTI-MICROBIAL CARPET CUSHION INHIBITS BACTERIAL ODORS, STAINS.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... LINWOOD, Pa.-At a time when American consumers are increasingly conscious of bacteria and molds, cushion manufacturer Foamex International Inc. has developed a carpet cushion that inhibits the odors, stains and destructive actions of these...

THE SHINING STAR OF TEXAS.
January 7, 2002... Welcome to Totally Dallas, HFN's premiere special section dedicated to the Dallas market experience. Here you'll find product spotlights on lighting and decorative accessories, as well as a complete guide to the industry's prestigious ARTS...

THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE: FINALISTS BY CATEGORY.
January 7, 2002... Manufacturers Decorative Accents Austin Austin Sculpture started as a museum reproduction company in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1952 and has since become a leading manufacturer of decorative art and accessories. To accommodate increasing...

THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE: FINALISTS FOR THE INDUSTRY'S 'OSCARS'.
January 7, 2002... Designers Jeffrey Merriman When Jeffrey Merriman took his first job as a grocery bagger and shelf stocker, he took so much pride in merchandising the shelves that he even took pictures of his early displays. It was this love of visual...

NEW PACKAGING AND COLORS HIGHLIGHT GADGET OFFERINGS.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... CHICAGO-Kitchen tools and gadgets continue to be inventive. From can openers that let you open cans with only one hand to motorized milk frothers, the category benefits from seemingly endless ingenuity. But it's not just products that...

BRADSHAW SET TO UNVEIL A NEW LOOK FOR GOOD COOK.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.-Bradshaw International has given its Good Cook brand of gadgets an upscale facelift as part of the company's ongoing effort to make supermarket aisles tempting to gadget buyers. Bradshaw, which takes in about $300...

A DECENT NOVEMBER FOR PORTABLES.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... WASHINGTON-Air treatment was up and cooking appliances were down as manufacturers recorded a relatively strong month in November for shipments of portable appliances. Air treatment increased 17.4 percent in units and 15.1 percent in...

PMI DEAL EXPANDS CONSUMER FOCUS.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... SEATTLE-The agreement for Pacific Market International to acquire the retail businesses and branding rights of the Aladdin and Stanley brands marks an expansion of the company's growing consumer brand portfolio, according to PMI President...

NEWS BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... Maytag Concludes Sale of Blodgett Maytag Corp. has completed the sale of the Blodgett commercial-cooking business. The appliance maker received $74 million in cash and $21 million in notes from The Middleby Corp. late last month. ...

SAMSUNG ADDS REFRIGERATORS, EXPANDED MICROWAVE OVEN LINE.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.-Samsung Electronics USA Inc. is poised to make a statement in major appliances. The South Korean supplier, a presence in North America since the late 1970s, has refocused its program in the past two years. Best known...

READY TO SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... As the lighting and accessories capital, the Dallas Market Center is the place where the latest merchandise and ideas will be unveiled. Manufacturers are highlighting new lighting, wall decor and accent pieces that span every lifestyle and...

THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE: FINALISTS FOR THE INDUSTRY'S 'OSCARS'.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... It's decorative home's equivalent of the Academy Awards. Finalists in many categories are kept in suspense until the black-tie gala, when outstanding achievement awards, the ARTS Awards, are bestowed upon the winning retailers, manufacturers,...

SHOWROOMS FACE MOUNTING CHALLENGES.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... An essential link in the accessory industry supply chain, and a key to the Dallas Market experience, is the sales representative showroom. Some rep showrooms are true specialists, in high-end gifts or accessories, for example, while others...

A REP FOR BEING FAIR.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... Jane Murray has spent her life looking for new ways to approach problems and situations. That her life has moved from being a farmer's daughter to the owner of Taylor's on Ten, one of the most successful sales representative agencies in the...

A GROWING CONCERN.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... As The Kennedy Group prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary this year, the sales rep agency is not content to rest on its laurels. It's looking at new lines, better communication with factories and new avenues for growth. The Kennedy...

FORTESSA FORGES AHEAD WITH PRIVATE-LABEL PLANS.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... CHANTILLY, Va.-Prompted by the growing popularity of glass dinnerware, Fortessa is expanding its repertoire of custom-designed and private-label projects. "Glass designs give retailers an opportunity to bring the latest tabletop styles to...

