Home Textiles Today back issues from February 2004:
Mini-market struggles to stay relevant.(Winter Market)(evolving from seasonal goods market)
Feb 02, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- The New York City February Mini-market is perpetually reinventing itself, just like the industry around it. This year's event is proving to be no different. After several years of consolidation in both the retailer and supplier communities, the Mini-market is ...
Dan River stock hits the rapids.
Feb 02, 2004; ... DANVILLE, VA. -- Taking a three-day roller-coaster ride, shares of Dan River Inc. see-sawed in sharp swings last week, rushing up by almost 40 percent on Tuesday, Jan. 27, before giving up some of its gains the next day, and then returning near its original price at $0.80 on Thursday, Jan ....
Countdown to quota elimination.(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- Hanging like a cloud over 2005--and raising the hackles of big textiles producers--is the scheduled Jan. 1 elimination of quotas between the United States and low-cost exporting nations, with China looming as the 1,000-pound gorilla. What does that date mean for an ...
Sears has full plate in 2004.(Sears, Roebuck and Co.)(Grand format planned)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004; ... HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL. -- Focusing on what is working in stores, while attempting to fix what is not, Sears has several objectives for this year, such as continuing to learn from its latest format, Sears Grand. It will open three more Grand formats this year, said Alan Lacy, ...
HSN promotes Marty Nealon.(Retail briefs)(Home Shopping Network Inc.)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... ST. PETERSBURG -- Marty Nealon has been promoted to president, U.S., of the television and Internet retailer HSN Home Shopping Network) from her position of executive vice president of merchandising, which she held since fall 2002. Reporting to Thomas McInerney, CEO, HSN and ...
TJX hires Naylor, promotes Campbell.(Retail briefs)(TJX Companies Inc.)(Jeffrey Naylor)(Donald Campbell)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... FRAMINGHAM, MASS. -- The TJX Companies, Inc. has named Jeffrey Naylor executive vice president, chief financial officer, effective Feb. 2. Donald Campbell, 52, current chief financial officer, assumes the newly created position of executive vice president, chief administrative and business ...
Sears makes Detter SVP, GMM.(Retail briefs)(senior vice president Roger Detter)(general merchandising manager)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL. -- Roger Detter has been appointed senior vice president and general merchandising manager at Sears, responsible for home fashions, hardware and paint, lawn and garden, recreation and automotive. He reports to Mark Cosby, president, full-line stores. ...
Saks appoints Frasch.(Retail briefs)
Feb 02, 2004 ... BIRMINGHAM, ALA. -- Saks Inc. announced that Ron Frasch has joined the company, where he will concentrate on international opportunities and private brand development. He reports to R. Brad Martin, chairman and CEO. ...
Pine Cone Hill launches new line.(bedding and accessories)(artist Kaffe Fassett designs)
Feb 02, 2004 ... PITTSFIELD, MASS. -- High-end bedding and accessories supplier, Pine Cone Hill, has launched a new line of products for the home with artist Kaffe Fassett. The vibrant new collection of quilts, sheets, rugs, micro-hooked pillows, tabletop and sleepwear--Kaffe Fassett for Pine ...
Coalition vows to be kingmaker in 2004.(textile trade group supports maintaining import quotas)
Feb 02, 2004 ... SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- A consortium of textile trade groups has vowed to get every worker in the industry--almost 1 million--to vote for the candidate they feel most strongly supports maintaining import quotas from China and preventing the loss of U.S. jobs overseas. Allen Gant of ...
WPS names vp of bed merchandising.(WestPoint Stevens Inc.)(vice president Scott Maddalene)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- Scott Maddalene has been named vice president, bed merchandising at WestPoint Stevens, effective Feb. 2. Most recently, Maddalene was managing director for WestPoint Stevens Europe in London. In his new New York-based role, he will manage the company's department ...
Blair looks to trade up with larger, upscale catalog.
Feb 02, 2004; ... WARREN, PENN. -- Looking to attract a new baby boomer customer, along with its traditionally older ones, Blair has mailed an expanded 180-page catalog in which half of the merchandise is more upscale or trendy. The merchandise repositioning has been gradually taking place over ...
