Home Textiles Today articles from February 2003

Home Textiles Today archives from February 2003

Feuerstein raising cash to retain Malden Mills.(Aaron Feuerstein, chief executive officer, raises cash to retain control of Malden Mills Industries Inc.)
February 3, 2003... WORCESTER, MA -- Aaron Feuerstein, the charismatic, controversial ceo of Malden Mills, has apparently raised most of the cash he needs to take control of the company his family has owned for a century, and keep his job. The nation's...

Sneak peaks in market mix. (Winter Market).( spring product previews)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Spring has sprung--or so it might seem in many corners of the home textiles market. The winter mini-market--historically a venue for holiday table linens and decorative pillow launches, among others--appears to be getting...

Faribault buys Beacon plant; to grow offerings.(Faribault Woolen Mill Co. acquires Beacon Blanket Co. blanket producing plant )
February 3, 2003... FARIBAULT, MN -- In a bid to build a platform as a full-service, multi-fiber bed blanket producer, Faribault Woolen Mills, a venerable 138-year-old supplier, has acquired the Westminster, SC, cotton and acrylic blanket producing plant once...

Springs adds luxe; nabs high end tag from P'tex. (Mills search out a license to thrill).(Springs Industries Inc., Court of Versailles license, Pillowtex Corp.)
February 3, 2003... FORT MILL, SC -- The luxurious Court of Versailles license, for the past 20 years part of Pillowtex's stable, has signed on with Springs Industries, and will soon be expanded into additional product categories beyond bedding. Springs plans...

Dan River, Seventeen deal expands brand's reach. (Mills search out a license to thrill).(Dan River Inc. Home Fashions, Seventeen magazine licensing deal aimed at young women)
February 3, 2003... ATLANTA -- Dan River Home Fashions for Kids has corraled one of the most recognizable brands in the United States--if not worldwide--through a licensing deal with Seventeen magazine. It marks yet another foray for Dan River into a...

Costco adds two to board. (Retail briefs).(Costco Companies Inc., Daniel Evans, William Gates Sr.)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Costco announced that it has elected two members to join its board of directors. Daniel Evans, chairman of Daniel J. Evans Associates, a consulting firm, was previously a U.S. State Senator and a three-term Governor of the State of Washington....

Kmart now to close 317 stores. (Retail briefs).(Kmart Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... After negotiating rent reductions on several of its leases, Kmart has decreased the number of store closings from 326 units to 317, said Jack Ferry, spokesperson. The retailer also received bankruptcy court approval for the $2 billion in exit...

Garden Ridge names new president. (Retail briefs).(Garden Ridge Corp., Randall Onstead )(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Randall Onstead has assumed the role of president at Garden Ridge, the home decor and crafts retailer, succeeding John Martin, who left the company. Onstead joined Garden Ridge in October as ceo, and will continue in that role as well.

Hanover Direct posts 14% sales loss in quarter. (Retail briefs).(Hanover Direct Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... After the sale of its improvements business and shutdown of some of its catalogs, including Domestications Kitchen and Home and its Turiya luxury book, Hanover Direct said sales for all of last year fell 14.1 percent, to $457.3 million from...

Home Depot to consolidate two more divisions. (Retail briefs).( New England division with Eastern division )(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... The Home Depot announced today that it will consolidate its New England division with its Eastern division that is headquartered here. The expanded Eastern division will support more than 600 Home Depot stores. Expected to take 60 days to...

U.S. Factory Outlets picks up two Kmart stores. (Retail briefs).(signs leases )(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... U.S. Factory Outlets said it has signed leases for two former Kmart stores, in Hanover, PA, and Hamilton, OH. The closeouter will reopen the 56,000-square-foot Hanover unit in May and a 38,000-square-feet anchor unit at the Hamilton Meadows...

ShopKo taps two for vp. (Retail briefs).(ShopKo Stores Inc., vice presidents, Thomas Abbott, Kathy Friedland-Howard)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... ShopKo Stores has promoted Thomas Abbott to vp, product development and trend services, and Kathy Friedland-Howard to vp, advertising, for the company's ShopKo division. Friedland-Howard will add responsibility for advertising operations,...

Sears habla Espanol, ?y usted?(Sears, Roebuck and Co. shares insights; Marketing to U.S. Hispanics and Latin America 9th annual conference)
February 3, 2003... MIAMI BEACH, FL -- Sears, Roebuck & Co., widely considered one of the most successful marketers to the U.S. Hispanic population, shared some of its insights into communicating and catering to the Latino market at the 9th annual Marketing to...