A PRODUCT SNEAK PREVIEW OF THE HOUSEWARES SHOW.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... CHICAGO-A wide assortment of new tabletop products reflecting both ongoing trends -- think whiteware, floral motifs and organic shapes -- and new technological advances, particularly in glassware, will be on display here at the International...

THE PICTURE FOR SPRING; FRAMES FEATURING GARDENS AND JEWELS, ALONG WITH VINTAGE LOOKS, ARE POPULAR CHOICES FOR THE SEASON.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Photo frame retailers and suppliers are gearing up for another season chock-full of choices in fashion. New trends abound. However, some repeat performers, such as key items in a collection format, garden and jewels, will give a...

TABLETOP SURVIVES A MUCH-FEARED HOLIDAY SEASON.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Well, it wasn't the best of times, but it wasn't the worst of times, either. Although official results are still being tabulated, industry experts said holiday 2001 was good for some retailers and bad for others, and there were...

INDUSTRY MAINTAINS A CAUTIOUS APPROACH AT START OF THE NEW YEAR.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-With the holiday shopping season closed, the housewares industry remains guarded as the new year begins. "Every new year, people say they are `cautiously optimistic'," said Bill Steele, managing partner for Banc of America...

OUT OF SOUTH AFRICA: A NEW HAND-PAINTED DINNERWARE LINE.(imported by Factory4, operating as The Baxter Group)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW MILFORD, Conn.-It took a leap of faith and a love of product to compel Laura Baxter to leave her post as president of Hackman Tabletop Inc. (now called Designor) and start a company importing stoneware from South Africa. Baxter's...

TRADE SHOW CALENDAR.
January 7, 2002... january 9-13 Heimtextil Frankfurt Fair & Exhibition Center Frankfurt, Germany (770) 984-8016 (USA) or 011-49-69-7575-6738 (Germany) 9-18 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market AmericasMart Atlanta...

NEWS BRIEF.
January 7, 2002... On Enron's end run To the editor: (Regarding Home Alone, Dec. 10:) Right on! My mother called me the other day and said, "Please tell me I don't own any Enron stock." (Happily, she did not.) And it's not only the investor who got...

MAYERSON SET TO BE INDUCTED INTO ACADEMY OF ACHIEVEMENT.(Sy Mayerson)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... DALLAS-Sy Mayerson, whose leadership and vision helped build Crystal Clear Industries into a dominant force in the industry, will be recognized by his peers at this month's Dallas Lighting and Accessories Market. Mayerson will be inducted...

LOVE BEGINS AT HOME.(comparison of retail to the prettiest girl in school)(Brief Article)(Column)
January 7, 2002... "Why are you here? Is it a woman again? Is it your mother?" "No, that would be easier." "Is it that `Lara Croft, Tomb Raider' chick you were hung up on a few months ago?" " No, I'm pretty much over her." "OK, then, who is it?...

HOME ALONE.(Brief Article)(Editorial)
January 7, 2002... 2002 To-Do This is not a list of predictions for the new year. Let me make that perfectly clear. Editors making predictions is just a dumb idea: We don't have any better concept of what's going to happen than anybody else does. So...

HEIMTEX MANEUVERS; EXHIBITORS HEADING TO GERMANY ARE HOPING FOR THE BEST.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... FRANKFURT, Germany-Many of the exhibitors bound for Heimtextil this week are thinking along the same lines. "I have no great expectations," said Rich Hanfling, corporate vice president of Swavelle. "Business is tough, obviously. We're...

VENDORS: SOFT TEXTURED FABRICS STRONG BETS FOR SHOWTIME.(Showtime fabric fair; upholstery fabric trends)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... HIGH POINT, N.C.-Fabric companies are betting on soft cloths, chenilles and sharp values as upholstery manufacturers come to town this week for the Showtime fabric fair. After a weak October furniture market, fabric vendors hope that...

News Briefs.(textile mill product sales down, Thomaston Mills Inc. keeps name, and Shavel Home Products new products)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 7, 2002... Textiles Sales Take Double-Digit Dip Textiles industry corporate sales fell 12 percent to $46.8 billion in 2001, the lowest sales level since 1998, according to the American Textile Manufacturers Institute. The industry returned to...

