Monday, February 7, 2011
THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY | hometextilestoday.com | Vol. 32, No. 5 | $8.00
Carole Sloan Remembering HTT’s Founding Editor
A Game Changer for Custom Windows? BY JILL ROWEN
NEW YORK — Home Textiles Today’s founding editor, Carole Sloan was, in the truest sense of the word, an icon of the industry, say those who are remembering her. Sloan, 76, died early in the morning of Jan. 31 from cancer. She was born on Armistice Day — Nov. 11, 1934. Said her husband, Peter Brown, a lively raconteur who is well-known by many in the industry: “For the first 50 years of her life, she thought the parades were in her honor.” Accolades, as it turned out, held little interest for her. Although she covered an uncountable number of awards ceremonies in the home textiles and furniture industries over several decades, she steadfastly refused to accept one of her own. The very mention of such a thing brought a stare as cold as her laugh was warm. Given the scope of her experience, it is understandable why so many suggested she deserved one. Sloan was born into the home furnishings industry — literally. Her grandfather founded the furniture business of Wycombe Meyer, and she grew up in it. Over the course of her career, she crossed back and forth from retailing to journalism — twice — a most unusual path, but one befitting both her knowledge and skills. A native New Yorker, Sloan got her professional start when she joined Allied Stores’ training program. From there, she diverted into journalism, covering the textiles and furniture businesses for Home Furnishings Daily. After a number of years, she pivoted back to retailing, moving into the home furnishings sales promotion department at JCPenney when the company was still based in New York. She and Brown eventually formed their own company, Sloan Brown Communications. In the mid 1970s, businessman Steve Pond came calling with the idea to launch a new publication, Furniture/Today. After the publication debuted in 1976, Sloan became one of its most high-profile contributors. Eventually, she suggested to Pond that the time was ripe for a publication covering the home textiles industry. In September 1979, HTT published its first issue. SEE SLOAN PAGE 6
PLANO, TEXAS – JCPenney’s announcement that it will pare down its in-store custom window business significantly is now rippling through the textiles industry with mixed reactions. Long held as a leader in the category — probably “owning” about one-third of the window business — the decision leaves room for other retailers to take a bigger piece of the pie. But some think the move simply highlights what were already very under-performing markets within the chain. As part of a reorganization of its custom decorating business, JCPenney will reduce 525 in-store custom decorating studios to 300 studios in key markets. In addition, it will close its Sacramento, Calif., custom decorating fabrication facility, which will leave one remaining facility in Statesville, N.C., where staffing will be increased. “[The change] may not have a huge impact, as JCPenSEE WINDOWS PAGE 23
Will Unrest in Egypt Cause Unrest in Egyptian Cotton? BY JAMES MAMMARELLA N EW YORK — With the political and at least short-term economic dislocation resulting from the turmoil in Egypt, home textiles companies have to wonder if this will turn into yet another disruption in the cotton market. While total annual Egyptian raw cotton exports are a relative
drop in the global bucket, the crop is quite meaningful for producers of highend, luxury goods. And the cotton market as a whole is particularly uneasy at this juncture, with both prices and pricing volatility at all-time highs. Those who use Egyptian cotton may have caught just a bit of a break, at least in terms of
timing. “Planting season is still a month or so away,” said Jesse Curlee, president of Supima, the U.S.-based Pima cotton promotion organization that is an alternative to the Egyptian product. He added that most, if not all, of last year’s export-destined raw crop had likely already been shipped out of Egypt by now. Looking ahead at Egypt, Curlee told HTT, “The quick SEE CRISIS PAGE 23
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2/4/2011 3:54:05 PM
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Home Textiles Today
Retail Briefs Capuano to Head Home at Sears Holdings
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ndustry veteran Chris Capuano has been hired by Sears Holdings as senior vp and president for home fashions, overseeing in-store and online merchandising for both Sears and Kmart. “Her dedication and background will be a strong asset as we continue to evolve our brands at both formats,” said John Goodman, evp for apparel and home. She was most recently evp/gmm for home and footwear at Kohl’s. Prior to that, she was senior vp of home for the Federated Merchandising Group. Before that, she spent 16 years at Macy’s, starting as a buyer and ending as senior vp for home. She will be based at JCPenney headquarters in Plano, Texas.
Bon-Ton Investing in E-commerce
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o support its rapidly growing online business, regional department store chain The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. has tapped dynaTrace Software Inc. for use of its application performance management to improve the performance the retailer’s recently implemented IBM e-commerce platform. During the company’s third quarter conference call in mid-November, Bon-Ton president and ceo Bud Bergen noted that online sales are up more than 75% year-to-date for www.bonton.com.
Gracious Home Appoints Mettler Goodrich Creative Director
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anhattan home emporium Gracious Home, now under the ownership of private investment group Americas Retail Flagship Fund, has named Amanda Mettler Goodrich to the new position of creative director and director of product innovation and private brands strategy and execution. She was previously was senior buyer for all soft goods, scents and fragrances, kids, baby and pets products. She has been with company for four years. Prior to Gracious Home, she served as director of product development for Donna Karan Home and was senior merchant for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. “Amanda’s impeccable taste, product knowledge and industry background make her the ideal choice for this new position,” said Jordan Smilowitz, Gracious Home’s president and coo. In her new role, Mettler Goodrich will be responsible for reshaping the store’s category and product assortments as well as product innovation and private brands strategy.