New Kmart ads redirect customers to open stores.(Kmart Corp., Savings Are Here to Stay campaign )(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... TROY, MI -- Kmart is launching a nationwide advertising campaign intended to roll over customers from its 326 closing stores to units that will remain open--easing the transition and, not incidentally, intended to stave off competitors'...

Lowe's taps pres., execs.(Lowe's Companies Inc., Robert Niblock, president; Larry Stone, executive, operations)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... WILKESBORO, NC -- Lowe's Companies has announced the promotions of several executives, effective March 1, including the appointment of Robert Niblock to president, a position previously held by Robert Tillman, who remains chairman and ceo. ...

WPS gets new OTC symbol.(WestPoint Stevens Inc. common stock now trading on Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board; WSPT ticker symbol)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... WEST POINT, GA -- WestPoint Stevens Inc. said shares of its common stock have begun trading on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board under a new ticker symbol, WSPT. After the company's stock traded beneath $1.00 for more than six months, it...

Analysts like the look of new LNT: comments see strong quarter; stock jumps.(securities analysis, Linens 'n Things Inc.)
February 3, 2003... CLIFTON, NJ -- With its fourth quarter results set to be released this Wednesday, Linens 'n Things already had several analysts piping up a positive buzz, as seen in last week's stock spike. Analysts point to several of LNT's initiatives...

The girly good life finds a home. (`Swell' idea).(Target Corp. introduces Cynthia Rowley designs)
February 3, 2003... BROOKLYN, NY -- Target is striving to bring the good life to its shoppers in a girly, yet sophisticated, manner--with the addition of Cynthia Rowley to the growing ranks of its scenester private brands. The retailer is rolling the fashion...

Shapely rugs advanced with creative POS help.(point of sale marketing)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- The area rug business is taking shape. Yet, because consumers--and retailers--sometimes need help deciphering the various styles and sizes of shaped area and scatter rugs, suppliers have been creating a variety of POS materials...

Raschel throws challenge high-piles. (update 03).(raschel knits)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK--For decades, high-pile acrylic throws, mostly in traditional jacquard looks, have dominated the U.S. market in plush throws. But now they're getting stiff competition from more upscale, more colorful and softer raschel knits, which...

A touch of gold. (Winter Market).(product introductions)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... 1 Divatex's Joseph Abboud collection includes woven 400-count Pima cotton jacquard sheets and coordinating jacquard window coverings. * 2. Terrisol Corp.'s new Firenze tablecloth is a 56/44 cotton/polyester yarn-dyed damask. * 3. Beacon Loom's...

Warm & cozy. (Winter Market).(product introductions)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... 1. Pendleton Woolen Mills brings back the classic buffalo plaid with a woolen Lumberman Blanket in red and black. * 2. This faux suede shearling throw is made of 100 percent polyester and is part of Divatex's Joseph Abboud Home collection. * 3....

Trade winds. (Winter Market).(product introductions)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... 1. Hanalei Home is introducing a 100 percent cotton bark cloth 8"x 18" Christmas stocking featuring a tropical hibiscus design that is set to retail for $20. * 2. Ernest Hemingway will bow bedding ensembles in its Key West theme this market,...

Country corner. (Winter Market).(Destination Linens and Gifts L.L.C., Bardwil Linens)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... 1. Destination Linens is introducing this country French-style place mat and napkin coordinate. * 2. Bardwil Linens' new Canterbury collection of coordinating tablecloths, place mats, napkins and runners is made of 100 percent cotton. ...

Promise of spring. (Winter Market).(product introductions)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... 1. Melange Home's Hydrangea features an all-cotton construction for the sheet set and coordinating duvet cover. * 2. Motouk's new Lily of the Valley cotton-polyester tablecloth is a sheer with embroidery and scalloped edges. * 3. Piedmont's...

Jingle bells. (Winter Market).(product introductions for winter)
February 3, 2003... 1. Windham Weavers' new "I believe in Santa" 19" x 27" rug is a tapestry with latex back set to retail for $9.99 to $12.99. * 2. Elrene Home Fashions has a new collection of table linens titled Winter Fun, which includes this blue jacquard...

Retail ad awards set for Chicago.(Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, Retail Advertising Conference Award )(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... WASHINGTON -- The Retail Advertising & Marketing Association (RAMA), a division of the National Retail Federation, will announce the winners of its Retail Advertising Conference (RAC) Award for outstanding achievement and creativity in retail...

