Home Textiles Today back issues from November 2008:
Fashion Brightens Bath Outlook.
Nov 03, 2008; ... By Cecile B. Corral Embellishments, Stripes Lift Category New York --When times are tough, the rule of thumb is "stick to basics." Not so, say bath towel suppliers. Even in this most challenging economy, the fundamental white or ivory bath towels that ...
Platt to Helm Brand Matter.(Hilco Consumer Capital)(Windsong)(Brand Matter appointed Rick Platt )(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff New York --Rick Platt has been named president of Brand Matter, a new licensing and marketing company in a joint venture partnership with private equity firm Hilco Consumer Capital and brand capital firm Windsong. The venture's fashion brands under ...
Fortunoff Hires Bobkin, Kwon.(appointments of Mitch Bobkin and Sam Kwon)(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Uniondale, N.Y. -- Longtime home fashions executive Mitch Bobkin has joined specialty retailer Fortunoff as fashion director for furniture, rugs, lamps and wall art. He also will buy decorative accessories. Bobkin, who was most recently with retailer Domain, ...
JCP Limits Severance Packages.(JCPenney Company Inc.)(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Plano, Texas --The JCPenney board of directors has conditionally set a cap of 2.99 times annual base salary and target bonus on any future severance agreements with senior executives. ...
Michael Day's Duties Expand at Swavelle.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff New York --Michael Day, vp and design director of the Textile Fabric Associates (TFA) division of Swavelle/Mill Creek, has assumed responsibility for the indoor and outdoor upholstery fabric development and design at Swavelle as well. The upholstery fabric ...
Stein Mart Seeks Top Executive.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Jacksonville, Fla. -- Mid-tier off-price department store chain Stein Mart Inc. has embarked on a nationwide search to replace its current president and ceo, Linda McFarland Farthing. Farthing, who has been a member of the company's board of directors since ...
Beaulieu Promotes Tuck on Residential Side.(Beaulieu Canada Co. promoted Wayne R.G. Tuck)(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Acton Vale, Quebec, Canada --Beaulieu Canada has promoted Wayne R.G. Tuck to the position of evp of sales. In his new stint, which he assumed in late September, Tuck is responsible for national sales of the company's residential product package. He reports ...
MFG.com Launches Online Marketplace for Textiles.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Atlanta -- MFG.com -- an Internet global sourcing platform for manufacturers and buyers -- has launched into the textiles arena. More than 15,000 textiles buyers and factories covering home, apparel and industrial textiles are currently registered in the MFG ...
Gottschalks to Appeal Trading Suspension.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Fresno, Calif. Western department store chain Gottschalks will appeal a ruling by the New York Stock Exchange to suspend trading of its shares. The NYSE suspended trading of Gottschalks prior to market opening on Monday, Oct. 20, citing a non-compliance: "over a ...
Martha Stewart Bullish on Merchandising.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Cecile B. Corral New York -- While Macy's and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. still both decline to offer specific sales results on the lifestyle guru's one-year-old home Collection at the department store, MSLO said it is in a "much better" position to tackle the ...
Halloween Boosts October Comps.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff New York --Retailers reaped some solace in these scary times, as overall comparable-store sales goals were achieved in the third week of October, the Johnson Redbook reported last week. However, the sensation was mainly discount store-based, with increased ...
Wal-Mart Aims for 'Impact' In a Tough Economy.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Jennifer Marks Bentonville, Ark. -- Wal-Mart is embarking on an ambitious U.S. store remodel program as part of its three-year strategic plan, dubbed "Project Impact." With the economy driving up Walmart's comp traffic from households with incomes over $65,000, ...
Target Drives Volume with Value Message.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Cecile B. Corral Minneapolis --At a time when Target Corp. admits to feeling its "weakest sales and profit performance" in its 46-year history, the 1,685-unit discount general merchandiser outlined its initiatives to support its business and drive growth toward a $100 billion ...
LNT Wind-Down Accelerates.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Brent Felgner Clifton, N.J. -- Inventories are nearly hitting the ceilings of Linens 'n Things stores once again -- the stores look full, as they otherwise should, well into the fourth quarter nearing the holiday season. The scenes almost belie the bold "Everything Must Go" ...
Jaclyn Smith Home Launched at Kmart.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff New York --Celebrity Jaclyn Smith joined Kmart execs here last week to tout the debut of Smith's inaugural bed and bath line, which is exclusive to the retailer. The line has already rolled out to stores and kmart.com. It will expand into tabletop and ...
Pershing Square Pitches Target Land Leaseback.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By James Mammarella New York --Activist investor William Ackman mounted a public presentation here last week as his firm Pershing Square Capital Management proposed a tax-free spin-off to create a new owner of the land under the stores and warehouses owned by Target. ...