Midwestern Retailer Plays Flag Doctor.(Sunshine Drapery and Interior Fashions repairs American flags for free)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... ST. LOUIS-Shortly after Sept. 11, when a man brought his damaged American flag to Sunshine Drapery and Interior Fashions and asked the plant manager if he could repair it, the manager did so at no charge. "The guy had called seamstresses...

Material ConneXion: A Trendy Clearinghouse.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Where do Ralph Lauren, Nike and BMW go when looking for the newest trends in materials? Where else but Material ConneXion? "The important thing about Material ConneXion is that it is one-stop shopping for designers who are looking...

PIGMENTS OF IMAGINATION; AT DOMOTEX, TRADITIONAL RUG DESIGNS WILL BE SHOWING UP IN SOME UNTRADITIONAL COLORS.
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-A traditional Tabriz updated in a modern lavender color is just one of the striking designs rug suppliers are counting on in order to stand out in the crowd of 1,000 exhibitors expected this month at Domotex in Germany. Star...

Hellsten and Orrefors: A Relationship Etched in Crystal.(Brief Article)(Interview)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Longtime Orrefors crystal designer Lars Hellsten may get his inspiration from nature, but his motivation comes from the demands of the market. Hellsten, who trained as a sculptor in Stockholm, Sweden, but has worked in glass his...

AMBIENTE'S TABLETRENDS PUTS DINING IN THE SPOTLIGHT.
January 7, 2002... FRANKFURT, Germany-Tabletrends, the special show scheduled for Ambiente Feb. 15 to 19, will present the contemporary lifestyle, changed eating habits and topical food trends in table settings. Breakfast will be a prevailing theme and will...

Electric Charge; Bosch is Confirming its Re-entry into Small Appliances in a Big Way.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.-As the International Housewares Show in Chicago nears, Bosch is reaffirming its commitment to the small-appliance category with new products, a new category and a new director to pull it all together. Bosch...

BED BATH & BEYOND, KITCHEN WINDOW RECOGNIZED ON GLOBAL SCALE.(International Housewares Associations recognizes retailers at Global Innovator Awards)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... CHICAGO-Retailing powerhouse Bed Bath & Beyond joins Kitchen Window, a kitchenware store with a single location, as a national winner in the second annual Global Innovator Awards, sponsored by the International Housewares Association. ...

ZAK TO EMPHASIZE DRINKWARE, LICENSED LINES AT HOUSEWARES.(Zak Designs Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... CHICAGO-Zak Designs is coming to the International Housewares Show here next week not only with a slew of new licensed products, but with a strong emphasis on its expanded drinkware program, which is its "crowning achievement," according to...

THE FRENCH COUNTRYSIDE COMES TO THE WINDY CITY.(Marshall Field's to unveil dinnerware collection from Isabelle de Borchgrave)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... CHICAGO-Isabelle de Borchgrave, a European artist specializing in graphic and clothing design, has designed a collection of dinnerware, serving pieces, vases and other decorative accessories exclusively for Marshall Field's. The collection...

FIVE EASY PIECES.(from Christofle)(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... Among Christofle's new collections by internationally renowned designers is Metropolis, by Italian architect Gae Aulenti. The five pieces, which Aulenti describes as "essential to the table," are designed around the central theme -- the...

NEW BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... Claire Murray, Tele-Fun in Licensed Serveware Deal Designer Claire Murray has inked a licensing agreement with New York-based Tele-fun to distribute laminated fabric products, expanding Murray's product offerings to include serving trays,...

THE APPEAL OF STEEL: STRONG TO THE FINISH.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... NEW YORK-Vendors are relying on the two faces of steel finishes -- brushed and mirror -- as they expand existing lines and bring new products to market at this month's International Housewares Show. The reason behind the design trend is simple,...

THORNE AIMS TO CLEAN UP WITH KOBLENZ LAUNDRY LINE.(Thorne Electric Co.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 7, 2002... SAN ANTONIO-Some companies have split personalities. They're identified with certain products in one country and entirely different categories elsewhere. It's probably no coincidence that a few of these combinations involve floor care and...

CLOSETMAID GOES BEYOND WIRE WITH ITS LARGEST LAUNCH EVER.(Brief Article)
January 7, 2002... OCALA, Fla.-ClosetMaid Corp. is unveiling the largest product launch in its history at the International Housewares Show this month. The manufacturer and marketer of ventilated wire storage is introducing products that are restyled, upscale and...