Brylane DC goes union.(Brylane L.P., distribution center employees, right to join Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... INDIANAPOLIS -- After working to obtain union representation for 15 months, Brylane distribution center employees here last week obtained the right to join the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textiles Employees (UNITE). The 800 employees...

Windharn Weavers adds to design team. (People Today).(promotes Travis Spencer to design director)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Table linens, scatter rugs and decorative pillows supplier Windham Weavers has added three members to its in-house design team and promoted Travis Spencer to the new post of design director. Spencer, formerly decorative pillow...

Handelman new buyer for Ballard Designs. (People Today).(Terry Handelman, Ballard Designs Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... ATLANTA -- Terry Handelman has joined Ballard Designs, a catalog retailer for home furnishings and accents, as buyer, responsible for bedding and bath, upholstery furniture and fabric. She will report to the senior merchant, a position...

WB bolsters biz develop team. (People Today).(Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Shari Black, vice president, retail business development)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... BURBANK, CA -- Shari Black has been named vp, retail business development at Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Previously at Disney Consumer Products, she will now manage the development and implementation of business and promotional plans for...

Mannson new cfo at Eddie Bauer: Gaston out after 22 years. (People Today).(Eddie Bauer Inc., Ronald Gaston appointed senior vice president, chief financial officer, reports to Fabian Mansson; Al Chambard retiring)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... REDMOND, WA -- Eddie Bauer has announced the appointment of Ronald Gaston as senior vp, cfo, reporting to Fabian Mansson, president and ceo. He succeeds cfo Al Chambard, who is retiring after 22 years of service at the company. Gaston will...

Federated among top for women. (People Today).(Federated Department Stores Inc. chosen one of Top 30 Companies for Executive Women)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... CINCINNATI -- Federated Department Stores has been chosen as one of the "Top 30 Companies for Executive Women" by the National Association for Female Executives. Federated placed No. 11 of the hundreds of companies evaluated, up from No....

WestPoint, Thermosoft exclusive.(WestPoint Stevens Inc. licensing agreement with Thermosoft International Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... WEST POINT, GA -- WestPoint Stevens last week announced a licensing agreement with Thermosoft International Corporation which gives the major mill the exclusive rights to use Thermosoft heating technology for bedding products in North America....

Time to talk turkey. (Opinion Today).(merchandising trends)
February 3, 2003... So everyone agrees that most of the "real work" that Winter Market was originally created to handle was finished weeks ago. That could be a good thing--because it means that in addition to editing some lines headed for the big market in March,...

Fear factor. (Opinion Today).(global worries have negative impact on innovative, creative design)
February 3, 2003... Times are sure changing. We're in a period where safer is surer than innovation and creativity. Perhaps it's a worrisome economy. Maybe it's a fear of war. Or possibly it's simply a fear of innovation and creativity. We see it almost...

Calendar.(Calendar)
February 3, 2003... FEBRUARY 14-18 Ambiente Frankfurt, Germany (770) 984-8016 www.ambiente.messerankfurt.com 15-19 San Francisco International Gift Fair Moscone Center & The Concourse Exhibition Center San Francisco (415) 346-6666...

Same-stores up slightly in third week. (Business Today).(Redbook Retail Sales Average)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Most big American retailers had been expecting relatively sluggish sales during the third week of January, and weren't far off the mark, with same-store sales moving up by 1.9 percent, a modest improvement over the prior week's gain...

Short-term outlook extremely cautious. (Business Today).(consumer confidence declines )
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- With war drums making Americans jittery, compounding the effects of a soft jobs market and a sluggish economy, consumer confidence continued its long downward slide in January, slipping by 2.1 percent to a level of 79.0, down from...

S&P may downgrade Cone Mills debt. (Business briefs).(Standard and Poor's Corp. may cut ratings on Cone Mills Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... Standard & Poor's Rating Services, one of the big three corporate credit agencies, said it may cut its ratings on Cone Mills Corp. and has put the textiles producer on "CreditWatch with negative implications." Cone Mills' long-term...

Yearend slowdown didn't hurt remodelers' year. (Business briefs).(National Association of Home Builders of the United States, Remodeling Market Index)
February 3, 2003... Americans remodeled their homes at a slower pace at the end of 2002, as anxious homeowners put off additions and improvements in response to mounting fears of war and weaker economic conditions, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)...

