Home Textiles Today articles from January 2008

Home Textiles Today archives from January 2008

Bed Bath & Beyond Cuts Outlook.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Determined to Outperform Sector Union, N.J. - While Bed Bath & Beyond's third-quarter results did not encompass the full holiday season - the quarter ended Dec. 1 - its warning that fourth-quarter results would post lower...

Category Leaders Shift as Giants Drift.
January 7, 2008... By James Mammarella Downturn Savages Some Top 5 Suppliers New York - With the strategic repositioning of home textiles industry titans Springs Global and WestPoint Home in 2007, the winds of change coursed through the sales volume...

Heimtextil Exhibitors Gear Up for 2008.
January 7, 2008... By Carole Sloan Frankfurt, Germany - New product launches are expected to bolster the business outlook for global suppliers to the American and European home textiles market in 2008, according to many exhibitors at Heimtextil here this...

U.S. Plant Layoffs Continue into 2008.
January 7, 2008... By Brent Felgner Springs, WestPoint, Wellstone Mills Note Closures New York - U.S. home textiles manufacturing will continue to consolidate and migrate offshore well into 2008, in much the same way it ended 2007. The nation's two...

Mohawk Home to Raise Prices 5% to 8%.
January 7, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral Sugar Valley, Ga. - Left with "absolutely no choice" in the face of skyrocketing petroleum and oil-based raw material costs, Mohawk Home has made a bold New Year's resolution to raise its prices by 5% to 8% on...

Top 15 Suppliers at 14-Year Low.
January 7, 2008... By Jennifer Marks Two Titans Tumble by $651 Million New York - The nation's Top 15 home textiles suppliers continued to lose market share as a group in 2007, with sales sliding 9.2% to $5.7 billion from $6.3 billion in 2006. Worth...

Call for Market Samples.
January 7, 2008... By Staff The deadline is coming for HTT to receive your new product information and images (or samples) for the New York Home Fashions Market, which runs Feb. 11-15. Deadlines are: Friday, Jan. 18 for new product information; Wednesday,...

Retail Briefs.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Belk Taps Bufano for Senior Role Staff Southern regional department store chain Belk has named Kathy Bufano president of merchandising and marketing, effective Jan. 17. She will report to H.W. McKay Belk, president and...

EA Extends Green Packaging to Display Solutions.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Suwanee, Ga. - Packaging company EA International is expanding its eco-friendly offerings with the recent addition of three new models that work not only as packaging but also as signage and in-store displays. "We see the...

Showtime Shifts June Market Dates.(Correction notice)
January 7, 2008... By Staff High Point, N.C. - The dates for the June 2008 Showtime event have been changed to June 1 through June 4. The previously announced dates for the decorative textile fair sponsored by the International Textile Market Association...

FIT Names Honorees for February 12 Breakfast.
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Anne Appel, chair of The Fashion Institute of Technology Home Products Development department, has announced this year's 12th Annual Home Products Development Fundraising Breakfast details. Honorees this year...

Peking Handicraft Romances Botanical Theme.
January 7, 2008... By Staff San Francisco - Getting close to nature in its latest collections of guest towels, needlepoint and linen pillows, manufacturer Peking Handicraft (PKHC) is showcasing leaf designs against solid backgrounds. One component...

Jane Seymour Home Introduces Area Rug Lines.
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - In its premiere introduction of Jane Seymour Home Collection area rugs, Rugs America will offer four collections that coordinate with the lifestyle maven's four key brand themes. "Our company has eyed the Jane...

Thro Teams with Blanke for Table Linens Line.
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Designer Marsha Blanke has joined Thro, working with Thro head designer Marlo Lorenz to create a new line of tabletop items. The collection includes natural bamboo placemats in a variety of prints, as well as resin...

ABC Carpet Adds PQ Collection.
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - ABC Carpet & Home says it is setting a new standard in soft floor decor with the addition of PQ, or the Parentesiquadra Collection of laser-cut, embossed and hand-worked fine Italian leather and cowhide pieces in...

Avanti Linens Makes Russian Connection.
January 7, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral Towel Manufacturer Looking to Bolster Overseas Business Moonachie, N.J. - Embellished towel manufacturer Avanti Linens is on its way to meeting a recently established exporting goal, having forged a partnership with...

L'erba Adds New Fine Linens to 2008 Roster.(L'erba is ready to unveil is newest collections as well as color and design)(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff East Hampton, N.Y. - High-end linen house L'erba is getting ready to unveil is newest collections as well as color and design additions at several upcoming markets in Atlanta, Dallas and Las Vegas. Serenity - the headlining...