HGTV Signs Licensing Deals
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GTV, the home and lifestyle television network, has signed licensing agreements for bedding, floor coverings and paint. Beginning this spring, Shaw Industries will launch HGTV Home Flooring by Shaw in select retail outlets, featuring area rugs, carpet, hardwood and laminate, as well as bedding by Victoria Classics. In addition, Sherwin-Williams will launch a line of interior paint and painting supplies under the brand.
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February 7, 2011
News
> hometextilestoday.com
Report: Las Vegas, High Point Showrooms Could Merge H IGH P OINT, N.C. — Speculation is rampant that the main furniture market showroom buildings in Las Vegas and High Point could soon merge under a single owner, a Charlotte commercial real estate firm with close ties to the furniture industry has told its clients. In a newsletter sent to clients last week, principals at The Stump Cos. said the “rumored merger” of the World Market Center in Las Vegas and several High Point showroom buildings was a frequent topic of discussion at last month’s Las Vegas Market. “If the rumors are true ... we look forward to hearing the thesis of why this makes long-term sense and how the furniture industry will bene f i t ,” t h e n e w s l e t t e r s a i d . It said “many exhibitors are awaiting answers” about issues
such as showroom rental rates, the timing of the High Point and Las Vegas markets, as well as whether the industry needs both of the semiannual markets. “We hope this transaction is more than a financial reshuffling and the results contribute to the long-term stability of our industry,” the newsletter read. Speculation about a possible sale of several High Point showroom buildings has been widespread in the industry in recent weeks. The Stump newsletter was published on the heels of Bassett Furniture’s disclosure that it is negotiations to sell its 46.9% stake in the International Home Furnishings Center. In a press release in late January, Bassett didn’t identify the potential buyer, but said it would be part of a simultaneous sale of all interests in
the IHFC to that buyer. Bassett said it hoped to complete the sale by the end of February. The IHFC is High Point’s largest showroom complex. Buildings owned by Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. and Showplace are the second and third biggest complexes, respectively, but their owners have defaulted on loans on those properties. The rumored merger could involve all of those buildings, along with the WMC, the Stump newsletter said. Showplace has been operating under receivership since August 2009 and the MMPI properties were placed in receivership last October. Last year, the World Market Center defaulted on mortgages for buildings A and B, but WMC officials have said the properties are not in foreclosure proceedings. HTT
Best New Home Textiles Products Awarded at Javits N EW YORK — Five companies participating in the Home Textiles Market Week section of the New York International Gift Fair have been awarded for their new product introductions. Viceroy Collections received the Best of Market award for Kajaal Home Couture, a collection of 100% cashmere blankets and pillows of the highest quality, manufactured in Italy. Kimberly House Ltd. Won the bedding award for the Owl Warp, a cotton baby blanket featuring a hand-appliqued owl. Finalists in
the category included Pine Cone Hill and DwellStudio. Altinbasak Tekstil took the bath category award for its DeLuxe towels and bathrobes, which featured a sheared loop to create historical design patterns. Runners-up were Peacock Alley and Sferra. Allem Studio’s cotton canvas Aqua Fish placemat won in the dining category. Finalists included Blissliving Home and Scents and Feel. Happy Blanket won the accessories award for its digitally printed
Sky Blue cashmere blanket. Honorable mentions went to Better Living and Alicia Adams Alpaca. Judges included Julia Noran, managing partner, Editor at Large; Eugenia Santiesteban, senior style editor, Veranda; Laura van Zeyl, publisher, Home Fashion Forecast; Jenny Heinzen York, editor-in-chief, Home Accents Today; Melody Udell, associate editor, Home Fashion & Hospitality; Wanda Jankowski, editor-in-chief, LDB; and David Gill, senior editor, HFN. HTT
Shaw Revamps National Ad Campaign DALTON, GA. — Shaw Floors is gearing up for the launch this spring of its new national consumer advertising campaign, which is taking a new approach by emphasizing the company’s high-performance products, including area rugs. Centered on “modern appeal and performance-driven messaging,” the campaign follows six years of building the Shaw Floors
brand through evolving variations of the “I want a floor...” Dubbed “Rooms,” the new advertising represents a switch from “an inspirational, luxurycentered message to a focus on the busy, active lifestyle of today’s female consumer.” Shaw said it is responding to feedback from in-depth surveys and focus groups that found today’s consumer wants to live
“her life, her way.” The campaign presents Shaw products “standing up to life in realistic situations.” Television spots will air this spring on networks like HGTV, with which Shaw has a new license for branded area rugs, and The Food Network. Print advertisements will be featured in various shelter and lifestyle publications. HTT
2/4/2011 3:47:58 PM
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Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
> hometextilestoday.com
OPINIONTodaY The Lady Has Spoken
My Friend Carole
“Up until just a few weeks ago, Carole was the first phone call of my working day and the last phone call of the evening. She was my friend. “
“For one time only, we can recognize someone who did everything in her life on her own terms to the greater benefit of all of us.”
