Home Textiles Today articles from March 2007

Home Textiles Today archives from March 2007

Anna's Linens Makes Plans for Expansion.
March 12, 2007... By Jennifer Marks Upgrades Marketing, Staff for Growth Irvine, Calif. -- In a sign of growing clout, Anna's Linens hosted its first vendor summit, drawing approximately 45 suppliers to the Hyatt Regency Hotel here in conjunction with...

WestPoint Forecasts A Better 2007.
March 12, 2007... By Don Hogsett New York -- With fourth-quarter sales falling off by 18.2%, to $236.6 million, and picking up a $12 million tab to shutdown plants and overhaul its U.S. operations, WestPoint Home recorded an operating loss of $40.0...

Big Lots to Upgrade Home Lines.
March 12, 2007... By Cecile B. Corral Columbus, Ohio -- Through customer surveys and improved capabilities on its recently re-launched website, $4.7 billion closeout retailer Big Lots is sharpening its fix on its more upscale customer demographic and will...

Gottschalks Trims Back Home.
March 12, 2007... By Cecile B. Corral Fresno, Calif. -- Gottschalks is trading down its weaknesses in favor of its strengths -- which translate to home goods and apparel, respectively -- going forward as the 60-unit western regional department store chain...

Retail Briefs.(Wal-Mart Inc. acquires Bounteous Company Ltd.)(Federated Department Stores)(Tuesday Morning rise in profit)(Financial report)
March 12, 2007... By Staff Wal-Mart Invests in Chinese Chain Staff Wal-Mart has acquired a 35% interest in Chinese hypermarket operator Bounteous Company Ltd., which operates 101 Trust-Mart stores. Subject to certain conditions, Wal-Mart...

BJ's Sales Rise, Profits Fall.(Financial report)
March 12, 2007... By Staff Natick, Mass. -- Net income for BJ's Wholesale Club in 2006 was $72.0 million, down 44% from $128.5 million in 2005. Sales for the year rose 7.2% to $8.3 billion. Comparable club sales for the 172-unit eastern regional chain...

Ellison First Asia Marks Year.(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff New York -- Ellison First Asia celebrates its first anniversary next month, marking the merger of U.S.-based Ellison and China-based First Asia. First Asia since 1999 has been sourcing product through a number of joint...

Hartman Joins Bloomcraft.(Doug Hartman )(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff New York-- Doug Hartman has joined Bloomcraft Home as design director. He succeeds Melanie Zuckerman who left the firm. Bloomcraft Home, a division of P/Kaufmann, is a supplier of finished bedding and window products to...

Hudson Industries, DuPont Launch Allergen Barrier.
March 12, 2007... By Staff Richmond, Va. -- Hudson Industries, Inc. and its Science of Sleep brand has announced a new exclusive partnership with the DuPont Company in launching a membrane technology to be incorporated into luxury allergen barrier bedding...

Pantone Streamlines Color.(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff Carlstadt, N.J. -- In an effort to shorten the color development process, Pantone has partnered with textiles colorant and chemical producer Clariant International to create a new series of tools for the home fashions industry....

Caldeira Opens China Plant.(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff $3 Million Complex Includes a Factory, Warehouse, Offices and Showrooms Yuyue, China -- Caldeira China, the Chinese subsidiary of the U.K.'s leading dec pillow company Caldeira Ltd., has opened its new 250,000-square -foot...

Fixing Pottery Barn is Priority at Williams-Sonoma.
March 12, 2007... By Cecile B. Corral San Francisco -- Williams-Sonoma Inc. is looking to breathe fresh air into Pottery Barn with new brand positioning, expanded product offerings, and a new "value" price bracket this year, as the 190-store division did...

Martha Stewart Aims for Profitability With New Programs.(Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.)(Financial report)
March 12, 2007... By James Mammarella New York -- Strong fourth-quarter results helped Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO) shrink its 2006 full-year operating loss to $2.8 million, down from the 2005 operating loss of $78.3 million, the company noted...