Home sales continue to build. (Housing market).(National Association of Realtors forecast)(Industry Overview)
February 3, 2003... NEW YORK -- Undeterred by war fears, a persistently weak jobs outlook and increasingly credit-poor consumers, the broad U.S. housing market closed out the year on a remarkably resilient note, with all sectors climbing substantially higher...

Durable goods orders flying low. (Housing market).(U.S. Department of Commerce report)(Brief Article)
February 3, 2003... WASHINGTON -- With capital spending by big American companies still sluggish, orders for durable goods--products expected to last for more than three years, ranging from toasters to industrial turbines--rose a skimpy 0.2 percent during...

Wall street watch. (Business Today).(Home Textiles Today Stock Index )
February 3, 2003... Summary for the week ended January 30, 2003 WALL STREET WATCH Summary for the week ended January 30, 2003 RETAILERS CLOSE % CHG % CHG. ...

Buyers bear down at winter mini-market.(upcoming New York Home Textiles Market )
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- It wasn't the best of times, but it wasn't the worst of times, either, last week at the February winter market here. With most of the strictly holiday-related marketing already wrapped up two to three months ago, many suppliers...

Sure Fit pumps team; new senior executives.(Sure Fit Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... ALLENTOWN, PA -- Sure Fit Inc. has undergone a major reorganization of its senior management team, a move, the company said, toward making it an integrated marketing-driven organization. In the words of the company's president and ceo, Bert...

Openings, comps push 4Q higher. (LNT will stay the course).(Linens 'n Things Inc.)
February 10, 2003... CLIFTON, NJ -- Rolling out new units at a rapid clip, and at the same time building same-store sales, home furnishings big box Linens 'n Things pushed fourth-quarter earnings before one-time items up by 26.0 percent, to $40.2 million. ...

Axelrod: `we'll nearly double biz'. (LNT will stay the course).(Norman Axelrod, chairman and chief executive officer, Linens 'n Things Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... CLIFTON, NJ -- Silverstein is out. And Linens 'n Things chairman and ceo Norman Axelrod's assertion last week that he'll stay the course of the retailer's strategic plan while nearly doubling revenues over the next three years presents a...

Dan River boosts sales, margins.(Dan River Inc.)
February 10, 2003... DANVILLE, VA -- Boosting sales in its core home fashions and apparel fabrics units--and at the same time virtually doubling its margins, while hacking away at costs and slashing debt and interest expense--Dan River Inc. recorded a $4.2 million...

Kmart wraps lifestyle publication. (Retail briefs).(Kmart Corp. unveils Urban Direct, newspaper supplement )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Kmart has unveiled Urban Direct, an entertainment and lifestyle newspaper supplement containing interviews, articles and product offerings. It's the company's newest marketing effort, coming after the launch of La Vida, its Spanish-language...

May Dept. Stores buys two units in Ohio. (Retail briefs).(May Department Stores Co. to acquire Marshall Field's department stores from Target Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... May Department Stores has signed an agreement to acquire two Marshall Field's department store locations in Columbus, OH, from Target Corp. They will become Kaufman's department stores. The two locations are the 224,000-square-foot Tuttle...

Lowe's to build new distribution center. (Retail briefs).(Lowe's Home Centers Inc., Osceola County, Florida)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Lowe's last week announced it will break ground for a 1.3-million-square-foot, $73 million regional distribution center in Osceola County, FL, beginning this year and slated for opening in late 2004 or early 2005. The facility will serve...

Dillard's to close four stores. (Retail briefs).(Dillard Department Stores Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Dillard's will close four underperforming stores and consolidate another, which is operating as a dual anchor, the company announced. The closing stores are in Randall Park Mall in North Randall, OH; Raleigh Springs Mall in Memphis, TN;...

HD, Levolor settle case.(Hunter Douglas Inc., Levolor Window Fashions patent litigation )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ -- Hard window coverings manufacturers Hunter Douglas Inc. and Levolor Window Fashions announced last week that they have settled the patent litigation pending between them. The case had been field in the Federal...

For the record.(Eddie Bauer Inc., Fabian Mannson leaving, replaced by Ronald Gaston)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... In the Feb. 3 issue, a headline for Eddie Bauer on page 26 should have stated that Fabian Mannson was leaving as president and ceo, to be replaced by Ronald Gaston.