Welspun Acquires Portuguese Bath Specialist Sorema.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Mumbai, India - Home textiles manufacturer Welspun has taken over Portugal-based Sorema, a supplier of luxury bath rugs, bath accessories and shower curtains. Welspun confirmed to HTT that its Welspun India Ltd. unit has...

HTT's Top 15 Supplier Giants.
January 7, 2008... By Staff [TABLE OMITTED]

Supplier Giants.
January 7, 2008... By Staff [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED] [TABLE OMITTED]...

Corra Consulting in Growth Mode.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Founders McKinney and McNulty Focus on Marketing and Design Newton, Mass. - After two years, the two former Berkshire Blanket executives who formed Corra Consulting are ready to "pull the covers off the home textiles...

U.S. Exhibitors at Heimtextil.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Frankfurt, Germany - Five American home textile and fabric companies plus a state trade organization will be exhibiting at Heimtextil under the banner of the U.S. Department of Commerce, a marked decline from 2007. The home...

Maite Designs Signs Christian Mosso for Expansion.(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Collection to be Showcased at Atlanta International Gift Fair Atlanta - Maite Designs has engaged Christian Mosso and Associates (CMA), an experienced home linens and gifts sales agency in the Southeast, as its sales and...

Textiles Suppliers Join Winter Las Vegas Market.(Public notice)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Show Set for Jan. 28-Feb. 1 Las Vegas - New styles and trends will be on display in three juried shows cited within the temporary exhibits that open Jan. 29 during the Las Vegas Market, which will run Jan. 28 - Feb. 1. ...

Lenzing Marks E-marketing Anniversary.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Lenzing, Austria - Fiber producer Lenzing Fibers recently marked one year of beaming out its eMailbox Worldwide Fiber Newsletter, a business-to-business tool used to inform its customers, affiliates and the industry at large of...

Tuesday Morning Names Green to Board.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Dallas - Closeout retailer Tuesday Morning has appointed of David Green to the board of directors, effective Jan. 1, filling the newly created seventh director position. Green, a consultant who has served on the board of...

Under the Canopy to Debut Luxe Organic Collection.(organic home decor accessories)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Line to Debut at Next Month's New York International Gift Fair Boca Raton, Fla. - Organic lifestyle brand Under the Canopy will launch a luxury organic home fashion collection called Canopy at the New York International Gift...

Mattress Sales Expected to Slow in 2008.
January 7, 2008... By Staff High Point, N.C. - For the second straight year, HTT sister publication Furniture/Today is forecasting a unit decline for the U.S. mattress industry, although it sees a positive outlook for the dollar value of bedding shipments....

Scoperta-Proposte Link to Improve.(Trade Link Company has orgnized exhibition of Home decor accessories.)(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Rho, Italy - Trade Link Company has announced that Scoperta 2008 will take place in Hall 16 at the Fiera Milano here from May 6-8, giving attendees an opportunity to visit before Proposte begins May 7 in Cernobbio. Despite...

Hometextile China Upgrades for 2008 Event.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Guangzhou, China - With 10 years under its belt, Hometextile China's upcoming event - March 27 to 30 - is expected to be the venue's largest to date. Hometextile China will be co-organized by the China Foreign Trade Center...

Sleep Innovations Settles with Foamex.
January 7, 2008... By Staff West Long Branch, N.J. - Memory foam mattress and sleep products manufacturer Sleep Innovations and foam supplier Foamex have settled a lawsuit, with Sleep Innovations agreeing to pay $12 million for goods Foamex had delivered...

Springs, Henson Debut BioFlex Hybrid Foam.(Henson Sleep Relief has launched BioFlex Hybrid products)(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Tupelo, Miss. - This month, foam manufacturer Henson Sleep Relief and marketing/sales partner Springs Global will introduce BioFlex Hybrid foam products at retail. The line of foam mattress pads and pillows, which will launch at...

Bella Rose Partners with Napp Deady Group.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Oklahoma City, Okla. - Home textiles design and manufacturing company Bella Rose by Chateau has partnered with the Napp Deady sales firm for representation in the Southeast U.S. "We are thrilled to have such a respected sales...

Foreman to Head Marketing, Merchandising at CBK.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Union City, Tenn. - Home decor product wholesaler CBK has named Jerry Foreman to the newly created position of vp of merchandising and marketing; the appointment was announced by Terry Stewart, president of CBK. Foreman will...

Ichiba Joins Off-Price Show, Touts Retail Summit.(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Las Vegas - The Off-Price Specialist Show has named Julie Ichiba executive show director, giving her just enough time to take command of the next edition of the show, Feb. 10-14, 2008. A 21-year veteran of the trade show...