Dillard's Cites Strengths.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Little Rock, Ark. -- Southeastern regional department store operator Dillard's responded to a call by activist investors for changes to management by issuing a statement emphasizing its commitment to "maintaining our conservative financial posture." ...
Un-Seasonable Retail Climate.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By JenniferMarks, Editor-in-chief What a week we just had. Low-ender Value City washed out, joining Mervyns and Linens 'n Things on the roster of October liquidations. That's a total of 586 stores launching GOB sales in a span of about 19 days. Off-pricer ...
A Game of Expectations.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Carole Sloan, Founding Editor-in-chief At least there were fewtire-kickers to get in the way of the definitely smaller number of retailers who attended the High Point Market last month. And those who came, did write orders -- albeit not in huge quantities, and with very ...
Retail Briefs.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Macy's to Resume Monthly Reports Staff Macy's Inc., which stopped reporting monthly sales data in February, will resume issuing monthly data, with October sales due on Nov. 6 -- but the company did not say how long it plans to continue. "We want ...
Pendleton Celebrates 100th Anniversary.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff New York -- Last week, Pendleton kicked off the celebration of its 100th anniversary with a gathering at Central Park's Tavern on the Green - a nod to the building's history as a one-time sheepfold. The Pendleton, Ore.-based ...
Modest Traffic at High Point.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Carole Sloan High Point, N.C. --It wasn't the worst of worlds, but neither was it anywhere near the best -- so far as home textiles exhibitors at the High Point Market late last month were concerned. Before market, most exhibitors set their expectations at a ...
Consumer Confidence Over the Falls.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff New York --The Conference Board has run out of ways to couch the bottomless plunge in its Consumer Confidence Index -- simply stating that it "fell to an all-time low in October." The Consumer Confidence Index debuted 41 years ago, in 1967. The measure, a ...
Retail Blues Hit Tuesday Morning.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Cecile B. Corral Dallas --Off-price home furnishings retailer Tuesday Morning posted dreary fiscal first quarter results - but management emphasized a bright spot. During the 851-unit chain's earnings call last week, president and ceo Kathleen Mason stressed the company's ...
Williams-Sonoma Pulverizes Previous Outlook.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff San Francisco - Multi-platform home specialty retailer Williams-Sonoma Inc. has slashed its quarterly and full year earnings guidance - the latter by as much as 75%. W-S said it now expects fiscal year 2008 diluted earnings per share of $0.25 to $0.47 vs ....
Sam's Club Tunes Up Formats.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Jennifer Marks Bentonville, Ark. -- Club remodels and three test prototypes are on the menu at Sam's Club as the country's No. 2 warehouse club seeks to expand memberships, executives said last week during Wal-Mart Inc.'s 15th Annual Analyst and Investor Meeting. ...
Wal-Mart Pushes Eco-Goals to Front of China Agenda.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Beijing --Wal-Mart has made "building a more environmentally and socially responsible global supply chain" a top-of-list item for its suppliers in China. Lee Scott, president and ceo of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., summed up the directive: "Sustainability is about ...
Value City to Liquidate, Files Ch. 11.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Columbus, Ohio --Value City filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Southern District of New York on Oct. 26, citing the economic downturn, tightened credit and limited consumer spending. According to court documents, the company intends to ...
Moody's Places Bon-Ton Stores 'Under Review'.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff York, Pa. -- The management of The Bon-Ton Stores told HTT that it planned no statement regarding the announcement by Moody's Investors Service that it had placed the ratings of the retailer "under review for possible downgrade." The items under review ...
Koni Teams with Lenzing.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff San Diego --Koni Corp. is poised to unveil a new line of designer hospitality products using Lenzing Fibers' Modal and Tencel at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show this month. Koni fabrics made from Modal and Tencel will feature in the new line ...
Fill Producer Bows Website for PrimaLoft Yarn.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Albany, N.Y. -- Down alternative fill supplier PrimaLoft has launched an industry website - www.primaloftyarn.com - dedicated to its new product line, PrimaLoft Yarn. "This website provides manufacturers with all the tools necessary to help them select the ...
Rizzy Rug Preps Area Rugs from India Facility.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Calhoun, Ga. --Come January, the extensive line of area rugs by Rizzy Rugs will include new heat-set polypropylene collections and new 100% wool area rugs, all of them machine-made by the company in its own facilities in India. Mark Ferullo, vp, said Rizzy ...
Ellery Eclipse Drives Blackout Curtain Category.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By James Mammarella New York -- Ellery Homestyles helped fine tune the soft window industry standards for noise reduction and energy savings in 2006 with the introduction of its Eclipse line. Now, with that brand selling in 8,000 retail doors, said Ellery ceo Budd Goldman, the ...
