Home Textiles Today articles from July 2008

Home Textiles Today archives from July 2008

Bed Bath & Beyond Eager to Grow.
July 7, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral Union, N.J. - Bed Bath & Beyond opened its first international store in Ontario, Canada last December - and the $7.0 billion specialty retailer is ready for much more. "We hope to expand aggressively in Canada, and...

Croscill Crafts Its Future.(Croscill Home)
July 7, 2008... By Jennifer Marks Core Brand, Extensions, International Key New York - In the wake of a top management restructuring, Croscill Home is pursuing a multi-pronged agenda: buttress the core brand, nurture existing brand extensions, explore...

Ethan Allen Romances Soft Side in NYC.
July 7, 2008... By Carole Sloan Flagship Design Center Flaunts Textiles New York - Using a lifestyle approach to merchandise assortment as well as presentation, Ethan Allen launched its prototype Design Center here late last month. One of the...

NexCen Selling Brands.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Waverly Bidders Compete, Blass Next on Block New York - Licensing and franchise company NexCen Brands "is moving very quickly" in its quest to raise funds by selling its Waverly and Bill Blass brands, the company said. ...

For the record.(Correction notice)
July 7, 2008... By Staff An article in the June 23 issue (page 14) about Alan Millstein joining Tai Ping mistakenly reported that company is based in Bangkok. Tai Ping is based in Hong Kong.

Family Dollar Outpaces Slump in Home.(revenue report)(Financial report)
July 7, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral Matthews, N.C. - As the limp economy continues to push lower-income consumers to concentrate on necessities, Family Dollar is broadly expanding its consumables and opening price-point offerings at the expense of weak...

JCP Slashes Expansion Plans.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Plano, Texas - Adjusting capital expenditure and store growth plans due to the ongoing retail funk, JCPenney said it will cut cap ex to about $650 million in fiscal 2009 - down from $1 billion this year and $1.2 billion in 2007....

PrimaLoft Debuts Cotton Blend Yarn.(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff Albany, N.Y. - Known more for its down alternative fills, PrimaLoft has introduced PrimaLoft Cotton Blend, a luxury yarn developed for blankets and home accessories. "Since last year's introduction of PrimaLoft yarn, we've...

Retail Briefs.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Pier 1 Ends Quest for Cost Plus Staff Saying "it is unlikely that we would be able to acquire a majority interest in Cost Plus at a price that would make sense for our shareholders," $1.5 billion specialty retailer Pier 1...

CBK Upgrades Website.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Union City, Tenn. - Accessories and home decor wholesaler CBK has revamped its website to make online registration easier for retail clients. After completing online registration, a customer's activated account will allow...

Colonial Mills Preps Las Vegas Showroom.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Pawtucket, R.I. - Braided texture area rugs and home accessories manufacturer cmi (Colonial Mills, Inc.) will host a grand opening of its new permanent showroom at the Las Vegas World Market on July 29. The showroom is in...

Decosit Develops for Fourth Decade.(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff Brussels, Belgium - The 30th edition of Decosit, the annual decorative fabrics exhibition sponsored by Textirama, will spread its wings in terms of product coverage, moving to include window coverings, outdoor fabrics, wall...

Tamarian Carpets Greens with Hemp Line.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Baltimore - Tamarian Carpets is building on its natural fiber assortment of eco-friendly area rugs with the soon-to-come launch of its hemp collection. Available in seven designs, the hemp assortment is hand-crafted in Nepal....

Yunus Wins Wal-Mart Supplier of Year.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Karachi, Pakistan - Yunus Textile Mills, Ltd. was recently honored with the Wal-Mart 2007 International Supplier of the Year Award. The ceremony was held under a large festive tent at the Yunus Textile facilities here before...

China Consumers on the Rise.(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff Columbus, Ohio - Despite current counter-trends, retail sales in China are forecast by TNS Retail Forward to sustain double-digit growth over the next five years, resulting by 2012 in a $1.4 trillion market that will be the...

Hancock Plans August Exit from Ch. 11.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Baldwyn, Miss. - Hancock Fabrics has filed a plan of reorganization in the Delaware bankruptcy court that has been supported by its creditors and equity committees. Under the plan, Hancock is poised to emerge from Chapter 11...

Bed Bug Protection by London Luxury Arrives at BBB.
July 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Home textiles producer London Luxury has launched its trademarked Allergy Luxe Premium Bed Bug Barrier bedding collection exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond. The complete Allergy Luxe line is available in all sizes...