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LE V EN Y E A R S AGO, I informed my colleagues at Discount Store News that I’d landed the job of editor-in-chief at Home Textiles Today. A couple of my more seasoned fellows said immediately upon hearing the news: “Have you met Carole Sloan yet?” I hadn’t. What followed over the next several months were many breakfast pow-wows during which she tutored me on various aspects of the home textiles industry. Carole loved breakfast meetings. During markets, it was not unusual for her to schedule three in a row, starting at the crack of dawn and wrapEDITOR-IN-CHIEF ping up before the showrooms opened their doors. I also became quickly acquainted with Carole’s telephone prowess. If there were eight voicemails queued up in the system, at least five would be from her. I got so accustomed to dialing her number that innumerable times I phoned her accidently when I meant to ring my husband. It reached the point where her husband Peter would pick up and say: “Who are you calling for — Carole or Wayne?” Up until just a few weeks ago, Carole was the first phone call of my working day and the last phone call of the evening. She was my friend. I loved her dearly. Carole famously eschewed technology, but those of us who worked with her knew her dirty little secret: She submitted her stories by e-mail. However, she absolutely refused to accept an email message. I tried to ping a few her way. All went unacknowledged. It was unusual to dig out a piece of news to which Carole was not already privy. Her relationships ran deep. You could point to just about any senior executive in the retail industry only to discover she knew him or her when they were an assistant buyer of furniture or lamps or towels or curtains or whatnot. Same story on the supplier side. Several senior executives have described the furious preparation that preceded a line review visit from Carole back in the days when they were mere trainees. She did not believe in gratuitously praising designs, and she was circumspect with accolades. An “um-hmm” and a nod meant she considered something to be on the right track. If she actually verbalized appreciation for a piece — that was jackpot. Carole loved talented people, and she had a good eye for spotting them as well as cultivating them. She loved design, loved identifying emerging trends and loved smart retailing concepts. During my last visit with Carole, we discussed the most recent news. And I let this stand as her final editorial commentary. On word that owners of Las Vegas Market might buy High Point’s primary furniture buildings: “Not surprising.” On Chris Capuano being tapped to head home at Sears and Kmart: “She’s very, very talented. And now she’s got the big order pad.” On JCPenney reducing the number of its in-store custom decorating studios from 525 to 300: “Schmucks.” The lady has spoken. HTT
Jennifer Marks
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OU M AY T HINK you knew Carole Sloan, but you probably didn’t. If that’s the case, you missed someone pretty special. If you just saw her at a trade show, all you noticed was a woman with a very individualistic sense of style, moving briskly through the market, not stopping for many social pleasantries. Carole could move faster than just about anybody else, even recently when her walking wasn’t what it used to be. If you were only a reader of her stories and commentary in Home Textiles Today over the past couple of decades, you knew her as an Warren astute observer of the business, but you always wondered what she Shoulberg looked like. Carole never allowed her picture to be taken. If you were on the other end of an interview with her, you knew her PUBLISHER/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR as probing questioner, not at all timid about calling you out on your answer if it wasn’t credible to her. Carole was no shrinking violet. And even if you had the opportunity to be with Carole socially at an industry function, you still saw someone who rarely gave an inch of herself to anyone yet expected you to tell her virtually everything you knew. Carole never met an answer that totally satisfied her. Very few people got past those Carole Sloans. She just had very high standards for who she let into her life. But if you were special enough to make the cut, boy, were you in for a treat. Beneath that gruff, sometimes abrupt and often curt exterior laid one of the kindest, sweetest and most caring people you’d ever want to meet. Once you were in her life, she couldn’t do enough for you, whether it was helping you professionally in your career or calling you — Carole never e-mailed anyone ever — to ask how you or someone in your family was. She remembered your birthday. A favorite for special benchmarks was an offering of calf’s brains, whimsically and wittily suggesting that you needed mental augmentation as your personal aging process progressed. She found you a job. The behind-the-scenes placement service she ran would have been a full-time job for just about anybody else. The number of people who can trace their career paths to Carole’s assistance would fill a market building … or two. She knew everything. And everybody. She worked the phones better than anybody, often balancing two or three conversations at the same time. She usually had double or triple breakfast layers at shows. She could spot a news item buried in the bottom of page 27 of the New York Post quicker than the best investigative journalist. Carole was one of the best reporters I’ve ever known. She had a wicked sense of humor. And a vocabulary that could make both a Harvard professor and a stevedore jealous. She had a great appetite. For gossip, for dinner and for white wine … not necessarily in that order. But Carole was a private person and frankly, she would hate all the fuss we’re making about her now. She never wanted to be acknowledged or honored by the industry, her coworkers or, for that matter, anybody. She regretted the one time she agreed to be part of a group of women industry leaders a couple of market lifetimes ago. So we’re doing something here that none of us would have dared to do when Carole was around. You never wanted to be on Carole’s shit list. It wasn’t a good place to be. But for one time only, we can recognize someone who truly did everything in her life on her own terms to the greater benefit of all of us. That’s not a statement very many of us can make. Thanks Carole. HTT
2/4/2011 4:02:19 PM
In Fond Memory Of Carole Sloan
We at Home Fashions International are grateful for your unending contributions and dedication to the home industry. We savor the many fond memories we have of the years that we shared with you. We, and our industry, will miss you. There will not be another like you. You had the work ethic and energy of the greatest generation. You truly were the “Grand Lady” of the home industry. We are all richer for having you as our friend.