Majestic Rug Debuts Four Collections.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Cecile B. Corral Closter, N.J. -- Area and accent rugmaker Majestic Rug Co. continues to expand, adding four new collections: Jade Printed, Ashley, Lotus and Windsor. The four groups join an already broad assortment spanning 20 collections and more than 300 ...
Nourison Offers Rug Boutique Display Solution.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Saddle Brook, N.J. -- Responding to retailers' concerns on merchandising area rugs -- cost, space and return on investment -- Nourison rolled out a compact but comprehensive Rug Boutique rug display system last month. The self-service shopping display ...
Texlynx Forges Hospitality Partnership with Spyro.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Lahore, Pakistan -- Diversified home textiles sourcer and quality assurance service Texlynx has formed a joint venture with Spyro Hotel Supplies, a United Arab Emirates firm serving the UAE and Middle East. The new partnership, Texlynx-Spyro, the will furnish ...
Split the Sheets Debuts on QVC.
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Tacoma, Wash. -- Keeping both halves of every sleeping couple comfortable is the goal of Split the Sheets, and last week the company took its flagship product line to consumers via QVC. The Split the Sheets line features reversible fleece-and-cotton sheets ...
Hollander Debuts Laura Ashley Anniversary Collection.(Brief article)
Nov 03, 2008 ... By Staff Boca Raton, Fla. -- Manufacturer Hollander Home Fashions is marking its 10th anniversary as the Laura Ashley basic bedding licensee with the debut of the Anniversary Collection. The Anniversary Collection will include popular prints in updated colors on ...
Kahn Family Sells Croscill after 62 Years.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By HTT Staff Equity Fund Buys Textiles Legacy New York -- Croscill is passing into new hands after 62 years and three generations of business by the founding Kahn family. Croscill Acquisition LLC, a new company owned by the managed investment funds of ...
Home Hurts JCPenney in Stores, Online.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Cecile B. Corral Plano, Texas -- Home sales proved bitter on two tiers for JCPenney during the 1,093-unit mid-tier department store chain's third quarter. Home failed not only in stores, but its weakness also hindered JCP.com from making gains as it had done ...
Kohl's Battles Slump with Exclusives.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Cecile B. Corral Menomonee Falls, Wis. -- Beset by falling profits and shrinking comparable-store sales, Kohl's is fighting back with very tight inventory control and the expansion of its exclusive and private brand programs. Home was one of the two weakest ...
Macy's Dips into Red Ink.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Cecile B. Corral Cincinnati -- In October, Macy's Inc. saw its average unit retail decrease "for the first time that I can remember," evp and cfo Karen Hoguet said. But at least for home textiles, a piece of that business -- specifically, cold weather goods -- ...
Retail Briefs.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Dollar General Names Top Merchant Staff Discount general merchandiser Dollar General has recruited Todd Vasos as division president and chief merchandising officer for its 8,300 stores. Starting Dec. 1, he will oversee merchandising, marketing ...
CBK Offers Consumer Drop Ships.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Union City, Tenn. -- Gift and home decor wholesaler CBK has launched a consumer drop ship program to support the e-commerce efforts of its 25,000 retail accounts. CBK, which merchandises a modest selection of table runners, dec pillows and area rugs among ...
Linens 'n Things Creditors Seek to Broaden Probe.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Brent Felgner Wilmington, Del. -- The Linens 'n Things creditors committee is seeking to broaden its probe into the retailer's financial dealings involving investors, management and professionals during the period from its going-private transaction in 2006 to its bankruptcy ...
'Difficult Times--Wal-Mart Times'.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Bentonville, Ark. -- Despite a 10% boost in third-quarter earnings, Wal-Mart Inc. lowered expectations for full-year profits last week, pointing to the impact of a stronger dollar on its international results. Wal-Mart now projects earnings per share from ...
World Market Taps McKay.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Las Vegas -- The World Market Center has appointed tradeshow industry veteran Phillip McKay to the newly created post of svp. He most recently was president and ceo of PPM Media, a tradeshow production company he founded. He has also worked with other tradeshow ...
AG Enters Hospitality, Hires Collins.(Debbie Collins )(Brief article)
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff New York -- AG Hospitality -- the hospitality division of AG luxury textiles -- launched earlier this month with the announcement that Debbie Collins had joined the company to head the new division. Collins most recently was director of merchandising for ...
Draper Inspires Sferra Wonderland Collection.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Edison, N.J. -- Sferra is channeling Dorothy Draper, the influential mid-century American interior designer, in its 1891 by Sferra collection for spring/summer. "She was the first to say that everything didn't have to exactly match, that it was OK to pair a ...