Designer Berkus to Launch on HSN.
July 7, 2008... By Staff St. Petersburg, Fla. - As part of its home furnishings upgrade, interactive retailer HSN will debut an exclusive Nate Berkus line on Oct. 13. Mindy Grossman, ceo of IAC Retailing/HSN, said of Berkus that his "talent and...

HSN Hires Former Macy's Merchant.
July 7, 2008... By Staff St. Petersburg, Fla. - Retailer HSN has named former Macy's fashion merchant Nancy Caplan svp of the soft home division, which includes home decor and design, entertaining, and lifestyle merchandise. "The expansion of our home...

Living RichLy Moves HQ to Vietnam.
July 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Indoor/outdoor home furnishings manufacturer Living RichLy International (LRI) is relocating its headquarters from New York to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam this month. LRI president Richard Becker, said the move is the...

Midwest Textile Golf Outing Set.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Columbus, Ohio - The Midwest Textile and Home Products Association has set Aug. 11 as the date for its 19th annual Charity Golf Outing. The event will take place the Country Club of Muirfield Village in Dublin, Ohio. The...

Natori Taps Mosso, Cohen Rep Firms.(Natori Collection)(Christian Mosso & Associates)(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff New York - In a move that marks the company's effort to bring the Natori Collection of home textiles to the small independent boutique retailing community, Christian Mosso & Associates has been signed to represent the collection...

Raymond Waites Extends to Paper.
July 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Raymond Waites Design has expanded its offerings beyond its core home textiles, furniture and accents offerings through a new license with paper producer C.R. Gibson. Gibson will use Raymond Waites themes on...

SDH Readies Las Vegas Showroom.(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff Fairfield, Calif. - On July 28, fine linens manufacturer and distributor SDH will hold the grand opening of its Las Vegas showroom, No.684 in Building C of the World Market Center. The company, which specializes in European...

Riegel Hires Rothschild.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Johnston, S.C. - Stephen Rothschild has joined the senior management team at Riegel Consumer Products in the position of national account manager - sheeting and terry division. He will report directly to the vp of sales, Bob...

Sears, Kmart Ready Holiday Goods.
July 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Sears Holdings recently gave shelter magazine and trade publication editors a sneak peak at home and apparel offerings ready for Sears and Kmart stores this holiday season. At Kmart, that includes Cannon bedding,...

Deep-discount Unit Surging at Hudson's Bay.(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff Toronto - Fields, the "extreme-value" format of Canadian retailer Hudson's Bay Company, is slated to open 40 new stores this year, for a total of 198 locations. Seven of the 10 stores set for June and July openings are in...

Wal-Mart Updates Logo, Opens 300th Canadian Unit.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Bentonville, Ark. - Wal-Mart last week unveiled its new logo, which offers a streamlined, single-word name, "Walmart," followed by a more evolved "squiggly." The new logo is "part of an ongoing evolution" of its "overall...

Innovation Paves Way for Foam Pillows.
July 7, 2008... By Jill Rowen The big money was bet on this report beginning with the skyrocketing of oil prices and their subsequent impact on petroleum-based products like memory foam pillows. The good news for foam pillow suppliers? While the home...

Imperial Rugs Set for Atlanta Market.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Atlanta - Hand-crafted rug company Imperial Rugs is gearing up to celebrate during the International Area Rug Market here next week the grand opening of its new showroom space at the AmericasMart. A 30-year-old manufacturer...

Kathy Ireland to Fete Hallmart Vegas Showroom.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Las Vegas - Home furnishings supplier Hallmart Collectibles will open its new showroom, C-603 in Building C of the World Market Center here in time for the July market, and lifestyle mogul Kathy Ireland will be on hand to...

Accent Goods Thrive at Gordmans.
July 7, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral Omaha, Neb. - With its home business proving resilient despite the trying economic times, central U.S. regional department store Gordmans is expanding its domestics department's best performers - decorative pillows,...

The King to Appear on MWW Soft Goods.(Manual Woodworkers and Weavers)(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff Hendersonville, N.C. - Rock-and-roll king Elvis is the source of inspiration for an upcoming collection of soft home decor pieces by Manual Woodworkers and Weavers (MWW). MWW recently inked a licensing partnership with Elvis...

Peking Extends Rhein Collection to Dec Pillows.
July 7, 2008... By Staff San Francisco - Peking Handicraft (PHI) has introduced a new embroidered pillow collection by Los Angeles artist D.L. Rhein. Each of the four pillows in the collection reflects Rhein's colorful artwork. "Peking...