HOME FASHIONS INTERNATIONAL
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Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
> hometextilestoday.com
“If there is fabric in heaven, “She was very instrumental individual people she covered. of Carole over the years but the Sloan I’m sure she will put it in per- in giving me the courage to go She expressed an inquisitive in- most memorable was meeting — perhaps over lunch forward with that project. terest in the career paths of le- her at the HFPA annual meetRemembered spective with my mother and Virginia “It’s hard to say all the ways gions of people, oft times acting ing one year after not seeing SLOAN FROM PAGE 1
And for the next 31years, Sloan was both the guiding light and journalistic conscience of the newspaper, contributing an every-issue column and more news stories and features than anybody else in the history of HTT. She was a constant presence at industry shows, events and functions, her distinctive dress and manner always on hand. Even as her health issues started to slow her up over the past few years, she continued to be both highly visible and audible, her notepad and telephone ever at the ready. As news of her passing radiated out through the industry last week, remembrances — both personal and professional — began to arrive at Home Textiles Today in a steady stream. Here are many of them: Mark Grand, president, Peking Handicraft
“Carole and I had a standing date for breakfast at every market since the mid-80s, and we spoke regularly in between. “She spoke in complete, grammatically correct sentences. She was a very private person, so I won’t tell the story about the panty raid of the HFN offices, or about the Warren Shoulberg voodoo doll, which she only recently retired. “No one cared about our industry more. We have lost a guardian of our professional standards, and I have lost a caring friend.” Alen Sands York, Principal Stellar Alliance
“Carole Sloan, who it felt like I had known forever, was a defender of all things home textiles. She had a keen eye and a highly sophisticated understanding of the business. She foresaw trends and interpreted the ups and downs of the ever-changing map of the industry. “She could interpret the cycles and in some cases predict the future. Her weekly comments were spot on, and I shall miss them as I will miss her at those industry functions where she was always a fixture.
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Jackson.” Neil Zuber, executive vp Home Fashions International
“In 1966 I was a salesman for Cameo Curtains and met Carole for the first time at the Cameo showroom at 260 Fifth Avenue. Little did I know then that we would strike a friendship that would last for 45 years. “I have so many memories of Carole that I don’t know where to begin. During those 45 years, I have been with several companies and Carole was always interested in every one of them and what we were doing and who we were selling. “I think my most memorable times with Carole have been the many lunches we have had together. Carol would call me and say, ‘Let’s do lunch and chat,’ and we would do just that. We always had long lunches coupled with a couple of glasses of Chardonnay.” Charlie Chinni, retail veteran
“Carole and I go back over 30 years and have always found her to be the most professional and trustworthy person in the industry. She knew that the relationship between her, the trade and the retailers was the way to get the best and most accurate information. We spoke regularly for 30 years. Most recently before Christmas. Her dedication and knowledge will be surly missed.” Julian Tomchin Retail veteran
“Carole was truly a support structure to me and my work. She knew what she liked, and she knew what mattered – or didn’t. Her eagle eye focused on what counted, and her wicked humor made all the long conversations memorable.” Raymond Waites, Principal Raymond Waites Design
“Carole was very important in my career. She was always generous with her time – one of the best spirits and best symbols of our industry. When I start Raymond Waites Design, the first person I went to was her and used her counsel.
she helped me. When she came to the showroom, she was always one of the bright spots. I don’t think there’s anyone else in our industry that you can actually call an icon. It was an honor for me because I considered her not only my colleague but a friend.” Mitchell Gold , chairman Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
“I think Carole was truly one of the smartest and most professional journalists I’ve ever known. Early on she discovered us and followed our growth. Carole asked tough questions and pushed to get answers to questions I really didn’t want to discuss. “I loved Carole because she was a journalist’s journalist, a caring human being … Carole Sloane was a treasure to the home furnishings industry.” Paul Hooker, president Sferra Brothers
“The lost art of telephone conversation was never lost to Carol. She thrived in interpreting the inflection of someone’s comments, something that she knew could never be obtained through email. “Hers was one phone call that was always returned immediately out of total respect for her, and her refusal to give in to the unemotional replies of an email. I’ll miss opening HTT and not seeing her editorial. It was such a tradition for many of us in this industry.” Larry Brill, Senior intl trade specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Textiles and Apparel
“She was the ‘Facebook’ of the industry long before there was a Facebook by connecting friends and colleagues with each other to achieve a common good. Carole was constantly mentoring and coaching. I am proud to say that I knew her and that she was a friend.” Terry Gaffney, president Integrated Textile Resources
“As strong as her reporting talents were, they paled in comparison to her compassion for the
as both career counselor and business advisor. “Her words of wisdom were sometimes delivered in a ‘tough love’ manner, but were inevitably followed by a smile and a twinkling eye once she knew the words hit home.”
her or speaking with her in several months. She came over to me, reached in her pocket and pulled out a quarter. Handed it to me and said: ‘Why don’t you call me sometime?’ “I made sure to call her regularly after that!”