Target Upbeat on Home Department.
March 12, 2007... By Cecile B. Corral Minneapolis -- Target is "optimistic" about re-energizing its lagging home textiles business, president Gregg Steinhafel said during the 1,487-unit chain's fourth-quarter and year-end earnings call. "As we...

Forget February.(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff To the Editor: Regarding our displeasure with the movement of the Spring Market [New York Home Fashions Week] from April to February: Now that our company has experienced the Market, I am quite livid about what took place...

Top of Bed Turns Down across Categories.
March 12, 2007... By Don Hogsett Price Deflation, Warm Weather Impact Most Channels New York -- With American retailers taking down the price of product in an effort to lure consumers through their doors, unseasonably warm weather during the final...

Federated Quarterly Profit Rises.(Financial report)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff Cincinnati -- Despite lower than expected fourth-quarter sales, Federated Department Stores exceeded profit and cash flow expectations, the company reported in a conference call with analysts. Karen Hogue, cfo, said sales were...

Kohl's Inviting Shoppers to 'Explore'.(Financial report)
March 12, 2007... By Cecile B. Corral Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Kohl's Corp. this year is on a mission to teach its customers to shop all of its six departments -- not just their favorite one, as they have typically -- through stronger marketing, in-store...

Nina Campbell Gains at Stein Mart.(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff Jacksonville, Fla -- The newest additions to the Nina: Nina Campbell Collection for Stein Mart arrived in stores in late February and will be promoted with store appearances by designer Campbell and a new in-store magazine,...

Wal-Mart Reviews Home Resets.(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart admitted the remaining home department revamp projects under its current remodel plan are "a little bit up in the air right now" in terms of completion, because of the costly, cumbersome, and...

People Briefs.
March 12, 2007... By Staff Bannon Rejoins Thomasville Staff Pat Bannon has rejoined Thomasville Home Furnishings as director of design. She succeeds Joyce Post, who left the company to join Aussino USA. Bannon previously was with...

QVC Inc. Taps Rod Birkins.(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff West Chester, Pa.-- Multi-platform retailer QVC, Inc. has named Rod Birkins senior vp of global sourcing and design & development. The position was previously held by Bob Ayd, who was promoted to chief merchandising officer of...

ShopKo Taps Mullen for Marketing.(Jack Mullen )(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff Green Bay, Wis. -- After several years of dormant broadcast media efforts and, in part as a result keeping one of its top marketing posts vacant, ShopKo is now turning a new page. The Midwestern 135-unit mass merchandiser is...

Springs Promotes Two.
March 12, 2007... By Staff Fort Mill, S.C. -- Rich Langone and Derrick Anderson have each been promoted to vp at Springs Global US, after the departure of Gary Filippone and Tim Landers, whom Springs said resigned to pursue outside opportunities. Both...

Jaunty Co. Expands.
March 12, 2007... By Staff Los Angeles -- Jaunty Co. has opened a newly expanded headquarters and distribution center here, doubling its size to 40,000 square feet. Kami Navid, executive vp of the hand-made area rug importer and wholesaler, said, "We...

NY Home Textiles Show Joins 'At Home'.
March 12, 2007... By Staff White Plains, N.Y. -- Beginning with the Aug. 11-15 edition, The New York Home Textiles Show will be integrated with the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) division "At Home," with exhibitors at the Jacob Javits Convention...

PHI Signs New Licenses.
March 12, 2007... By Staff San Francisco -- Peking Handicraft, Inc. (PHI), an international manufacturer and wholesaler of home textiles, decorative accessories and giftware, has new licensing agreements with Be the Ball Foundation and, separately, with...

Dillard's Profit Surges.(Financial report)(Brief article)
March 12, 2007... By Staff Little Rock, Ark. -- Helped by a big $64 million tax credit, and putting behind $55 million in charges that cut income a year ago, Dillard's pushed fourth-quarter profits up by 57.4%, to $155.0 million from $98.5 million last...