Textillery Weavers Honored by Regional Council.(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff Bloomington, Ind. - The owners of high-end, hand-woven throw manufacturer Textillery Weavers - John and Judith Rose - were recently honored with the 2008 Arts Leadership Award from Indiana's Bloomington Area Arts Council (BAAC)....

Abbyson Spotlights 'Living' in Second Vegas Showroom.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Chatsworth, Calif. - The newly launched Abbyson Living brand will be celebrated with the July 28 grand opening of rug and furniture resource Abbyson's second Las Vegas showroom, in Building C of the Las Vegas World Market Center....

Hellenic Greens Operations.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Brooklyn, N.Y. - Hellenic Rug Imports has expanded its eco-friendly initiatives by encouraging employees to carpool, offering them telecommuting opportunities, and expanding product assortments to include more...

Homespice Decor Adds Colorways to Indoor/Outdoor.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Tucker, Ga. - Braided rug manufacturer Homespice Decor is expanding its indoor/outdoor collection - the trademarked Out-Durable collection - with two new color combinations: rainforest and tea rose. Rainforest features an...

Momeni Contest Winner Chosen.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Carlstadt, N.J. - Rug supplier Momeni recently announced the winner of its first annual co-sponsored Student Art Contest, which the company hosts with Fine Rugs of Charleston. Cassie Schmitt, a first-semester interior design...

Nourison Launches First Area Rug Catalog.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Saddle Brook, N.J. - High-end area and accent rug company Nourison has launched its first all-inclusive catalog, which lists more than 60 of the company's active area rug and roll-runner collections into a single source book. ...

Safavieh Creates Custom Mass Market Division.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Port Washington, N.Y. - In response to demands from large rug retailers for private label and customized programs, upscale area rug company Safavieh has created its new Custom Mass Market division to accommodate this growing...

Bowles Named to Lead Berkshire.(Berkshire Blanket)(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff Ware, Mass. - Blanket, throw and home accessory supplier Berkshire Blanket has named Thomas Bowles ceo, replacing ceo and founder Rick Lotuff, who will remain active on the board of directors. Lotuff founded the company in...

Capel Promotes Stoutnar to Marketing Manager.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Troy, N.C. - Ninety-one year-old family owned and operated area and accent rug manufacturer and importer Capel Inc. has promoted Colleen Stoutnar to marketing manager. A more than 15-year veteran of the home decor and...

Global Home Textiles Canceled.(DMG World Media Ltd.)(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff White Plains, N.Y. - Tradeshow producer dmg world media has canceled the Global Home Textiles and Global Home Decor events, and has streamlined its B2R division. Penny Sikalis, most recently vp global business development and...

IHFC Taps Mitchell as President, CEO.
July 7, 2008... By Staff High Point, N.C. - The International Home Furnishings Center named Tom Mitchell president and ceo, effective July 14. Mitchell will leave his longtime post as svp and gm of Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., the second-largest...

Curtain Figure Markowitz Dies.(Harry Markowitz)(Obituary)(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff Ridgewood, N.Y. - Services were held here June 13 for Harry Markowitz, retired chairman of the former Max Kahn Curtain Co. Markowitz, 96, was a leading participant in the curtain and drapery industry for 64 years, handing over the...

LNT Director Marshall Resigns.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Clifton, N.J. - Ron Marshall has resigned from the boards of directors of Linens 'n Things and parent company Linens Holding Co., according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. His resignation was effective...

NexCen Amends Stock Option Plans.
July 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Brand management company NexCen Brands has made several changes to its stock option agreements with a range of current and former employees, the company reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission. NexCen...

Cotton Inc. Bows 'Sustainability' DVD.
July 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Terming ongoing greening efforts a "revolution," cotton growers association Cotton Incorporated has produced a new DVD, "Sustainability: The Textile Revolution." "Textile companies around the globe are adopting...

Stage Set for U.S. Cotton Acreage Revival.(Brief article)
July 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Today's 20-year low in U.S. cotton acreage, combined with changing priorities in competing cotton-growing nations, means that U.S. production is likely to expand in coming years, according to a new study. "The U.S....

HSN Value Undercut by Cornerstone Writedown.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Catalog Retail Division Cornerstone to be part of HSN Inc. New York - In a form 8-K filed last week with the Securities and Exchange Commission, HSN parent IAC/InterActive Corp. said it will take a writedown on goodwill of...

