Home Textiles Today back issues from September 2003:
Sears wants a better Great Indoors.(Sears, Roebuck and Co.)
Sep 01, 2003; ... HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL -- Fine tuning its business strategy, Sears' The Great Indoors division has a long to-do list ahead of it: remodeling stores, launching a new private label program and revamping its marketing message. Under The Great Indoors label--"a great asset to ...
Decosit finds field of dreams.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... BRUSSELS, BELGIUM -- While no single design statement dominates Decosit and Textiles d'Interieur Premier, fabrics with embellishments--either woven or applied--offer a variety of new looks. Colors run the gamut as exhibitors make their appeals to specific regions. ...
Keeco sees reward for rebuilding.
Sep 01, 2003; ... SAN FRANCISCO -- During the past 18 months Keeco LLC has undergone a complete overhaul, investing $10 million-plus on its infrastructure in China and another $10 million on its U.S. operations, resulting in what will be an explosion of new product offerings at the upcoming market. ...
Muscalino rises for Dan River challenge.
Sep 01, 2003 ... DANVILLE, VA -- Dan River named Tom Muscalino, president of the home fashions division, the company's new president and coo last week. Current president and coo Richard Williams moved to the position of vice chairman and will retire effective Dec. 26. Dan Hammer, ...
Issues decided, will Pillowtex bidders line up?
Sep 01, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- With the timetable extended for the Pillowtex auction and bid qualifications eased, an attorney for Pillowtex's unsecured creditors' committee believes there may be a very active auction of the company's assets during an Oct. 2 liquidation. "We've had dozens of calls ...
Dollar General names president; execs reshuffled.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Lawrence Jackson has been appointed president and coo of Dollar General, effective Sept. 22. Reporting to David Perdue, chairman and ceo, Jackson will oversee all business operations of the company, including store operations, merchandising, new store development and supply-chain ...
September sales most affected by weather.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Consumer demand for seasonal merchandise this September is expected to climb 12 percent, as Planalytics expects the country to be cooler in most areas compared to last year. Monthly same-store sales are historically most affected by the weather during September and October, according to a ...
Gottschalks sees improvements during second quarter.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Gottschalks saw better second quarter results from its new merchandise replenishment system and improved inventory flow, which resulted in a gross margin improvement of 50 basis points, said Jim Famalette, president and ceo. Frequently out of stock on sizes and basic items previously, it ...
Sure Fit and Bed, Bath and Beyond Inc. partner in Fashion Institute of Technology contest.
Sep 01, 2003 ... Sure Fit and Bed Bath & Beyond have joined in a special design contest at the Fashion Institute of Technology for students majoring in display and exhibit design. The winning designer will have his or her project on display in a portion of Sure Fit's holiday window space ...
A story on Crown Crafts in the Aug. 18 issue stated that sales had declined at the company's Goodwin Weavers division.(Correction Notice)
Sep 01, 2003 ... A story on Crown Crafts in the Aug. 18 issue stated that sales had declined at the company's Goodwin Weavers division ....
A story in the Aug. 25 issue reported that Kohl's Corp. projected that same-store sales for the third quarter could decline as much as 3.0 percent.(Correction Notice)
Sep 01, 2003 ... A story in the Aug. 25 issue reported that Kohl's Corp. projected that same-store sales for the third quarter could decline ...
Kmart finds less is more in 2nd Qtr.
Sep 01, 2003; ... TROY, MI -- Helped by sharply stronger margins and lower costs, and putting behind it many of the bankruptcy and restructuring costs that dogged the bottom line a year ago, Kmart Holding Corp. reported a narrowed second quarter loss of $5 million, compared with a year-ago deficit of $293 ...
Fabric suppliers see uptick in Europe.
Sep 01, 2003; ... BRUSSELS, BELGIUM -- Europe is viewed as the main bright spot for American decorative fabric suppliers in their global sales efforts. Overall, many believe, the negative international scenario that has prevailed for several years for the American textiles industry has bottomed ...
Decosit/TIP: embellishments.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Random thick and thin slubs highlight Eliza, a satin plain weave from Akarca Tekstil, polyester. Turkey. (TIP) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Velvet flowers are embroidered on a silk taffeta, style #E-93559 from Banaras, India. (TIP) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...