Integration Slows Federated.
March 12, 2007... By Staff Cincinnati -- Profits in the crucial Christmas quarter rose 4.9% at Federated Department Stores, to $733 million from $699 million last year, helped by a deep cut in interest expense that saved the retailer $78 million, deep...

Kohl's Posts Powerful Gains.(Financial report)
March 12, 2007... By Staff Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Fueled by rising sales, beefed up margins and tighter inventory controls, fourth-quarter profits at Kohl's Corp. soared up 29.3%, to $484.6 million from $374.9 million during the all-important Christmas...

Quaker Fabric Tumbles.
March 12, 2007... By Staff Fall River, Mass. -- Its sales fading fast, weighed down by a $7.7 million restructuring charge and steep expenses, Quaker Fabric continued to leak red ink during the fourth quarter, recording a $12.9 million loss, double its...

Builders Outlook Brightens.
March 12, 2007... By Staff Washington -- Builder confidence rose sharply in February, spurred by a jump in January home sales -- but that was before the nation's home builders had a chance to read about a steep slide in February sales that erased all of...

Housing Starts Stalling.
March 12, 2007... By Don Hogsett Washington -- In one more rough-and-tumble month for the nation's big housing market, sales skidded down at a double-digit pace in January for the two most forward looking indicators, housing starts and new home sales,...

Manufacturing Inches Ahead.
March 12, 2007... By Don Hogsett Tempe, Ariz. -- Extending its seesaw pattern of the past several months, the manufacturing sector staged something of a comeback in February, recovering from a drop the month before and moving ahead on all cylinders, at...

Comp Sales Finish Firm.(Statistical data)
March 12, 2007... By Staff New York -- Same-store retail sales growth tapered off slightly during the fourth and final week of February, rising by 2.9%, just behind the 3.0% growth put up the week before, the Johnson Redbook Index reported. But even...

February Chills Retail Sales.(Financial report)
March 12, 2007... By Don Hogsett New York -- In a soft and spotty start to the new retail fiscal year, severe winter weather kept consumers off the roads and away from the malls in many parts of the country during February, leaving key American retailers...

Enough with the Tiptoeing!
March 12, 2007... By Carole Sloan Once upon a time -- just back in the early '90s -- a specialty retailer came to the New York market and, as usual, visited a "major mill" with whom he was doing about a hundred grand on the special-order sheet and bedding...

Tears of Entrepreneurial Joy.
March 12, 2007... By Jennifer Marks I first attended one of the Anna's Linens annual vendor parties seven years ago, when the retailer celebrated its entry into the New Orleans market. Anna's had jumped the confines of its California base only a year...

CMI Names Bradshaw, Woll to New Posts.
March 12, 2007... By Staff Pawtucket, R.I. -- Braided texture area and accent rug company cmi has promoted and hired two executives. John Bradshaw has moved up to vp, national sales manager, and Robin Woll has been appointed EDI (Electronic Data...

Culture of India Informs ABC Home.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Eco-Friendly Wares Enhance Event New York -- The ethnic, cultural and artistic elements of past and present India were mixed with the sensibilities of today's environmental challenges in the month-long Gateway to India event...

Linens 'n Things Declares 'Year of Textiles'.
March 26, 2007... By Jennifer Marks Clifton, N.J. -- Fixing its lackluster textiles business will be a priority this year at Linens 'n Things as the company, now under private ownership, moves into the second year of its nine-year turnaround plan. "'07...

P/Kaufmann Expands Reach in 50th Year.(Company overview)
March 26, 2007... By Carole Sloan New York -- Unlike many of its competitors from the mid-20th century in the decorative fabric converting business that are no longer around, P/Kaufmann is building its business on a structure of diversification -- a move...