Hermine Mariaux, president Hermine Mariaux Inc.
Roger Gilmartin fabric executive
“I remember Carole not just as a consummate professional but as an exceptional mentor and nurturer of those who had the privilege and pleasure of working with her. As a former colleague at HFD, I am one of the beneficiaries of her journalistic gifts, her knowledge and her friendship.”
“Carole was an ‘old school’ journalist. If a comment was off the record, that’s where it remained. Her grapevine never ceased to amaze me as did her kindness to me personally.”
Jeffrey Silberman, chairperson FIT Textile Development and Marketing Dept.
“Carole was a stalwart member of the FIT- Textile Development and Marketing Department’s Advisory Board since 2000. She never missed a meeting, and truly cared about our students’ well being, frequently bringing them opportunities and insight. We will miss her, and I will miss our friendship of 30 years.”
Wesley Mancini, president Wesley Mancini Ltd.
“Carole represented one of the last remaining leaders in our industry for her generation. She was an icon seen at every fabric event either domestically or abroad. She told it like it was without embellishment, making her blunt and precise (and extremely worth listening to). Her knowledge about every aspect of our industry was unrivaled. “Carole also represented women in a time when women were not numerous in her field or textiles in general. It is easy to forget she surpassed that challenge while becoming an icon of the textile industry. To me personally, she took me under her wing and helped guide me with career moves. I was very fortunate for this personal bond.” Gretchen Dale,chief operating officer, Loftex USA
“I have many fond memories
Bob Hickman senior vp sales and marketing United Feather & Down
“Carole Sloan will be remembered as a champion of the home textiles industry who was always promoting its growth and success. She had the distinct ability to artfully weave her industry knowledge with doses of common sense and candidness and a touch of good old fashioned humor. We will miss the wisdom and insight Carole provided for so many years and cherish the fond memories she created for us.” Jason Carr, president Softline Home Fashions
“Carole was as honest as they come, opinionated, ethical, knowledgeable, an icon in our industry. Her columns were always so informative. She was a special person who will be greatly missed.” Scott Kravet, principal Kravet Inc.
“We used to have dinner with her and Peter at Decosit. She was so knowledgeable, and Peter had all these interesting things to t alk about — his music, photography. They were a great pair. You’d always see them together at the shows. Carole was great. She just kept right on going.” To view all the comments posted, visit HTT’s home page and click on the headline “Carole Sloan Remembered.” Comments can be found below the story. HTT
2/3/2011 5:52:06 PM
Carole Sloan
Thanks for your friendship, your integrity, your intelligence, your pull-no-punches style, your opinions, your strength, your fortitude, your stamina, your sense of humor, your dedication, your honesty, your vision, your ethics, your advice, your knowledge, both your bark and your bite and your passion for a business that you made better by being a part of.
Home Textiles Today and Sandow Media
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Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
> hometextilestoday.com
First Monday: Specialty Retailing
On the Road Again … Really on the Road Again
Peacock Alley is taking its Airstream trailer on to the road to shows and stores around the country.
DALLAS — Home textiles prod-
ucts have been sold from stores, the Internet, catalogs, television and even from tables on city streets, but chances are they’ve never been sold from a vintage Airstream trailer…up until now. Peacock Alley, the wellknown upscale bed and bath resource based here, is going where no home textiles resource has gone before with its 1977 Airstream trailer named Steel Magnolia, taking it to both specialty retailers and last week to the New York International Gift Fair. The silver bulletshaped vehicle was the centerpiece of the company’s booth at the show, marking its return to the event after a several-season absence. But it’s been the trailer’s road-show appearances at stores in Texas and elsewhere in the South that have made it a home textiles star. “We want to promote Peacock Alley’s heritage and make it
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fun, flirty and a little cool at the same time,” said Josh Needleman, who along with brother Jason owns the company, where founder Mary Ella Bitzer still is the matriarch of the business. “Just like Peacock Alley’s linens, Steel Magnolia is sleek, classic and sexy. The more you use it the better it gets!” Needleman says the Silver Home Tour is “hitting the nation city by city, store by store, giving customers a rare opportunity to learn about the Peacock Alley lifestyle and our wonderful collection of linens. And have a little fun doing it.” Stops already have included: The Birdcage in Solana Beach, Calif.; Ray’s in Ridgeland, Miss.; Homestead in Hico, Texas; and Kuhl Linscomb and Longoria Collections in Houston. Needleman has been blogging about the tour – peacockalleyusa.blogspot.com – and at the recent stop at Kuhl Linscomb, he wrote: “So damn awesome and beautiful to be in Houston
today for the last Silver Home Tour stop of the month. Chatting with all customers who are sharing stories of their experi-
“We want to promote Peacock Alley’s heritage and make it fun, flirty and a little cool at the same time.” —JOSH NEEDLEMAN, Peacock Alley
ences with Peacock Alley - everyone here knows about us, which is very cool. “They also want me to ‘Peacock Alley’ their Airstreams if they buy one. I’m going to start this new collection of Peacock Alley Airstreams that I will do in a variety of unique ways. My mind is in obvious overdrive with new products lines being sold on our site right next to the bedding and bath.