Mandell to Direct Brands at Idea Nuova.
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Home textiles industry veteran Neil Mandell has joined Idea Nuova here as director of brands, a new position. Mandell, most recently vp/director of licensing and marketing at Dan River, reports to Beno Accado,...

Waverly Taps Lee for Consumer Outreach.(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Sandra Lee, an international lifestyle expert, has been signed as the spokesperson for Waverly to promote the home products brand to a wider audience. Lee will be featured in Waverly's marketing efforts including...

Weisgerber Shifts to Bath at Bloomie's.
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Kim Weisgerber has been named buyer for towels, bath rugs, bath shop and accessories at Bloomingdale's. She reports to Liz Bailey, dmm. Previously, Weisgerber was buyer of down bedding, throws, decorative pillows,...

Amity Home Takes Permanent Atlanta Showroom.(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Azusa, Calif. - Amity Home, supplier of quilts and custom window treatments, is relocating to a permanent showroom on the 9th Floor at 9C4 in AmericasMart Building 1 for the upcoming Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings...

Kane Carpet Expands.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Calhoun, Ga. - Woven carpet, area rug and roll-runner manufacturer Kane Carpet recently expanded its headquarters and distribution facility here by 150% to more than 200,000 square feet. The enlarged site, which formerly...

Momeni's New HQ to House One-of-a-kind Rugs.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Carlstadt, N.J. - Momeni, Inc. has officially moved to its new company headquarters to a 50,000-square-foot executive office and distribution center here, according to Reza Momeni, president of the manufacturing and importing...

Surya Taps Industry Vet Roan.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Calhoun, Ga. - Indian rug manufacturer and importer Surya Carpets Inc. has appointed 20-plus year industry veteran Steve Roan as its coo. As coo of Surya, Roan is responsible for managing all areas of the company's operations...

Tomlin Joins Global Textile Alliance.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Greensboro, N.C. - Robb Tomlin has joined fabric source Global Textile Alliance in the newly created position of manager of velvet products. A 38-year veteran of the home furnishings textile industry, Tomlin was most recently...

Pier 1 Shows Hint of Turnaround.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Stock Price Climbs 40% in Response to Positive Results Fort Worth, Texas - Home furnishings specialty retailer Pier 1 Imports slashed its net losses, improved margins and generated positive operating results in its third...

Margins Tight as Comps Steady.(christmas sales increases week by week)(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Same-store sales strengthened to a 1.6% gain in the fourth week of December, regaining the month's first-week pace after a dip to 1.3% and 1.2% in the intervening weeks, the Johnson Redbook reported. Month to date,...

Retail Ventures May Have Buyer for Value City.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Columbus, Ohio - Multi-format off-price merchandiser Retail Ventures Inc. (RVI) may be on the verge of selling all or part of its struggling Value City discount division. The company said it has entered into "a non-binding...

Tuesday Morning Cuts Earnings Outlook.(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Dallas - Closeout retailer Tuesday Morning lowered its fiscal year guidance for the year ending June 30, 2008 to earnings in the range of $0.58 - $0.65 per diluted share - a pronounced correction, representing a more than 25%...

Wellman Stock Heads OTC.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Fort Mill, S.C. - The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) suspended trading of the common stock of polyester producer Wellman, Inc. and has delisted the stock, a decision that the company did not appeal, according to an SEC filing by...

Six of Seven Bank Groups Settle with TJX.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Banks Will Dismiss Claims Framingham, Mass. - As off-price retailing titan The TJX Cos. continues to work its way out of its computer security breach fiasco, the $118 million reserve charge it took (in fiscal second-quarter...

Target to Decide on Credit Card Receivables by Spring.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Minneapolis - Target Corp. said it now plans to announce a decision on "alternative ownership structures" for its credit card receivables portfolio in the first calendar quarter of 2008. The 1,591-store upscale discounter said...

Couristan Unveiles New Rug Displays.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Fort Lee, N.J. - In the new year, Couristan is unveiling two new merchandising units for its highest-end products, including handmade area rugs and Premiere residential broadloom carpets. The handmade area rug display rack is...

Crown Crafts Pays $12.4M in Springs Deal.(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Gonzales, La. - Crown Crafts announced the final purchase price paid for its acquisition of Springs Global US's infant and toddler product line was about $12.4 million. At closing, Crown Crafts Infant Products (a wholly owned...

Former Sears Chairman Brennan Passes Away.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Burr Ridge, Ill. - Edward A. Brennan, chairman and ceo of Sears, Roebuck & Co. during its reign as the country's largest retailer, died Dec. 27. He was 73. Brennan's career began as a salesman at a Sears store. He was one of...