Decosit/TIP: global heritage.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... A lustrous sheen highlights Ankara, a printed velvet from J. B. Martin, polyester. USA. (Decosit) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sophisticated scroll work in subtle colors is featured by Algemene on its Amarone quality, pattern #BJV1, viscose/polyester. Belgium. (Decosit) ...
Decosit/TIP: contemporary.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Blumenthal mixes a variety of weaves from satin to textured in Clairvoyant, rayon/polyester/acrylic. USA. (Decosit) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Using a classic bargello technique, Sunbury creates a contemporary look with Bargello Frame, Sunbrella solution-dyed acrylic ....
Decosit/TIP: novelty.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... Ashley Wilde creates sunburst effects in gold and copper printed on silk, 137 centimeters wide. England. (Decosit) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bruvatex-Sagaert & Speyer puts a bit of whimsy in its jacquard toile, style #10339 on Varese, cotton/rayon. Belgium. (Decosit) ...
Woolrich, OWA team up.(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... WOOLRICH, PA -- Continuing to build its home division of furniture, upholstery, lighting and home textiles, Woolrich Inc. has paired up with Oriental Weavers of America to produce a licensed collection of area rugs. Its the newest addition to the Woolrich Home Furnishings ...
Linn launches own firm.(Valborg Fletre Linn launches VFL Designs)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- Industry veteran Valborg Fletre Linn is gearing up for the launch this fail of her high-end area rug company, VFL Designs. Linn, who for 10 years worked for Park B. Smith Ltd. as its director of design and merchandising, has spent the past 16 months working as an ...
Gordon to head nat'l accounts at Shaw.(Bill Gordon)(Shaw Rugs)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... DALTON, GA -- Bill Gordon, who has worked for Shaw Rugs for almost 10 years, has been promoted to the newly created post of vp, national accounts. He was formerly the company's regional manager for the Southeastern and Southwestern US. Prior to joining Shaw Rugs, ...
The 'Great' debate.(Opinion Today)(Sears, Roebuck and Co.)(Great Indoors format)
Sep 01, 2003; ... Three years ago, I happened to be standing within earshot of the Great Indoors' then-president Bob Roberts. He was approached by one of the industry's top suppliers, who grabbed his hand and said: "I hope you grow. I really need you to grow." Last week, Sears announced Chat it ...
Spain when it sizzles.(Opinion Today)(department store El Cortes Ingles S.A.)(home textiles excitement)
Sep 01, 2003; ... Barcelona, long a leader in home furnishings on the design edge, sadly seems to have slipped somewhat into the design ennui that is so apparent in the United States. For years, there has been a bevy of specialty retailers showcasing the newest--and the best--that home ...
Gottschalks gets back into the black.(Business Today)(Gottschalks Inc.)(Illustration)
Sep 01, 2003; ... FRESNO, CA -- Helped by stronger margins and sharply lower costs, Gottschalks Inc. eased back into the black during the second quarter, recording a small $25,000 profit vs. a prior-year loss of $2.1 million. After closing seven stores, overall sales at the West Coast retailer ...
Same-stores continue ascent.(Business Today)(Illustration)
Sep 01, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Buoyed by unexpectedly strong sales at the nation's discounters and a better than expected Back-to-School season, same-store sales continued their climb during the third week of August, the Redbook Retail Sales Average reported, advancing by 4.1 percent and improving on a 3.5 ...
Hope in the future.(Business Today)(consumer confidence up)
Sep 01, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- Consumer confidence perked up by 5.6 percent in August, recovering from a drop in July, as consumers liked what they saw coming up in the economy and the jobs market. And important to future spending plans, they're clearly more bullish about their prospects for a ...
Jo-Ann takes slight loss in Q2.(Business Today)(Jo-Ann Stores Inc.)(Illustration)
Sep 01, 2003; ... HUDSON, OH -- With costs climbing sharply higher due to rising payroll and distribution costs, and margins thinning out under markdown pressure, Jo-Ann Stores Inc., a fabric and crafts chain, recorded a $2.2 million loss, compared with a prior-year profit. Taking another bite ...