“Also, never knew I could be happy in a parking lot!!! I slept in the trailer last night (best night sleep ever) and showered in the Kuhl Linscomb retail store. I want to live as a constant mooch where I can always plug in and shower in a nearby facility or better yet a creek or lake... How damn cool!!!”
Needleman says ultimately Peacock Alley’s plan is to take The Silver Home Tour global. “Right now it’s an Airstream, next it will be a train, a plane and then a space shuttle,” he joked. “I want to travel the globe converting sleep lovers to Peacock Alley disciples.” HTT
2/3/2011 1:08:52 PM
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Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
Facts
> hometextilestoday.com
Top of Bed Shows Small Improvement BY JILL ROWEN NEW YORK — An improving economic picture helped boost the Top of Bed category in 2011, despite serious pricing pressures on all sides. The first of HTT’s bedding reports (Utility Bedding and Sheets and Pillowcases will follow), the Top of Bed category managed a 2% increase overall. Sales were up to $2.55 billion in 2010 compared to $2.0 billion in 2009. Within the categories, comforters sets and filled bedding sets showed the smallest gain — only 1.7%. The category with the largest gain was quilts with a 2.8% increase. Current trend darlings, quilts are now top of mind for a number of suppliers, who are hoping to ignite the category further with new and updated designs. Peking Handicraft Inc. (PHI) is one of the companies leading the quilt charge. According to
Carole Antone, creative director, “We are still doing traditional quilts, but transitional looks and cottage ‘shabby chic’ styles are new ways to interpret the look of quilts. They are cleaner, brighter and up to date.” PHI is also giving its bedding extensive embellishments and embroidery details, and trying to do it while combating rising prices. A trend that may have begun as cotton prices rose; Antone noted that “there is a non-cotton trend out there.” According to Antone, “We are building on that trend with brushed poly looks with very cool finishes that look great. And, we are doing creative things with embroidery and embellishments.” “From a product perspective, we are seeing a continued growth of interest and sales in lighter weight top of bed options — particularly in the quilt and coverlet category; and you see this uptick of interest is mir-
rored in the majority of the consumer style magazines,” noted Diane Piemonte, vp, creative services, Revman. “We are showing more and more quilts and coverlets each season across several designer brands, and even adding a quilted coverlet for our own Manor Hill collection this market.” Comforter sets are also changing up the marketplace. No longer configured with double-digit pieces, newer and smaller combinations speak to a more modern sensibility among consumers. “One change that we’ve noticed is that there are fewer requests for bed skirts. A lot of our customers are in the market for more updated looks and prefer an accessory such as a decorative pillow instead,” said Angela Boswell, vp product development, Ellery Homestyles. “Accessories allow you to really push the envelope in style and design.” Boswell noted that
Top of Bed
($millions)
2010
2009
CHANGE
% OF TOTAL 2010
% OF TOTAL 2009
$1,494.3
$1,470.0
1.7%
58.6%
58.8%
Comforters
$471.8
$460.0
2.6%
18.5%
18.4%
Bedspreads/coverlets
$173.4
$170.0
2.0%
6.8%
6.8%
Duvet covers
$61.2
$60.0
2.0%
2.4%
2.4%
Quilts
$349.4
$340.0
2.8%
13.7%
13.6%
Total
$2,550.0
$2,500.0
2.0%
100.0%
100.0%
2010
2009
CHANGE
2010
2009
Categories Comforter sets/bedding sets
Distribution Channels Home textiles specialty chains
$275.4
$275.0
0.1%
10.8%
11.0%
Single-unit home textiles specialty stores
$51.0
$52.5
-2.9%
2.0%
2.1%
Department stores
$137.7
$137.5
0.1%
5.4%
5.5%
Mid-price chains
$487.1
$475.0
2.5%
19.1%
19.0%
$1,101.6
$1,075.0
2.5%
43.2%
43.0%
Off-price chains
$130.1
$125.0
4.0%
5.1%
5.0%
Variety/closeout
$96.9
$95.0
2.0%
3.8%
3.8%
Direct-to-consumer
$173.4
$170.0
2.0%
6.8%
6.8%
Warehouse clubs
$71.4
$70.0
2.0%
2.8%
2.8%
Other
$25.5
$25.0
2.0%
1.0%
1.0%
Total
$2,550.0
$2,500.0
2.0%
100.0%
100.0%
Discount department stores
htt110201_010_011 10
the upcoming market promises very eclectic looks from Ellery that are “fresh and clean and have an optimistic outlook.” The company recently expanded its showroom just as it announced a recapitalization with Trivest Partners. The retail results for the Top of Bed category showed that single unit chains continued to decline, down 2.9% from the previous year. Off-price chains (TJ Maxx, Homegoods, etc.) showed the largest gain with a 4% increase from the previous year. The off-pricers benefitted from other retailers consolidating inventories, and from opportunistic buys as others were locked into programs with ever rising prices. The continually rising prices (due to costs related to cotton, polyester, transportation, value of the dollar and any number of other things), is a huge factor for suppliers going forward. Prices are going up and the new game in town is to accomplish this as painlessly as possible for retailers, vendors and consumers. Though de-specing has become an unpopular word, the truth is that everyone is doing their best to move forward, maintaining the quality and coming as close as they can to price preferences. “We’re really not changing too many things,” noted Scott Howard, vp, JLA Home “But we are working closely with our customers and spec changes may have to occur to hit a retail price.” JLA last month added