Confidence Inches Up, Consumers 'Wary'.
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Defying market expectations, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index posted a slight increase in December after declining steadily for four consecutive months. The index now stands at 88.6, up from 87.8 in...

FireDefender Wins Award for Louisville Bedding.
January 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Louisville Bedding's FireDefender Sleep System was recently awarded the Good Buy Award from Good Housekeeping, in recognition of its fire retarding qualities that help save lives. Good Housekeeping announced its...

Rug Supplier Homespice Decor Marks 10 Years in Industry.
January 7, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral Company Currently Sells Product to 3,000 Stores Tucker, Ga. - Braided rug manufacturer Homespice Decor is celebrating its 10th anniversary in the rug industry this year. Homespice Decor was the brainchild of...

The Buzz on 2008.
January 7, 2008... By Jennifer Marks Hard to believe it's already 2008. Harder still to comprehend that the next five weeks will see textiles folk bouncing between shows in Germany, Atlanta, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Paris, San Francisco,...

Price Up or Quality Down.
January 7, 2008... By Carole Sloan We've been hearing rumbles for most of the last half of 2007 about price increases this year from suppliers in all parts of the world. Just thinking about energy costs in factories, as well as shipping cost increases -...

Hollander Commends Weikel with Leo Award.( )(Brief article)
January 7, 2008... By Staff Boca Raton, Fla. - Basic bedding manufacturer Hollander Home Fashions has bestowed its second annual Leo Award upon Ruthanne Weikel, plant supervisor in Frackville, Pa. "Ruthanne's consistent drive, dedication, and compassion...

Macy's to Close Nine Stores.
January 7, 2008... By Staff Cincinnati - Macy's identified nine underperforming stores that it intends to close in early 2008: Washington Square - Indianapolis (152,000 square feet; opened in 1974); Prien Lake Mall - Lake Charles, La. (116,000...

Good Buzz, Thin Crowd at Heimtextil.
January 14, 2008... By Carole Sloan Frankfurt, Germany - Home textiles exhibitors at Heimtextil here last week were pleased with results despite the obvious decline in attendance. Overall, exhibitors reported declines in U.S. retailer participation and...

Suppliers Talk Price Hikes at Heimtextil.
January 14, 2008... By Jennifer Marks Frankfurt, Germany - Talk of pricing increases, the lackluster U.S. market and what appeared to be a diminished U.S. visitor presence ran steadily through conversations with offshore manufacturers exhibiting at Heimtextil...

Rug Suppliers Upscale the Outdoors.
January 14, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral Price Points Expand at Atlanta Show Atlanta - At $79 to $99 a pop at retail on average, an indoor/outdoor rug is probably one of the more resilient soft floor coverings out in the marketplace during these otherwise...

'Cheap Chic' Chief Ulrich to Retire.
January 14, 2008... By James Mammarella Steinhafel to Step Up as Target CEO Minneapolis - Call it the "end of an era," as Bob Ulrich, chairman and ceo of Target Corp., will retire as ceo May 1, to be succeeded by company president Gregg Steinhafel; Ulrich...

Berry Creek Debuts Woolrich Bedding.
January 14, 2008... By Staff Woolrich, Pa. - Outdoor lifestyle brand Woolrich will launch a new collection of top of bed ensembles produced by Salt Lake City-based Berry Creek Home Collection. The Woolrich bed coverings will be on display in the Berry...

GTT Expands its Bedding Brands.
January 14, 2008... By Staff New York - GTT International has added the bedding collections of Jane Seymour, Dorma and Beds by Conran to its collection of decorative bedding - Canyon Crest, 100% Pure and Freckles. The new collections "are so appealing as...

Retail Briefs.(Family Dollar Stores Inc.)(resignation of Catherine David)(retirement of John Reier)(retirement of Gerald Thompson)
January 14, 2008... By Staff Family Dollar Projects Modest 2008 Staff Neighborhood discounter Family Dollar Stores projected flat year-to-year earnings results for the year ahead, as it reported net earnings up 2.8% to $0.37 per diluted share for the...

Safavieh Doubles Warehouse Space.
January 14, 2008... By Staff Port Washington, N.Y. - Upscale are rug company Safavieh more than doubled its warehouse space in Pennsylvania with the purchase of a 320,000-square-foot facility in Easton, supplementing its 250,000-sq.-ft. facility in Allentown....