Hancock profits up double digits.(Business Today)(Hancock Fabrics Inc.)
Sep 01, 2003 ... TUPELO, MS -- Helped by wider margins and stronger sales, second-quarter profits at fabric and crafts retailer Hancock Fabrics grew by 12.6 percent, to $4.2 million from $3.8 million last year. Sales increased by 3.7 percent, to $96.1 million from $92.7 million a year ago ....
Pushing Depot, Lowe's grows quickly in Q2.(Business Today)(Lowe's Companies Inc.)
Sep 01, 2003; ... WILKESBORO, NC -- Building on stronger sales, wider margins and lower costs, Lowe's Companies Inc., the home improvement retailer, drove second-quarter profits by 27.8 percent, to $597.0 million from $467.0 million a year ago. Giving larger arch-rival Home Depot an unexpected ...
Existing homes, starts jump in July.(Business Today)(Illustration)
Sep 01, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Still riding high despite a modest uptick in interest rates, the broad U.S. housing market remained relatively strong during July as sales of existing homes rose to a record high and housing starts climbed to their highest level in 17 years. The only blip in the ...
Durables improve.(Business Today)(orders up for durable goods)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... WASHINGTON -- In one more sign that the economy may be slowly righting itself, orders for durable goods improved by 1.0 percent in July, led by a big spike in demand for ears, the U.S. Commerce Department reported. Orders for durable goods big--ticket items like cars and air ...
Dan River outlook lowered.(Business Today)(Dan River Inc.)(Brief Article)
Sep 01, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Due to Dan River's high debt load and continued pressure from low-cost, off-shore competition, Standard & Poor's has revised the producer's outlook to "negative" from "stable." At the same time, S&P affirmed the company's "B+" corporate credit rating and its "B-" ...
Wall Street watch for the week ended August 28, 2003.(Business Today)(Illustration)
Sep 01, 2003 ... <Pre> HTT Stock Index * 2704.33 +2.41% NASDAQ Industrial 1800.18 +1.27% Dow Jones Industrials 9374.21 -0.52% S&P 500 1002.84 -0.04% Greatest gains during the weekCLOSING PERCENT COMPANYPRICE ...
And the Oscar goes to Rose Tree.(Oscar de la Renta designs for Rose Tree Linens)
Sep 08, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- Oscar de la Renta will make his home textiles debut in spring 2004 with a bedding and table linens license with Dallas-based Rose Tree Linens. The designer launched his first home furnishings collection with Century Furniture in October 2003 at the International Home ...
P'tex KERP challenged by creditors, union, paper.(Pillowtex Key Employee Retention Program)
Sep 08, 2003; ... WILMINGTON, DE -- Last Friday's deadline for objecting to the Pillowtex Key Employee Retention Program has been extended by the federal bankruptcy court through at least today (Sept. 8) as creditors, the company's union and a newspaper prepare arguments for a scheduled hearing this Friday ....
Taking the place of P'tex: solid color preview.(Pillowtex)
Sep 08, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- To say the demise of Pillowtex left a void in the solid-color sheet and towel segment would be an understatement. The event actually created tremendous opportunity for suppliers already producing solid-color sheets and towels as well as for others rising to the challenge of ...
Sears mulls Grand growth.(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Although the new Sears Grand format will remain in "pilot mode" for two years following its debut next month in Salt Lake City, the off-the-mall prototype could eventually replace up to 300 undersized mall stores in the retailer's portfolio, chairman and ceo Alan Lacy said last ...
Already growing, Maples looks for more.(Maples Industries)
Sep 08, 2003; ... SCOTTSBORO, AL -- Maples Industries during the past year has experienced one of its strongest periods of growth, galvanized by increased placements at existing and new retail channels as well as the expansion of its basic bath rug business. Now, with the Pillowtex bath rug ...
Gap exec leads Kmart creativity.(Retail briefs)(Lisa Schultz appointed)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... Kmart has hired Lisa Schultz as senior vp and chief creative officer, a new position, to oversee Kmart's "creative vision" as it pertains to product and merchandising. Schultz was executive vp of product development and design at The Gap and also held executive positions at Ralph Lauren ...