Thomasville expanding its showroom.(Thomasville Home Furnishings )(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- Thomasville Home Furnishings will be expanding its space in suite 1619 of 295 Fifth Ave. by taking over two adjacent showrooms in time for the spring market. The expansion will take Thomasville's showroom space from about 2,000 square feet to 5,500 square feet. ...
Polymer announces appointments.
Feb 02, 2004 ... NORTH CHARLESTON, N.C. -- Polymer Group, Inc. announced the following organizational changes: Bruce Rockenfield has been named vice president of human resources. Rockenfield was previously vice president of human resources at Harnischfeger Corp./ P & H Mining Equipment in ...
CEO delivers straight talk on China.
Feb 02, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- Speaking bluntly on the scheduled removal of quotas, Paul Charron, the chairman and CEO of Liz Claiborne Inc., said, "We don't have the vaguest idea what's going to go on. It's going to be absolute chaos after 2005." But despite all the confusion surrounding January ...
Doomsday scenario unlikely, says CEO.
Feb 02, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- Even if quotas disappear on schedule in 2005--and he's not certain they will--Mackey McDonald, chairman and CEO of VF Corp., parent of Wrangler jeans, said he's not expecting a flood of textiles imports into the United States. Since American textiles and apparel ...
Developing a China strategy is key.
Feb 02, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- China has rapidly become "the world's factory," seizing the smoke-stack operations of more highly developed countries, notably the United States, and sending back low-cost imports, said Ira Kalish, global director, Deloitte Research, at the Financo seminar on a changing quota ...
Capps: vigilance will be needed.
Feb 02, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- When it comes to sourcing in a quota-free world, said W. Lee Capps III, president of operating services, Kellwood Co., "Remember that import limits will be removed in January--kind of." The reality is that "a sourcing strategy should be based on some restrictions ...
Fung predicts a time of instability, uncertainty.(William T. Fung)(textiles quotas)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- Though textiles quotas are set to lapse in 2005, those plans are likely to be shelved amid a hotly contested presidential election, said William T. Fung, managing director Li & Fung Ltd., the $4.8 billion Hong Kong-based company that recently acquired the Royal Velvet license. ...
The gloves are coming off.(Opinion Today)(political support by textile industry)
Feb 02, 2004; ... As the 2004 race for the White House heats up, and the upcoming round of primaries promises to narrow the Democratic field, executives from the textiles and fiber industries gathered last week in South Carolina to outline their terms for support. Very simply, they boil it down to this: ...
Welcome to the world of monopsony!(Opinion Today)(one company gains power)(suppliers' prices pushed down)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004; ... You don't know what it is--and neither did I till I read The Wall Street Journal last week and found out that many of the things we've been writing about in recent years actually had a name that sounds like a disease. It seems that with all the things confronting the home ...
Afghani rugs arrive in U.S., blankets head out.(International Marketing Gallery home)(money raised for clothing and blankets for Afghani people)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... SAN FRANCISCO -- International Marketing Gallery home (IMG home), a direct importer and manufacturer of home furnishings, announced the arrival of its first shipment of Afghani rugs. A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of the new rugs will go toward the $2 million IMG ...
Invista promotes four top executives pending sale.(People Today)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... WILMINGTON, DEL. -- Four Invista executives--William Ghitis, David Trerotola, Kenneth Wall and Alan Wolk--have accepted new positions at Invista, pending successful completion of the Invista sale to subsidiaries of Koch Industries. Each of the four will report to Jeff Walker, ...
Conran dies at 71.(People Today)(Hunter Douglas sales manager William Conran)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
Feb 02, 2004 ... UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J. -- William Conran, regional sales manager for Hunter Douglas, passed away Jan. 12 at his home in Clifton, N.J. He was 71. Having spent 27 years at Hunter Douglas, Conran was a key player in the growth and development of the Hunter Douglas North America ...