Suppliers Committed to High Point.
March 26, 2007... By Carole Sloan High Point, N.C. -- With the High Point Market the last of an ever-growing series of early-year markets for home textiles, exhibitors here this week foresee a possible drop-off in attendance by small retailers. However, a...

Bed Bath & Beyond Buys buybuyBABY.(Company overview)
March 26, 2007... By Staff Union, N.J. -- Adding to its expanding retail portfolio, Bed Bath & Beyond has acquired buybuyBABY, an eight-store infant products chain founded by Richard and Jeffrey Feinstein, two sons of Bed Bath & Beyond co-founder and...

Fred's 'Refresher' Plan Working.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Memphis, Tenn. -- Discount general merchandiser Fred's Inc. said in its earnings call last week that its strategic "store refresher" program is yielding positive results, with its emphasis on better merchandise selection, less...

Lauren Spa Goes Organic.
March 26, 2007... By Staff New York -- Polo Ralph Lauren Home is going green later this year with the rollout of a luxury organic program, Lauren Spa. Lauren Spa will debut in October at Lauren's top retail doors. The solid color program is...

Retail Briefs.
March 26, 2007... By Staff KKR Buying Dollar General Staff Private equity firm KKR is looking to acquire 8,260-unit Dollar General in a transaction valued at $7.3 billion, including about $380 million of net debt. The transaction is expected to...

Chris Stone Promotes Bernstein.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Los Angeles -- Andrea Bernstein has been promoted from director of marketing and merchandising to executive director marketing/merchandising of Los Angeles-based fabric mill Chris Stone. Her new role includes responsibilities...

cmi Introduces braidmats.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Pawtucket, R.I.-- Braided-texture area rugs and accessories manufacturer cmi (Colonial Mills Inc.) has created a new collection of indoor/outdoor braided mats it calls "braidmats." Intended to offer customers a wider range of...

HTT Welcomes Jeff Reeves.(Home Textiles Today)(Brief article)
March 26, 2007... By Staff New York -- Jeff Reeves has been hired as Account Manager South/East for Home Textiles Today. He will be based in Greensboro, N.C. Reeves has worked since 1995 in the market development of licensed merchandising programs,...

Sphinx Hires Welch for Southwest Sales.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Dalton, Ga. -- Sphinx by Oriental Weavers has hired 20-year floor covering industry veteran Kevin Welch, appointing him sales manager for the Southwest region Based in Dallas, Welch's region spans 10 states, from western...

Waverly Ready to Work as a NexCen Brand.
March 26, 2007... By Staff New York -- Waverly licensees are preparing for a new working relationship with NexCen, the brand management and acquisition firm that plans to acquire the Waverly brand from F. Schumacher & Co. NexCen will pay $36.75 million...

CB2 to Open in Manhattan.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Northbrook, Ill. -- CB2, the lifestyle retail concept of Crate & Barrel designed for a younger, more contemporary, hipper customer, will open its first store in New York at 451 Broadway, in lower Manhattan's trendy Soho district....

Feedback.(Letter to the editor)
March 26, 2007... By Staff Shift the Market Dates To the Editor: As you may remember, I spoke to you in market and said we would start our own market if the dates did not change. While that may seem outrageous, the weather that threatened to ruin...

Mohawk to Debut Woolrich Line.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Woolrich, Pa. -- Mohawk Home has partnered with Woolrich to create a collection of machine-made area and accent rugs. The line is to debut at the during the New York Home Fashions Market, which runs from Aug. 6-10. Woolrich...

Williams-Sonoma Retrenches Again on Pottery Barn.
March 26, 2007... By Cecile B. Corral Retailer to Re-embrace Lower Prices San Francisco -- With its largest brand, Pottery Barn, having suffered sorely over the fourth quarter and this past year, 588-store multi-platform retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc. is...

Comfort Drives Utility Bedding.
March 26, 2007... By Don Hogsett Consumers Buy Innovation in Pillows, Pads New York -- Sometimes an uneven economy carries benefits. Cash-strapped, fretful consumers, made all the more antsy by the housing market, seem to be getting more choosy about...