Suppliers Stoic at Hotel Show.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Carole Sloan New York -- Concern about the near term opportunities in the hospitality field dominated conversation among exhibitors at last week's New York International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show. Business for home textiles suppliers in hospitality has been ...
Towellers Debuts Thirsty Cotton Towel Collection.(Brief article)
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Karachi, Pakistan -- Towellers has introduced its Thirsty Cotton towel, an eco-friendly, fast-drying product line that does not sacrifice softness or loft. The 70/30 cotton/poly construction of Thirsty uses "micro denier intermingling" technology to achieve ...
Auerbach, Founder of Northwest, Recalled.(Shay Auerbach)(Obituary)(Brief article)
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Roslyn, N.Y. -- Services were held Friday, Nov. 14 for Shay Auerbach, 82, co-founder and chairman of The Northwest Company, who died Nov. 11 of cancer. Auerbach, the son of Russian immigrants, founded the company in 1985 with his sons, Glenn and Ross, after ...
Meijer Teams with Domestic Maven Katie Brown.(Brief article)
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Grand Rapids, Mich. -- Supercenter chain Meijer has selected home entertaining and decor maven Katie Brown as its "Home Solutions Advisor," a role in which she will help develop new product lines and provide shoppers with easy-to-follow solutions to home projects. ...
Rizzy Rug Preps Area Rugs from India Facility.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Calhoun, Ga. -- Come January, the extensive line of area rugs by Rizzy Rugs will include new heat-set polypropylene collections and new 100% wool area rugs, all of them machine-made by the company in its own facilities in India. Mark Ferullo, vp, said Rizzy ...
Sears Promotes Layaway Through Dec. 23.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Hoffman Estates, Ill. -- With a range of stipulations, Sears launched a 5-and-a-half-week holiday layaway program on Sunday, Nov. 16, with all purchases to be paid in full by Tuesday, Dec. 23. "Not only did we hear feedback from our customers, but we saw the ...
WestPoint Home Sheds Sales, Narrows Loss.(WestPoint Stevens Home Fashions)(Financial report)
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff New York -- As expected, sales volume kept shrinking - and losses narrowed - as WestPoint Home in its third fiscal quarter shed underperforming retail placements along with manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. As the WestPoint facts and figures ...
Mohawk Taking Write-off, Closing Yarn Plants.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Cecile B. Corral Calhoun, Ga. -- Coming off a brutal third quarter amidst what the company described as "one of the most difficult periods in the history of our industry," Mohawk Industries Inc. announced last week that it is "adjusting to this environment" going forward ...
Dec Pillows Makers Pressed on Price.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Cecile B. Corral Two months ago, HTT reported that dec pillow suppliers were confident about their business, calling it "recession-proof" -- but undoubtedly concerned about retailers' push to reduce inventories. That unease about inventory levels persists, and now ...
Atlanta Gift Show Adds Licensing Showcase.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Atlanta -- The AmericasMart here, long the home of the seasonal area rug and gift markets, will add licensing to its highlights for the first time. Come January, the mart will introduce its new Licensing & Design area to display the brands and works of ...
Boscov and Lakin Families to Buy Bankrupt Chain.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Transaction May Close by Month's End Reading, Pa. -- Boscov's has signed an agreement to sell the majority of its assets to a family group headed by Albert Boscov along with Edwin Lakin, the former top executive. At the same time, the 39-unit ...
Cartoon Network Adds Home Textiles Partners.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff New York -- Cartoon Network Enterprises has announced new licensing agreements for several animated properties with Franco Manufacturing and The Northwest Company, as well as an expanded license with Jay Franco & Sons. The product categories assigned for two ...
Gracious Home Opens in Chelsea.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff New York -- High end home furnishings specialty retailer Gracious Home opened its third New York store in the Chelsea area of Manhattan last week. The store, which occupies the blockfront from 25th to 26th Streets on Sixth Avenue, boasts floor-to-ceiling ...
Bardwil to Make Vera Neumann Goods.(Bardwil Linens' partnership)(Brief article)
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Atlanta -- Bardwil Linens is the latest supplier to join the licensee roster of The Vera Company. Bardwil has signed on to create table linens and kitchen textiles donning the vintage designs of Vera Neumann - or Vera, as she signed her works and is widely ...
Company C Bows First Holiday Line.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Concord, N.H. -- Festive Christmas and wintry themes are a new source of design inspiration for rug and decorative home textiles manufacturer Company C, which just launched its first-ever holiday collection. The company's Holiday 2008 collection comprises 10 ...
Karastan Customizes Inspired Luxury Rugs.
Nov 17, 2008 ... By Staff Dalton, Ga.-- Upscale area rug manufacturer and importer Karastan is taking its service and offerings up another notch with the introduction of its Inspired Luxury program of customized rug offerings. Consumers can now select the palette for their ...