IFDA names its 2004 international board: Technology Venture's Blair tapped as president.(People Today)(International Furnishings and Design Association )(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... PRINCETON JUNCTION, N.J. -- The International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) has announced its new international board of directors for 2004. Constance Blair, president and CEO of Technology Ventures, Inc., based in Warren, Mich., has succeeded to the presidency. ...
IMRA morphs into RILA.(People Today)(International Retail Association)(Retail Industry Leaders Association)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... ARLINGTON, VA. -- In an effort to more effectively mirror its membership and mission, the International Retail Association's board of directors has voted to change its name to Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA). "Retail Industry Leaders Association better reflects who we ...
Mixed signals from housing market.(Business Today)
Feb 02, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- The broad housing market, a driver of the U.S. economy over the past two years, continued to send out mixed signals as 2003 drew to a close. Sales of existing homes and housing starts both climbed higher in December, while sales of new homes slacked off for a fourth straight ...
Trade group bullish on housing.(Business Today)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004 ... WASHINGTON -- Coming off one of the strongest housing markets in years during 2003, the nation's home builders say they're poised for another strong showing, as historically low mortgage rates continue to drive business. "Based on our expectations for mortgage rates, house-price ...
Mill's woes 'fundamental'.(Business Today)(Dan River Inc.)(Brief Article)
Feb 02, 2004; ... CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Ongoing problems at Dan River Inc. "appear to be fundamental," and possibly of long-term duration, said high-yield textiles analyst Jeffrey S. Stewart, of Charlotte-based Wachovia Securities. Stewart, a long-time observer of the home fashions industry, said ...
Confidence is high but job concerns linger.(Business Today)(consumer confidence)
Feb 02, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- With Americans feeling good about the overall health of the nation's economy, and optimistic about what lies ahead over the next six months, consumer confidence hit its highest level in 18 months in January, The Conference Board reported. Recovering from a dip the ...
Selling units, Sears triples profits.(Business Today)(department store Sears, Roebuck and Co.)
Feb 02, 2004; ... HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL. -- Banking $4.1 billion from the sale of its credit-card and financial-services business, Sears, Roebuck and Co. more than tripled fourth-quarter profits, which soared by 224.2 percent, to $2.7 billion from $848 million last year. In another non-recurring ...
Bad weather slows strong sales.(Business Today)
Feb 02, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- With retailers clearing apparel off their shelves to make way for spring and warm-weather merchandise, same-store retail sales perked up during the third week of January. Sales rose by 3.9 percent over year-ago levels, besting the 3.5 percent gain of the prior week, the Redbook ...
Wall Street watch for the week ended January 29, 2004.(Business Today)
Feb 02, 2004 ... <Pre> HTT StockDow Jones Index* Industrials 2545.02 10510.3 +1.35% -1.06% NASDAQ S&P Industrial 500 2068.23 1134.11 -2.4%-0.86% Greatest gains during the weekCLOSING PERCENT COMPANY ...
Calendar.(Calendar)
Feb 02, 2004 ... FEBRUARY 1-5 Home Textiles Winter Market New York showrooms. 2-5 New York International Gift Fair Javits Center New York (800) 272-SHOW www.glmshows.com 7-11 San ...
Federated Department Stores moves to centralize home.
Feb 09, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- In a sweeping move that introduces central buying and merchandising to Federated Department Stores, the retailer last week announced the formation of the Macy's Home Store for all divisions except New York-based Bloomingdale's. The move, according to Terry Lundgren, ...
Mohawk's profits rise on strong sales.
Feb 09, 2004; ... CALHOUN, GA. -- Helped by a double-digit gain in sales and deep cuts in interest costs, fourth-quarter profits at Mohawk Industries Inc. shot up by 21.3 percent, to $102.1 million from $84.2 million last year. Sales at the diversified producer of floor coverings and home ...
Nicole Miller signs with Bed Bath, won't go beyond.
Feb 09, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- When it comes to home, Nicole Miller has decided she's a one-store kind of gal. Miller's line of bedding and bath, which began arriving at retail a little under one year ago, is now exclusive to Bed Bath & Beyond. "We like the (exclusivity) idea. Rather than running ...