Surtex Plans Events.
March 26, 2007... By Staff White Plains, N.Y. -- When artists, buyers, and manufacturers seeking new art-based licenses arrive at the May 20-22 edition of Surtex, they will have 11 educational sessions to choose from, in three tracks: business, licensing,...

Surtex Names Student Design Winners.(Ya-Ling Hou, JeeSun Won, Lenna Salbashian, Kara Phillips gets award at Surtex 2007 International Student Design Competition)(Brief article)
March 26, 2007... By Staff White Plains, N.Y. -- Working off the theme "Nature's Inspiration," design students from 27 schools around the world participated in the Surtex 2007 International Student Design Competition. The Grand Prize was awarded to...

Atlanta Fine Linens Market Faces Issues.
March 26, 2007... By James Mammarella Attendees Suggest Changing Dates and Increasing Number of Exhibitors Atlanta -- The inaugural edition of the Atlanta International Fine Linens & Home Textiles Market generated walk-throughs by a range of local...

Carson's Swells Bon-Ton Results.
March 26, 2007... By Staff York, Pa. -- The Bon-Ton Stores reported fourth-quarter net income of $88.4 million, up 131.4% from $38.2 million for the same period one year ago. The 280-unit department store retailer reported full-year net income of $46.9...

Hancock Fabrics Declares Chapter 11, Obtains Financing.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Baldwyn, Miss. -- On March 21, struggling fabric and craft retailer Hancock Fabrics announced it had filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 relief in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, and said its...

Home Solid at Ross Stores.(earnings of Ross Stores Inc.)(Financial report)(Brief article)
March 26, 2007... By Staff Pleasanton, Calif. -- Home was a strong performer for Ross Stores last year. Home sales were driven by a strengthened buying team and improved execution just as weakness among some home furnishing retailers unleashed a host of...

Home a 'Troubled Category' at Stein Mart.(earings of Stein Mart Inc.)(Financial report)
March 26, 2007... By Cecile B. Corral Jacksonville, Fla. -- Linens was one of Stein Mart's "greater challenges" during the fourth quarter and all of last year as its home division "languished" and the mid-tier department store tried to recoup this segment...

Mystic Valley Teams with Bob Timberlake.(Mystic Valley Traders Inc.)(Brief article)
March 26, 2007... By Staff Woburn, Mass. -- Mystic Valley Traders has partnered with lifestyle furniture brand Bob Timberlake to create a luxury bedding line, which is set to debut at the High Point International Home Furnishings Market. The six...

Retailers Tepid in Trade-up to Green.(Company overview)
March 26, 2007... By Cecile B. Corral Stores Gingerly Test Pricey Eco-Friendly Products New York -- Environmentally friendly home textiles are not easy to find. But shoppers aren't really clamoring for them, at least not yet, say some retailers....

GLM Adds Textiles-Friendly Marketing Hook.
March 26, 2007... By Staff New York -- Trade show organizer George Little Management has registered to trademark the name "The New York Home Textiles Market Week." The name will be used as a marketing handle to coincide with its New York International Gift...

Hanung Prepares New Factory.(Hanung Toys and Textiles Ltd.)(Brief article)
March 26, 2007... By Staff Nsez, Noida, India -- Hanung Toys & Textiles Ltd. has embarked on a large-scale program that will expand its weaving, processing and sewing capacities. Hanung produces sheet sets, quilts, comforts sets, duvets, bed skirts,...

Valdese Expands U.S. Manufacturing.(Valdese Weavers Inc.)(Brief article)
March 26, 2007... By Staff Valdese, N.C. -- Valdese Weavers will expand its domestic manufacturing facilities with the acquisition of a 198,000-square-foot facility here, formerly owned by Carolina Mills. The new facility, the company's third factory here,...