Gottschalks closing stores; selling credit card business.(Gottschalks Inc. financial restructuring plan )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... FRESNO, CA -- Gottschalks said it will close six stores and sell off its credit card business as part of a five-point financial restructuring plan intended to improve liquidity and cut debt. It also said it expects to take a one-time,...

Wellman to hike prices.(Wellman Inc., polyester staple fiber products)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... CHARLOTTE, NC -- Wellman Inc. announced on Friday that it will increase the price of its polyester staple fiber products by 12 percent to 14 percent. It last increased prices, by $0.05 a pound, on April 29, 2002. The company, which makes...

Spiegel in spiral.(Spiegel Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... DOWNERS GROVE, IL -- Problems are increasing at direct-mailer The Spiegel Group--it's losing money, squabbling with creditors, in violation of debt covenants, the government is asking about late financial reports, it just lost its cfo, and now...

Signoria di Firenze opens at ABC.(Signoria di Firenze S.R.L. standalone boutique at ABC Carpet Company Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- Italian luxury bedding company Signoria di Firenze is the latest manufacturer to open a standalone boutique at ABC Carpet & Home, in the third-floor linen department. In the U.S. for three years, the company hopes to "find new...

Chain sales unsettled at start of year.(department stores, home furnishings)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- An unsettled economy and global outlook, coupled with January being a typically tough month for retailers, resulted in tepid sales for the month. With inventories tightened for months, retailers had less merchandise on hand,...

Mohawk surges ahead: 4Q profits, sales soar.(Mowhawk Industries Inc.)
February 10, 2003... CALHOUN, GA -- Building on the strength of last year's Dal-Tile acquisition, which put Mohawk Industries Inc. into the highly profitable hard flooring market, Mohawk drove its fourth-quarter profits up a heady 42.2 percent, to $84.2 million...

Bloomie's Home + Furniture store opens in downtown Chicago.(Bloomingdale's Inc. in refurbished Medinah Temple building)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... CHICAGO -- Bloomingdale's new Home + Furniture store--its first freestanding downtown location--opened here last week. The store, in the refurbished Medinah Temple building, is devoted entirely to home accessories and furnishings. The...

Uh, oh--Springs invites Cat in the Hat in.(Springs Industries Inc. license for Cat in the Hat products)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- The Cat in the Hat is bounding into retail via Springs Industries, which is introducing an array of products, from shaped rugs to sculpted bath accessories to bedding ensembles, Springs unveiled the first items under the license...

Echo Designs a license for Creative Bath entry.(Echo Design Group Inc. licensing agreement with Creative Bath Products Inc.)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- The Echo Design Group is expanding its reach across home textiles through a licensing agreement with Creative Bath Products. Shower curtains, towels, bathroom accessories and decorative pillows will all be supplied by Creative...

Nautica Home pushes themed intros.(Nautica Home collection, licensed program of American Pacific Home, introduces bedding )
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- Nautica Home jumped into the 2003 winter market with both feet, introducing four bedding collections, four duvets, a variety of coordinating soft window coverings and new bathroom accessory collections. The Nautica Home...

Luxury banks on quality.(luxury companies offer quality products and service )
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- Though the effects of a troubled economy ripple throughout the entire home textiles industry, the luxury arena contains customers who always have money to spend and are thus insulated to a point, most high-end suppliers said. ...

Habidecor goes tone-on-tone; intros linen/cotton rug. (Luxury Briefs).(Habidecor U.S.A. Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Habidecor has expanded its luxury bath and accent rugs to include a new tone-on-tone cotton rug, as well as a linen and cotton combination, shown at the New York Gift Show last week. Tostane expands Habidecor's original bordered cotton rugs...

Ann Gish moves to 200 Lexington Ave. showroom. (Luxury Briefs).(New York Design Center)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Ann Gish, the luxury supplier of bedding, throws and pillows, has moved out of its longtime showroom on the 19th floor of the 230 Fifth Avenue building to the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington Avenue, said Ann Gish, founder. The new...

Anichini debuts Turkish line; to expand showroom. (Luxury Briefs).(Anichini Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... Come this May, luxury manufacturer Anichini will launch both its new Turkish collection as well as its expanded 230 Fifth Avenue showroom on the 19th floor, said Susan Dollenmaier, founder. "We wanted to do something in Turkey," she said....

Scala bows Turkish bath line. (Luxury Briefs).(Scala International introduces NEMM cotton and linen products)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... A first-time exhibitor at the New York Gift Show, importer Scala International bowed its bath product line from NEMM, a company founded by two women and based in Istanbul, Turkey. Scala is the U.S. distributor. The line includes cotton and...