Linens 'n Things rocks 'n rolls: company sees profits up almost 15 percent.
Feb 09, 2004; ... CLIFTON, N.J. -- Helped by its strongest same-store sales gain in the past two years, as well as lower costs and interest expense, Linens 'n Things pushed fourth-quarter profits up by 14.5 percent, to $46.1 million from $40.2 million last year. Sales in the Christmas quarter ...
Retailer remains bullish on textiles, sees opportunities.(Linens 'n Things.)
Feb 09, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- Textiles remains a priority for Linens 'n Things, and though the retailer has made considerable progress on some initiatives, the company sees a lot of opportunity, executives said during a fourth quarter conference call last week. "There's momentum in that ...
Depot and Lowe's win ENERGY awards.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has bestowed two home improvement retailers with ENERGY STAR awards, which are held annually to recognize companies and organizations for contributions to environmental protection and energy efficiency through partnerships ...
Filene's unit in Massachusetts to add more home.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... May Department Stores has announced plans to expand its Filene's store at Emerald Square, North Attleboro, Mass. into the space currently occupied by Lord & Taylor. This will allow that Filene's unit to increase its offering of home merchandise, as well as men's furnishings and apparel. As ...
Survey reveals holiday shopping trends.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- There was a twist to consumers' shopping patterns over the 2003 holiday season, according to a recent survey by WSL Marketing. Although mass merchants and department stores attracted the most shoppers again during the recent season, the number of shoppers who said ...
Avian flu ruffles feather & down supplies.
Feb 09, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- U.S. suppliers of feather and down said it is still too early to assess the impact of avian flu on the main duck and goose populations of Southeast Asia. Price increases will continue and product shortfalls could result from a potentially decreased supply of ...
Lacey Mills gets into the season.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004; ... CARTERSVILLE, GA. -- Lacey Mills Inc. launched its first line of seasonal kitchen mats, consisting of domestically-made and imported product in a variety of patterns, prints, and constructions. The line comprises a mix of natural and synthetic fibers. "We recognized a ...
Peking Handicraft International hits some new tones.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- PHI (Peking Handicraft International) has added five new fall tones to its core Silkallure program, bringing the palette up to 11 colors. It also added two new bedding patterns: Bella Donna, a comforter featuring a rushed tucking technique, and Ravenna, a quilt with vermicelli ...
C & F Enterprises feels the holiday cheer.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- C&F Enterprises showed a bounty of holiday styles with about 20 percent more product in the showroom overall. Some of the new looks included its Holiday Elegance faux silk line, Enchantment collection, 50 quilted throws, a dozen quilt patterns and 12 accent rugs ....
Lawrence Home Fashions plans something for everyone.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- Look for Lawrence Home Fashions to introduce a new embossed microsuede bed with flowers and gold trim, as well as a pieced corduroy and jacquard pattern with leather fastens. In sheets, Lawrence will be launching 300 to 350 thread-count cotton sateens with novelty ...
Arlee Home Fashions, New York, has added tapestry throws in 12 designs.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... * Arlee Home Fashions, New York, has added tapestry ...
Monticello, Ark.-based Burlington Rugs has introduced seasonal comfort mats as 2-by-3 sub-dyed cushion mats.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... * Monticello, Ark.-based Burlington Rugs has introduced seasonal comfort mats ...
Ex-Cell Home Fashions, New York, has added the throw category to its product mix.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... * Ex-Cell Home Fashions, New York, has added the throw category to its product mix. It's showing two collections that coordinate with its dec pillows: Marrakesh, with a $29.99 retail, and Embossed Velvet, with a $24.99 retail. Both are 50-by-60 inches and are ...
Accent-, bath- and area-rug importer JWS Associates, Atlanta, is soft launching a housewares division, including storage items.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... * Accent-, bath- and area-rug importer JWS Associates, Atlanta, is soft launching a housewares division, including storage items ....
Niles, Ill.-based Revere Mills has upgraded its three-piece bath ensembles from Pakistan.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... * Niles, Ill.-based Revere Mills has upgraded its three-piece bath ensembles from Pakistan, ...