Big Lots Reaffirms Home Trade-up.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Columbus, Ohio -- Speaking at the Merrill Lynch 30th Annual Retailing Leaders Conference last week, Big Lots chairman and ceo Steve Fishman emphasized that the $4.7 billion closeout retailer is shifting toward better home textiles...

Lorenz Luxury Line Thrives.
March 26, 2007... By Staff New York -- The Marlo Lorenz signature 5 Star collection of limited edition luxury pillows and throws have reached the shelves of Neiman Marcus, Horchow, and other high-end retailers in the 11 months since the launch, the company...

Southern Textiles Hires Rob McKinnon.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Forsyth, Ga. -- Rob McKinnon has joined Leggett & Platt's bedding division Southern Textiles as vp, sales, a new position. McKinnon, who reports to Richard Downing, division president, is responsible for managing sales to the...

Vanity Fair Intimates to License Home.
March 26, 2007... By Staff New York -- Vanity Fair Intimates has retained the licensing agency Concept Marketing Group for the development of a home furnishings collection. Fashion bed linens, utility bedding, mattresses, soft window treatments,...

GLM Staff Adds Duties.(promotions of Angenette Lynch and Melissa Engongoro at George Little Management L.L.C. )(Brief article)
March 26, 2007... By Staff White Plains, N.Y. -- George Little Management (GLM) has announced a series of staff changes for its semi-annual New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF), effective immediately. Angenette Lynch gains responsibility as the new...

People Briefs.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Dietch Joins Pillowtex Staff Official Pillowtex, LLC has hired Howard Dietch as director of licensing and new business development to manage and oversee the growth of the company's Cannon and Cannon Royal Family brands....

Sferra Taps DeLoca for Hospitality.
March 26, 2007... By Staff New York -- Sferra has named industry veteran Tom DeLoca vp of the hospitality division that was launched in fall 2006. DeLoca's experience includes hospitality product development, sourcing, and sales through distribution and...

Valdese Weavers Promotes Crisp.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Valdese, N.C. -- Joel Crisp has been promoted to vp of global operations at Valdese Weavers, and will direct the Valdese International Product (VIP) brand, in which products are designed and developed in the company's North...

Filicia to Promote Karastan.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Dalton, Ga. -- Karastan has partnered with Bravo TV's "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" star Thom Filicia to help the upscale rug company push its Decorating From the Floor Up in-store consumer event.Karastan recently expanded this...

Kane Retires from Chatelaine.(Gerry Kane)(Brief article)
March 26, 2007... By Staff New York -- Gerry Kane, a founder and president of Chatelane, Inc. and a principal of Samelson-Chatelane-Coral, has retired from the firm. Kane, who has worked in the industry since 1962, and was one of the founders of the...

Textillery Shows Charity Creations.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Bloomington, Ind. -- At the High Point International Home Furnishings Market, Mar. 26 - Apr. 1, Textillery Weavers will showcase Stone Belt Mixed Media Mosaics, which incorporate recycled Textillery yarns. The framed mosaics...

Double-Digit Price Hike Ahead in Cotton.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Washington -- Worldwide textile mill demand for cotton is expected to once again run ahead of production this year, putting continued upward pressure on the price of the raw material, which is now expected to climb by roughly 5%...

Discounters Drag Down Comps.
March 26, 2007... By Staff New York -- Hobbled by unexpected weakness at the nation's mass merchants, which offset continued strength at department stores, same-store retail sales rose by 4.0% during the second week of March, but came in well beneath plan...

LNT Soft Home Slide Yields Red Ink.
March 26, 2007... By Staff Clifton, N.J. -- Weighed down by debt and interest expense following its buyout by a private investment group, then squeezed by severely eroding margins and sharply higher costs -- compounded by a falloff in higher-margin textiles...

Walk a Mile in Retailer's Shoes.
March 26, 2007... By Jennifer Marks Are you a supplier to the independent specialty retailer market? Are you looking for avenues to build your brand? Interested in real-time feedback from consumers to help refine product development? Maybe you should...