Greenhorn Trading's new Reversible Towel dries and exfoliates. (Luxury Briefs).(Greenhorn Trading Co.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... The Greenhorn Trading Company, a luxury supplier of throws, bedding, bath and table linens, introduced its Reversible Towel at the Gift Show here last week. The towel has linen on one side and cotton on the other and is produced in Belgium. ...

Lighter tones seep into top spots. (Special report: annual best-selling colors).(Home Textiles Today, Annual Best-Selling Colors Report)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- Softer colors have long held an edge when it comes to covering the bed and windows or in the shower. But after several years of deeper, jewel tones dominating decorative pillows, bath rugs, kitchen textiles and table linens, those...

Who's on first? (Opinion Today).(multiple topics)
February 10, 2003... Yikes! What a week. Winter Market, the New York Gift Show and more changes in the executive suite at retail than you could shake a stick at. For an industry that thrives on gossip, innuendo and speculation, the week offered a bonanza of actual...

Deja vu?--Yogi was right. (Opinion Today).(retailers rediscover ethnic marketing)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... It's deja vu--all over again. The irony is that most of you who identify deja vu's origin know it from TV quiz shows, where is has been a ubiquitous player for years. It used to be that only those with graying or openly sparse quaffs...

Arlee dips into bath. (Market Briefs).(Arlee Home Fashions Inc. introduces shower curtain line )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- Arlee launches a shower curtain line during the New York winter home textiles market last week, according to Bud Frankel, president and ceo. Available in 18 designs, including embroidered and airbrushed styles, the shower...

Fashion Industries cooks up a new kitchen line. (Market Briefs).(Fashion Industries Inc., kitchen textiles )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- Building on its growing table linens business, Fashion Industries has added kitchen textiles items to its line, Carolyn Winderbaum, vp, said. The new line includes pot holders, oven mitts, aprons and dobby kitchen towels, with...

Avonhome, Raymond Waites partner. (Market Briefs).(high-end collection of table linens, kitchen textiles )(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- Table linens and kitchen textiles supplier Avonhome recently partnered with designer Raymond Waites to produce and market a new high-end collection within these categories, as well as coordinating chair bows. Previews took...

Avanti introduces French label guest towels. (Market Briefs).(Avanti Linens Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... MOONACHIE, NJ -- Building on its popular embroidered guest towel business, Avanti introduced at winter market a new line of sheered velour guest hand towels depicting embroidered French labels in 18 different designs, said Michael Tauber,...

Ashford Court adding comforters to bedding line. (Market Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... RICHMOND, VA -- Decorative pillow and top-of-bed supplier Ashford Court is gearing up to add comforters to its line at the upcoming New York Home Textiles Market in March, said Neil Zuber, president. The comforters will be made with fabrics...

Park B. Smith launches chenille rugs for bed and bath. (Market Briefs).(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- Chenille took center stage at Park B. Smith at winter market, when the multiple-category supplier debuted a large line of accent and bath rugs. Five Indian-made collections were introduced: a 100 percent chenille large loop...

Seen at market.(retailers seen at showrooms)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... NEW YORK -- Their contingents may have been smaller. Some retailers may have skipped last week's winter market, while others opted to show up early--or later. But the market still pulled some key merchant decision-makers. Here's a short list of...

Fisher adds ceo title at Stein Mart. (People Today).(Michael Fisher, additional role of chief executive officer, Stein Mart Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Company president Michael Fisher has moved into the additional role of ceo at Stein Mart, replacing the retiring John Williams, Jr., who is stepping down after 23 years. The planned succession was announced last June. ...

Wilansky to head Filene's Basement. (People Today).(Heywood Wilansky, president, chief executive officer, Filene's Basement Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... COLUMBUS, OH -- Heywood Wilansky has been appointed president and ceo of Filene's Basement, parent company Value City Department Stores has announced. Wilansky was president and ceo of The Bon-Ton Stores from 1995 to 2000. Prior to that he...

Sakes ceo helms Parisian. (People Today).(George Jones, president, chief executive officer, Saks Department Store Group, operational leadership of Parisian Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 10, 2003... BIRMINGHAM, AL -- George Jones, the president and ceo of Saks Department Store Group, has assumed operational leadership of Parisian, the group's specialty department store division. The move follows Jones the resignation of Rob Gruen as...