Sure Fit unveils new lineup.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- Sure Fit's new showroom will feature an entertaining theme with an emphasis on the dining room and holidays this coming market. New products include decorative table runners and tree skirts. One of Sure Fit's new patterns is Foliage Jacquard in rayon cotton, which ...
The colors of Maison & Objet.
Feb 09, 2004; ... PARIS -- It was a contradiction in color at Maison & Objet here last month. On one hand lots of color, especially in the red to orange family in fabrics and bed and bath. On the other hand, a serene abundance of neutrals and naturals, especially at the very upper end of the bedding market ....
Something strange is in the air.(Column)
Feb 09, 2004; ... At the Mini-market in New York last week, the aroma of uncertainty hung in the air. No, it wasn't the usual "what happened to all the retailers?" fuss that kicks up around markets. The fact that there were few retailers around--and that most of those who turned up live within ...
Where are we headed?(Home textiles.)(Column)
Feb 09, 2004; ... Is the home textiles world really coming to a massive rupture? We've all seen the Asian invasion, and there are those that are still in denial on that subject, while others are attempting to bring the positives and negatives to a meeting point. Now we have some major ...
Spiegel sales dive amid reorganization.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... DOWNERS GROVE, ILL. -- The Spiegel Group reported net sales of $98.6 million for the four weeks ended Jan. 31, a 27 percent decrease compared to net sales of $135.6 million for the four weeks ended Jan. 25, 2003. The company also reported that comparable-store sales for its ...
Klein returns to Macy's East as chairman/CEO: former vice chairman replaces Hal Kahn.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... CINCINNATI -- Federated Department Stores, Inc. announced that Ronald Klein, 55, will be returning to Macy's East as chairman and CEO of the New York-based division, effective Feb. 15. Klein, who previously served as vice chairman of Macy's East, succeeds Hal Kahn, 58, who is ...
Kohl's net sales up, comps anemic.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... MENOMONEE FALLS, WIS. -- Kohl's Corporation came out of the post-holiday season with a strong sales performance for January--up 14.5 percent--but comps were wheezing with a 0.3 percent gain. Comp performance for the quarter fared worse--down 2.1 percent for the 13 weeks ended ...
Fred's reports record sales numbers.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... MEMPHIS, TENN. -- Fred's reported record sales for the fourth quarter and the full fiscal year ended Jan. 31, and the company said it expects more of the same in the new fiscal year. For the quarter, sales jumped 17 percent and comps rose 5.1 percent, on top of a 7 percent gain ...
Ashford Court taps Garofalo as new vp.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... RICHMOND, VA. -- Ashford Court has appointed John Garofalo to the newly created position of vice president, sales and marketing. He is based at headquarters in ...
Capelli New York launches home fashion department.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004; ... NEW YORK -- Capelli New York, a manufacturer of fashion accessories, sleepwear, footwear, toy/novelty and home products, recently created a home fashion division to be led by industry veteran Loretta Gallion. Gallion, who has served as director of sales and marketing at Capelli ...
Former Cotton Inc. svp Abes dies at 73.(Obituary)
Feb 09, 2004 ... NEW YORK -- Richard Abes, former Cotton Incorporated senior vice president of administration and assistant to the president, died in Bellmore, N.Y. last week after a long illness. He was 73. Abes was one of the first employees hired by Cotton Incorporated in 1970 at its ...
Bridgeford promoted to top strategic post.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Lowe's Companies has promoted Gregory M. Bridgeford to executive vice president of Business Development. Bridgeford, a 22-year Lowe's veteran, oversees all aspects of Lowe's development of new business opportunities, strategic planning, research and ...
Hunter Douglas wins award.(Brief Article)
Feb 09, 2004 ... UPPER SADDLE RIVER, N.J. -- Window manufacturer Hunter Douglas has won an award for a video it developed to introduce Alouette Light Louvers, a window covering introduced in September. "Imagination" garnered a bronze in the 14th Annual Galaxy 2003 Awards Competition ...