POWERHOUSEWARES.(Brief Article)
January 14, 2002... The big players in the housewares business continue to get even bigger and more powerful every year. As the industry gathers this week in Chicago for the International Housewares Show, powerhouses such as, from left, The Iron Chef, Emeril...

NEWS BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
January 14, 2002... Mikasa Execs Blake, Dingman Stepping Down Alf Blake, chairman of Mikasa, and Ray Dingman, the company's president and chief executive officer, both plan to retire in the first half of the year. Blake, well known in the industry as a...

SERVICE MERCHANDISE THE FIRST TO FALL IN '02.(retailer will close remaining outlets)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 14, 2002... NASHVILLE, Tenn.-Service Merchandise will close its remaining 218 stores, making it the first major retail casualty of 2002. The retailer saw sales deteriorate over 2001, particularly after the events of Sept. 11. The 41-year-old retailer...

HOME GRABS THE SPOTLIGHT IN PENNEY'S NEW CATALOG.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 14, 2002... PLANO, Texas-It's here. The revamped J.C. Penney catalog, that is. The much-anticipated makeover marks the $40 billion chain's bid to revive its ailing mail-order business. And the retailer appears to have made good on its promise to...

SAKS NAMES SADOVE VICE CHAIRMAN.(Steve Sadove)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2002... BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-Saks Inc. has plucked talent from the consumer products industry for its newly created vice chairman position. Steve Sadove joins the retailer from Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he was senior vice president. In his new...

SEARS TO OPEN 15 NEW STORES, REMODEL 50 BY YEAR'S END.(Sears, Roebuck and Co.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 14, 2002... HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.-Sears' makeover mission has been set into motion. The retailer will open 15 new full-line stores reflecting a format more friendly to customers, and remodel an additional 50 units nationwide by the end of 2002. ...

RASH OF RETAIL LIQUIDATIONS IN 2001 DOESN'T DIM HOPES FOR YEAR AHEAD.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 14, 2002... NEW YORK-For retailers, 2001 started on an ominous note, with both Wards and Bradlees commencing liquidation in the final days of 2000. By year's end, more than 2,000 stores with significant home furnishings offerings closed. Home...

DESPITE STORE CLOSINGS, COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE STAYS HEALTHY.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
January 14, 2002... NEW YORK-With store closings reaching the sky, 2001 was a horrible year for commercial real estate, right? Wrong. Because the vacated stores got snapped up by stronger retailers, commercial real estate, on average, has been only...

PRADA 'EPICENTER' REGISTERS ON TECHY SCALE.(retailer opens store in Manhattan)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2002... NEW YORK-At any given moment, there are certain things about which one is expected to have an opinion, if for no other reason than to keep up with the banter-du-jour at cocktail parties. At this moment, the new Prada store tops the list....

SIX IN THE CITY.
January 14, 2002... 1 A Classy Initial A fashionista's heaven, the new W shop at the W hotel is a must see. Diminutive in size, larger than life in style, the shop was designed by Troy Halterman. The W New York Times Square, 1567 Broadway at 47th Street....

VENDORS ARE EXPECTING GOOD TURNOUT IN ATLANTA.
January 14, 2002... NEW YORK-Despite high unemployment and the soft retail environment, suppliers expect attendance levels at the Atlanta International Area Rug Market to match or exceed last January's and predict that buyers will be shopping for value. No...

MOM ROLE INSPIRES KATHY IRELAND RUGS.(former model Kathy Ireland designs rugs being offered by Shaw Rugs)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2002... SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-Kathy Ireland credits her experience as a busy mom more than her fashion background as the inspiration for a new line of rugs for "tweens" by Shaw Rugs. The collection, Kathy Ireland's Young Attitudes, debuts at the...

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME IN CARPET.(rug and carpet designs)(Brief Article)
January 14, 2002... NEW YORK-Some of today's most sophisticated carpets are made with the most elementary shapes. Rectangles, diamonds and squares are the basic building blocks of many contemporary designs that will be at the Atlanta International Area Rug...

NEWS BRIEFS.(Brief Article)
January 14, 2002... Moren Names Cohen Sales and Marketing VP Howard M. Cohen has joined Moren Oriental Rugs as vice president of sales and marketing. Cohen's previous position was as the director of sales and marketing at Harounian Rugs. In his newly...