Wal-Mart vet new home divisional merch manager.(Retail briefs)(Paul Beahm appointed)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... Wal-Mart named 16-year veteran Paul Beahm vp, dmm, domestics, reporting to Lois ...
The Bon-Ton submits offer for Elder-Beerman.(Retail briefs)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... The Bon-Ton Stores has submitted a firm offer to Elder-Beerman that would give the latter's shareholders $7.00 per share in cash for their common stock. Bon-Ton would commence a ...
Saks stores seek more distinction.(Retail briefs)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... Saks Department Store Group plans to boost the amount of exclusive merchandise in its assortment to 30 percent within the next year or so from 25 percent, ...
ShopKo prototype ready to go.(Retail briefs)(ShopKo Stores)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... ShopKo will re-grand open a pair of new-generation stores with a series of special events kicking off Sept. 14. The stores, located in Ashwaubenon and Neenah, WI, were reformatted to include new space allocations in ...
Former Beacon plant burns.(Beacon Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... SWANNANOA, NC -- Investigators from a local arson task force will begin searching the remains of the former Beacon Mfg. blanket plant here, which was destroyed by fire last week. The century-old, four-story plant--originally built in 1904 in New Bedford, MA, and relocated ...
For the record.(Correction Notice)
Sep 08, 2003 ... The Pillowtex story appearing in the Sept. 2 issue should have stated that attorneys for Welspun India were ...
Sheridan USA takes tiered tact.(redefining brand)
Sep 08, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- The challenge: redefine a well-known brand and make it stand for something. The plan: come out with competitive pricing on bed-in-a-bags, comforter sets and jacquards. Armed with these objectives, Sheridan USA has been feverishly developing a good/better/best strategy to help ...
Terrisol now known as Karsten America.(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- Looking to broaden its brand recognition, Brazilian terry manufacturer Karsten is changing the name of its U.S. subsidiary. Terrisol Corp. now becomes Karsten America. Karsten is making similar changes to its other offices worldwide. The launch of the new ...
Scala spans broader spectrum.(Scala International introduces new lines)
Sep 08, 2003; ... NEW YORK -- Scala International is tapping into luxury brand specialists to expand into a host of new product categories: fine Italian sheets, tremendously oversized Turkish towels, and intricate infant bedding as well as matelasses, coverlets, throws and blankets. Partnerships ...
Down Lite builds on FL Wright legacy.(Frank Lloyd Wright)
Sep 08, 2003; ... MASON, OH -- Down Lite International will unveil an exclusive Frank Lloyd Wright bedding line at the Marriott Marquis during the New York Home Textiles Market this month. Developed in conjunction with the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the full line includes top of bed and sheeting. ...
DTI's new name: Invista.(DuPont Textiles & Interiors)
Sep 08, 2003; ... WILMINGTON, DE -- DuPont Textiles & Interiors (DTI) has changed its name to Invista, a move designed to further distance the company from its corporate parent, DuPont, which is planning to divest itself from the business. Invista will be the world's largest integrated fibers and ...
Caesarea spreads its wings.(Caesarea Creations)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Bath rug manufacturer Caesarea Creations is spreading its wings, relocating into a new 2,200-square-foot showroom at 261 Fifth Ave. here. The 43-year-old Israeli company has been selling in the United States for four years. Although it offers some accent rugs, it ...
Home & Harmony opens NYC showroom.
Sep 08, 2003 ... ATLANTA -- Home & Harmony has opened a New York showroom, the brand's first permanent residence in the city since its official launch this past January at Heimtextil in Frankfurt. The luxury brand, marketed by sourcing consultancy HomeSource International, encompasses bedding ...
Soft home at Baker taking off.(Baker Furniture)
Sep 08, 2003; ... GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Furniture manufacturer Baker Furniture appears to be going soft. Baker's home textiles assortment has grown to a quarter of total accessory sales and is expected to grow between 10 percent to 15 percent yearly, said Steve Silveira, manager of fabric ...