Woolrich to its license roster and introduced Top of Bed products and accessories under the outdoor brand name. Kevin Finlay, president, Ellison First Asia, agrees. “We’re sensitive to the key price points our customers want to reach,” he noted. According to Finlay, Ellison is still doing well with its embroidery story and its print offerings. Frank Snow, vp merchandising and operations, Royale Linens, noted that consumers are cognizant of the price increases that are imminent, but the industry is still unclear about where that new magic price point will fall. “The biggest retailers are still trying to establish what the new price points will look like,” he said. According to Snow, despecing of outer bed cloths on comforters, and modified thread counts in microfiber products and sheets are in consideration for suppliers across the Top of Bed category. For instance, “components in the luxury category were at 400 thread count, but they are now at 300.” Overall, “it’s actually a resurgence of where thread counts were years ago,” said Snow. At market, Royale Linens will be showcasing For Your Home by Vickie Payne, a better department store collection inspired by the syndicated TV show of that name. Ultimately, for the Top of Bed category, it all comes down to creativity. According to Snow, whatever the economics, “well designed products are still going to be in demand.” HTT
METHODOLOGY In determining product category sales figures, as well as determining retail sales for those categories by channel of distribution, the editors and research department of Home Textiles Today used data compiled from a variety of sources, including publicly filed financial reports, vendor sales information compiled by the editors, and information provided by retailers and home fashions suppliers. Home Textiles Today will produce a series of three reports on bedding, of which this is the first, breaking the overall bedding category into three of its component parts: Top of The Bed; Utility Bedding, Blankets and Throws; and Sheets & Pillowcases. The research was compiled by editorial contributor Jill Rowen; Dana French, director of market research; and Jennifer Marks, editor-in-chief.
2/3/2011 10:10:14 AM
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> hometextilestoday.com
Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
11
Stylesight Launches Korean-language Website With International Textile Design Co. N EW YORK — Trend resource house Stylesight has launched a new Korean-language site via a recently inked channel partnership with International Textile Design Co., Ltd (ITD Korea), and together they are developing a suite of Korean language
products. “We recognize that a multilingual site is essential in today’s global style industry, and translating the site into the Korean language addresses a direct need of professionals in a previously underserved market. Through
our channel partnership with ITD Korea, we break new ground in providing style and design information, technology and expertise for the Korean style industry,” explained Frank Bober, Stylesight founder and ceo. “This is just the beginning of the ser-
vices we will provide together.” Beyond the launch of Stylesight.com in the Korean language, ITD and Stylesight plan to collaborate to provide a local experience for Stylesight’s Korean subscribers. ITD will regionalize Stylesight’s trend content and
conduct trend seminars and presentations at regional trade shows and educational institutions. Stylesight.com is a provider of trend content and designer tools as well as an online trend service available in English, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish and Turkish. HTT
Toronto Readies for Fabric Fair TORONTO — The seventh semiannual Toronto Fabric Fair will be held at the Paradise Banquet & Convention Centre here Feb.15, 16 and 17. Organized by about 16 representatives of some 41 major textile mills, the three-day event is an opportunity for retailers and manufacturers to review some of their latest offerings, many of which were debuted at the International Textile Market Association’s Showtime in December. T h e p a r t i ci p a t i n g mi l l s include: Sunbury Textile, Sunbrella Fabrics, Global Textile Alliance, Diversitex , Carpostan, Direct Textiles, Paragon fabrics, LaFrance Industries, Se7en, Robert Allan Home, Morgan Fabrics, Master Fabrics, Vision Fabrics (a division of J Ennis Fabrics), Bartson Fabrics, Big Kahuna Home, Golding Fabrics, Erocia Enterprises, King Textiles, The Mitchell Group, Portfolio Textiles, Sattler/OutDura, Gum Tree Fabrics, Annabel, Softline Home, American Century Home, Abercrombie Textiles, Classical Elements, Covington Fabric & Design, Regal Fabrics, Zenda Leather, Valdese Fabrics, Absecon Mills, Lady Fabrics Hours of operation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information about the show, contact Fred Hanes at (416) 785.1959 or send an email ladytex@rogers.com. HTT
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Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
Facts