Retailers Close in on June Comp Goals.
July 7, 2008... By Staff New York - Seasonally warm weather spurred continued same-store sales momentum, as retailers posted an overall 2.9% comp gain in the fourth week of June, the Johnson Redbook reported. With one week remaining in the five-week...

Unifi Earns Russell 3000 Listing.
July 7, 2008... By Staff Greensboro, N.C. - Polyester and nylon textured yarn manufacturer Unifi Inc. has been selected for inclusion in the Russell 3000 Index, which measures the performance of the largest 3,000 U.S. companies. Launched in 1984,...

Walmart's Brand Stepchildren.
July 7, 2008... By Jennifer Marks The largest retailer in the world unveiled a new logo last week. WAL-MART officially became Walmart - lower case, less muscular and, one assumes, less menacing to the eye. The star symbol that had separated the Wal...

Bygone Discipline of Branding.
July 7, 2008... By Carole Sloan It's fascinating to watch all the machinations about brands - old-timers as well as hopeful newbies - as they work their way through the home textiles community. It's beginning to look like branding in home textiles is...

Area Rug Makers Probe Price Ranges.
July 14, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral Atlanta - With the rug business expected to be "no worse than it has been" so far this year, hopeful industry suppliers are keeping price points top of mind during the Atlanta International Area Rug Market this week....

Top 50 Retailing Giants.
July 14, 2008... By Carole Sloan Bed Bath & Beyond Now Ranked No. 2 New York - The HTT Top 50 Retailing Giants in home textiles eked out a scant 1.0% sales increase in 2007, even as the total home textiles universe declined 2.2%. The exclusive...

LNT Plan Almost Ready.
July 14, 2008... By Brent Felgner But Will it Fly? Clifton, N.J. - Two-and-a-half months into its bankruptcy, Linens 'n Things remains focused on staunching its losses, normalizing vendor shipments and generally dealing with the trauma of life under...

Bloomie's Romances Dec Pillows.
July 14, 2008... By Carole Sloan New York - Designer luxe brands and items for gift-giving and entertainment will highlight the Christmas offerings in home textiles and throughout the Bloomingdale's home division this year. A key player for holiday...

Kamal Launches Sleepwell in U.S.
July 14, 2008... By Staff New York - Vertical home textiles manufacturer Kamal Group has opened a U.S. division to broaden its retail-direct business. Industry veteran Scott Gress is ceo of the division, Sleepwell Inc. Former Dan River exec Lou Casali...

Retail Briefs.
July 14, 2008... By Staff TJX Boosts 2Q Guidance Staff With strong sales and margins in May and June, TJX Companies raised its projections for the second quarter to 44 to 45 cents per share, from the earlier outlook of 40 to 42 cents. "Through...

Southern Living Brand in Broad Debut.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Birmingham, Ala. - Southern Living magazine will begin rolling out a branded home collection under licensing agreements with Pem America, Hellenic Rug and Bailey Street. Hellenic is launching a Southern Living Home collection...

Angela Adams Partners with Velocity.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Seattle - Home fashions designer and retailer Angela Adams has partnered with high-end, brand-oriented home furnishings dealer Velocity Art and Design to sell the former's complete wool rug collection in two venues. Velocity...

Covington Buys Heirloom.
July 14, 2008... By Staff New York - Covington Fabric & Design has purchased the assets of Heirloom Decorative Fabrics of Westport, Ct., a converter owned and operated by Tom Bruno, a long-time decorative fabrics veteran who is joining the company July 14...

Joe Boxer Founder Graham in CHF Deal.
July 14, 2008... By Staff New York - Diversified home fashions supplier CHF Industries has signed an exclusive master license and consulting agreement with Nicholas Graham (founder of the Joe Boxer brand) and his new firm, 100 Minute Company. Under...

More Martha at Mass, Macy's.
July 14, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral New York - While Kmart has "played a tremendous role in helping us build our business," Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia said it is looking to "horizons" and fresh opportunities to tap new retail partners and consumers...

Zucchi Buys More Mascioni.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Cuvio, Italy - Zucchi Group has signed an agreement to buy 50% of the shareholdings of fabric printer and bedding producer Mascioni that are held by the Mascioni family. This acquisition is in addition to the 55% stake in the...

Carpenter Co. Bows Medi Comfort Pillow.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Richmond, Va. - Basic bedding manufacturer Carpenter Co. has unveiled the trademarked Medi Comfort pillow, designed to reduce snoring by promoting natural head and neck alignment to open the airway. Constructed with...