Executive Women set b'fast date.(Executive Women in Home Textiles breakfast)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Whether the U.S. is "global sourcing friendly" or not will be the topic at the Executive Women in Home Textiles' semi-annual market week breakfast on Sunday, Sept. 21. Panelists include Laura Jones, executive director of the U.S. Association of Importers of Textiles & Apparel; ...
Meet the neighbors: in a country where manufacturing is still king, the U.S. market beckons.(Brazil)
Sep 08, 2003 ... Think of it as other southern textiles region. Like the U.S., Brazil's textiles industry extends back more than 100 years. But unlike their counterparts in the U.S., Brazilian manufacturers are continuing to build out their manufacturing facilities and see a strong industrial ...
The big six: the leaders of the pack.(Brazilian home textiles industry)
Sep 08, 2003 ... While Brazil's home textiles community has a broad manufacturing base, six companies lead the industry in size and export volume. They are moderately sized operations by U.S. standards. The country's largest mill, Coteminas, dial roughly $303.5 million in sales last year, with ...
The fine art of textiles.(Blue Gardenia, Paola Da Vinci)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... There is another side to Brazilian textiles industry, the niche producers who deal in crafting luxury goods for the international market. Blue Gardenia is a four-store boutique known for fine bed linens, table linens, decorative pillows, delicate window panels and infant bedding. But Blue ...
828 grows Cabana collection.(828 International)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... GREENVILLE, SC -- 828 International is expanding its Cabana Joe Maui collection to include a new line of natural fiber rugs made of abaca. The company will launch these new offerings in October at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC. These new rugs are ...
Sferra goes wild with Nat'l Geo.(National Geographic)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... EDISON, NJ -- Sferra Bros. has teamed up with National Geographic to launch a new bedding and accessories collection, focusing on foreign lands in a line that is a "total departure," said Paul Hooker, president. At an upper moderate price point--a queen duvet will retail between ...
West Elm ready to sprout limbs.(opening store, expanding Web site)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003; ... BROOKLYN, NY -- West Elm is preparing to go to the next level. The Williams-Sonoma catalog featuring accessibly priced goods for younger apartment dwellers, which launched in summer 2003, will in coming weeks open its first bricks-and-mortar store and expand product offerings to ...
The big bang.(Opinion Today)(home textiles market expansions)
Sep 08, 2003; ... If there's a theme that's emerging to describe the upcoming New York Home Textiles Market it can be encapsulated in one word: explosion. One hates to raise the subject of Pillowtex again, but the aftershock of the mill's implosion is reverberating out across the industry. It's ...
Selling to the other side.(Opinion Today)(marketing home textiles)
Sep 08, 2003; ... Someone's finally getting it. "It" is the concept that home textiles can be a prosperous business outside the narrow confines of conventional home textiles retailing. It's been a decade or so that many suppliers of home textiles have been bemoaning what they consider ...
HSN names Jones as vp, soft home.(Kassie Jones joins Home Shopping Network)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003; ... ST. PETERSBURG, FL -- The Great Indoors veteran Kassie Jones has joined television network retailer HSN as vp, soft home, reporting to Marty Nealon, executive vp, merchandising. Jones enjoyed her experience at The Great Indoors, where, as vp, gmm, soft lines, she was one of the ...
Terrisol adds designer.(Carla Grosso appointed)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- Bath and beach towel and table linens supplier Terrisol Corp. recently appointed Carla Grosso as design director for beach towels, including in-house and licensed brands. Grosso has been working in the home textiles industry for 10 years. Most recently she ...
Biederlack taps sales mgr.(Biederlack of America appoints Michael Romero)(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... CUMBERLAND, MD -- Michael Romero has joined Biederlack of America, a blanket and throw supplier, as national sales manager. Romero joins Biederlack after 19 years at Louisville Bedding, most recently as vice president of sales and marketing. At Biederlack, he will ...
HomeTex design award ceremony roster finalized.(Brief Article)
Sep 08, 2003 ... NEW YORK -- The Home Fashions Products Association has announced the roster of industry executives who will make up the dais during the HomeTex design awards ceremony Sept. 21 at the Fashion Institute of Technology here. Retailers include Charles Chinni, executive vp and gmm, ...