Big Lots Makes Executive Moves.
January 14, 2008... By Staff Columbus, Ohio - Closeout retailer Big Lots has announced a series of executive moves, including the retirement of Donald Mierzwa, evp store operations, effective April 15. Mierzwa, with the company 19 years, oversaw store...

Liz Claiborne to Close Down Sigrid Olsen Brand.(Brief article)
January 14, 2008... By Staff New York - Fashion powerhouse Liz Claiborne, which has been shedding brands, said as a result of its latest strategic review it has decided to close down the Sigrid Olsen designer brand business, which it owns. Sigrid Olsen...

The Rug Market Signs Disney Home License.
January 14, 2008... By Staff Los Angeles - Area and accent rug company The Rug Market has signed a multi-year licensing agreement with Disney Home to create a collection of sophisticated, non-character driven soft floor coverings targeting the adult consumer...

HTT Group Welcomes E-consultant Schneck.(appointment of Penny Schneck)
January 14, 2008... By Staff Greensboro, N.C. - Home Textiles Today welcomes Penny Schneck, who has been hired by HTT parent company Reed Business Information for the new position of electronic sales manager for publications in its Home Furnishings Division...

Students Flaunt Decor via Working Class Studio.
January 14, 2008... By Staff Atlanta - The student product development team at Working Class Studio, a division of the Savannah College of Art and Design, will show a range of new summer home furnishings and decor items at the Atlanta International Gift &...

7W to Offer Market Amenities.
January 14, 2008... By Staff New York - Showroom venue 7W New York (7 West 34 Street) will be co-sponsoring a range of amenities and events for buyers during the New York Gift Week and the associated New York Home Textiles Market Week, Jan. 31 - Feb. 7. ...

U.S. Supplier cmi Marks 30 Years.
January 14, 2008... By Staff Pawtucket, R.I. - Braided rug and home accessories domestic manufacturer cmi (Colonial Mills Inc.) marks its 30th anniversary this year, and the company is celebrating starting this month at the upcoming markets. The Atlanta...

Primary Down Comforter by Cuddledown Wins Award.(Brief article)
January 14, 2008... By Staff Portland, Maine - Cuddledown's Primary Down Comforter has won "Best Buy" status from Consumers Digest in its February 2008 issue; Best Buy winners are recognized for exceptional value in a highly competitive marketplace. ...

Wools of New Zealand Upgrades Fiber Branding Strategy.
January 14, 2008... By Staff Marble Hill, Ga. - Wools of New Zealand has implemented a new strategy that is poised to reposition this brand's fiber as a premium product. This new initiative, which will become effective July 2008, calls for fiber sales...

Qual Fab Debuts Custom Program.
January 14, 2008... By Carole Sloan Hialeah, Fla. - Qual Fab is launching a new program for custom printed fabrics produced here that will allow customers to purchase quantities as low as 300 yards of a color. In business for more than 50 years, Qual Fab...

Spectro Bows Blackouts.
January 14, 2008... By Staff Leominster, Mass. - Spectro Coating Corp. has introduced a 100% blackout fabric that it will produce with custom prints, colors and textures. Spectro Two-in-One drapery fabric uses a single panel with fabric on the front and...

Atlanta Rug Introductions.
January 14, 2008... By Staff 828 INTERNATIONAL TRADING CO. Greenville, S.C. (800) 733-0828 The new Watercolors collection draws its inspiration from American and Indian artwork with brushstrokes in an autumnal palette. The series features looks that...

Area Rug Makers Test Higher Prices.
January 14, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral New York - Considering the thorny obstacles that area rug companies endured in 2007 to keep their respective businesses afloat, it's almost a miracle the industry eked out a modest but valuable 1.3% sales increase last...

Croscill Adds LaRovere to Team.
January 14, 2008... By Staff New York - Home fashions supplier Croscill Home has named Michelle LaRovere vp, reporting to Julie Brady. LaRovere will be based at the 261 Fifth Ave. headquarters and showroom. LaRovere will supervise sales, product...

Duralee Promotes Rothstein.(Duralee Fabrics)(Joel Rothstein)(Brief article)
January 14, 2008... By Staff Bay Shore, N.Y. - Joel Rothstein has been promoted to director of international sales at Duralee Fabrics, a new position. Rothstein, who had been director of European sales, will now assist svp Lee Silberman, with sales...

Veteran Mftrs Rep Geise is Mourned.(death of Veteran manufacturers representative James Geise )(Obituary)
January 14, 2008... By Staff Cinnaminson, N.J. - Industry veteran James Geise passed away here Dec. 26, 2007, surrounded by his family after battling cancer. Geise started his career in the Arkwright buying office in New York in the late 1950s, moving to...