Nautica Taps Vendor Development Group.
July 14, 2008... By Staff New York - Lifestyle fashion brand Nautica Apparel has licensed Vendor Development Group to produce a residential outdoor home furnishings collection. The line will include: seating, dining, occasional furniture, independent...

Pierre Deux Highlights Tapestries, Needlepoint.(Brief article)
July 14, 2008... By Staff New York - Tapestries and needlepoint are highlights of the new looks for fall and holiday at Pierre Deux. Whether antiques or reproductions, the specialty retailer has translated them into carpets, upholstered furniture, wall...

Ritzenthaler Buys TesArden.
July 14, 2008... By Staff West Conshohocken, Pa. -The John Ritzenthaler Co., the country's third-largest kitchen textiles company, has made its third company acquisition in seven years, this time via its purchase of kitchen textiles and cleaning product...

SDH Offers Organzino Silk Collection.(Brief article)
July 14, 2008... By Staff Fairfield, Calif. - Luxury bedding resource SDH is unveiling its Natural Luxury collection, featuring Organzino silk, at this summer's markets in Atlanta, Las Vegas and New York. "The Organzino Silk used in this collection is...

Westex Launches Raymond Waites Basic Bedding.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Toronto - Duvet, pillow and basic bedding manufacturer Westex International will produce a collection of Raymond Waites all-natural fill basic bedding tailored to mid- to high-end department store and specialty retailers in the...

What's New at the Atlanta Rug Show.
July 14, 2008... By Staff See hometextilestoday.com for complete product introductions. 828 International Trading Co. Greenville, S.C. (800) 733-0828 Showroom 6-F-1 The Flora collection cover floors with fronds, flowers and botanicals;...

Specialty, Department Stores Inch Up.
July 14, 2008... By Carole Sloan New York - Specialty stores and department stores inched up in their share of distribution of home textiles among the HTT Top 50 Retailing Giants for 2007. Of the seven retailing channels analyzed for the Top 50 home...

Who's Who in the Top 50.
July 14, 2008... By Staff COMPANY (Corporate parent), Rank, Headquarters ANNA'S LINENS Rank: 16, 3550 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 850-0504 ARMY & AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE Rank: 47, 3911 S. Walton Walker Blvd., Dallas, TX 75236-1598...

Balta Delivers American Design with Vibe.
July 14, 2008... By Cecile B. Corral Dalton, Ga. - Balta U.S., the six-year-old domestic branch of longstanding parent company Balta Group, of Belgium, is reaching a new milestone this market with the launch of its first ever all-American area rug...

Bon Motif Recruits Sales Exec.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Emeryville, Calif. - A more than 20-year veteran of the area rug industry, William "Bubba" Hill has joined Bon Motif as the area, accent and bath rug company's vp sales. Hill was formerly a partner of American Rug Craftsmen....

cmi to Launch Collections.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Pawtucket, R.I. - Braided texture rug and home accessories manufacturer cmi (Colonial Mills Inc.) has created three new contoured rectangle rug collections for debut at the Las Vegas World Market later this month.The three...

Hallmart Hires Spencer for National Sales.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Burbank, Calif. - Bill Spencer has joined Hallmart Collectibles as national sales and marketing manager for key accounts. Spencer will spearhead a growing decorative bedding business for Hallmart outside of the furniture store...

Momeni Expands Showrooms.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Carlstadt, N.J. - Upscale rug maker Momeni has expanded both its Atlanta and Las Vegas showrooms in time for this summer's market events. At Atlanta's AmericasMart, Momeni is remaining in its current fifth floor showroom,...

Stanton Carpet Elevates Jonathan Cohen.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Syosset, N.Y. - Stanton Carpet Corp., a designer, manufacturer and wholesaler of high-end decorative wool and synthetic area rugs, has appointed Jonathan Cohen its new coo, reporting to founder and ceo Sy Cohen. Jonathan...

Sizzle in Mass Channel Leaves Home Cold.
July 14, 2008... By James Mammarella Home Textiles Miss Out on Rally Department Stores Struggle New York - "The weakest performing categories were home-" declared Bon-Ton Stores vice chairman and president - merchandising Tony Buccina, in a comment on...

AATCC Targets Green Textile Printing.
July 14, 2008... By Staff Research Triangle Park, N.C. - Eco-friendly textiles printing will be the subject of a major seminar series, Innovative Textile Printing: Green & Global, to be hosted Sept. 17-19 by the American Association of Textile Chemists &...