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Kitchen Textiles, Table Linens See Modest Growth in 2010 BY CECILE B. CORRAL N EW YORK — 2010 could have been a lot worse for kitchen textiles and table linens suppliers, who enjoyed modest low singledigit gains — but gains, nonetheless — in a period when the still-sluggish economy continued act as a drag on the home textiles industry. For the year, the table linens business industry-wide was up by 0.9% to $800 million from $793 million, and kitchen textiles grew 4.6% to $620 million from $593 million. But considering the sister categories’ recession-proof resemblance to decorative pillows as affordable redecorating options for homes, kitchen textiles and table linens could have fared better than they did. Acting against them was the onset of cotton price hikes, which started a rapid incline in the second half of the year and persists today, compounded by growing costs in alternative fibers worldwide. “It is a real issue that we have to address on a daily basis — internally and with our customers,” said Michael Ciavolino, vp of sales for New York-based Windham Weavers, a division of Natco Home Products. In 2010, the company was the fifth largest table line suppliers with $17 million in category sales. “In the past, [price increases] was never a real conversation. But now it is THE conversation. So we’re exploring price increases as well as other options, like down specking and new constructions, to work with our retail customers. It is all very real. Now it is a discussion and we have to be smarter as vendors to come up with ways to work through increases.” Long Beach, Calif.-based Foreston Trends is also working closely with its retail customers, and is successfully passing along price increases, said vp of sales Dick Gould. “As you know, cotton went up 86% just in 2010, so we’ve obviously had to pass it on,” he said. “Retailers had to take their retails up, and I think they’ll face that this year more than last year.”
htt110201_012_013 12
Gould explained the company raised its prices because, like many others, “we didn’t have a choice. Retailers don’t want to take the increases, but we can no longer reorder goods at the same prices as before. We can’t absorb 10% increases off the bottom line. So we’ve tried not to increase our prices significantly, but it has to be workable for everybody.” Foreston Trends enjoyed improved sales in the kitchen textiles category in 2010 thanks to new business at retail with new and existing customers, including warehouse clubs, department stores, and discount chains. “Our changes came because we expanded our distribution,” Gould continued. “The reorder business was a struggle, especially in the second half of year.” And Foreston’s table linens business was “pretty flat, pretty much the same as the year we did the year before,” he added. New York-based Bardwil enjoyed growth in 2010 in its table linens business, which grew 5% to $64 million last year, making the company the country’s third largest category supplier. President of sales and marketing, Nancy Kristoff, attributed the gains to success with its three major branded programs — Lenox, Tommy Bahama and Vera. But even so, Bardwil was “definitely impacted” by the cotton crisis, she said. “We have taken numerous increases from our vendors overseas and we are relooking at our specs and constructions to help us through this period.” The longtime kitchen textiles supplier John Ritzenthaler Co. — the country’s third largest kitchen textiles company with $62 million in sales last year — finds “retailers are just as aware of what is happening, they are very knowledgeable about these cotton increases,” allowing them to more easily justify price increases. “You can’t really debate it anymore,” said Elissa Vogt, vp of sales and marketing for the West Conshohocken, Pa.-based company. “We’re not passing along
increases across the board. We are trying to be selective about where and when to pass them along. In 2011, we are still going to be watching cotton because we just haven’t seen the light at the end of the tunnel yet.” There is a silver lining to these price shifts, at all levels, for the industry, agreed Kurt Hamburger, president and managing director of New York-based Lintex Linens, and Lorraine Ragland Maberry of Trendex Home Designs in Montreal, Quebec. “I do anticipate better business this year,” Hamburger said. “A lot of retailers have exhausted their supplies, and they can’t have empty shelves, so they will have to buy new goods. There is now a need for stores to replenish, and because of this, they can no longer ignore price increases.” Added Maberry: “[2011] is going to be another challenging year, and everyone has their work cut out for them, including the retailers. We all see retailers accepting price increases. But the real question is if [retailers] see price increases as an opportunity to put something fresh out there that is new and exciting for shoppers, which is what we all need, or if they will take on price increases but just maintain the same type of product on their shelves and lessen the quality to keep the prices in same range.” Thanks largely to the continued strength of its utility products, 1888 Mills in Oakbrook, Ill. managed an 18.5% sales increase last year to $32 million in the category, positioning the company as the fourth largest supplier in the United States. But Fulton Allen, president of the company’s consumer products division, warned this year will be more challenging as the category is “very price sensitive and piece-count sensitive.” “The cotton situation will put pressure on prices and piece counts that the consumer is used to getting,” he went on. “To maintain retails, we will have to either offer fewer piece counts or lesser quality. We are working on what
Table Linens Distribution Channels
($millions)
2010 total retail sales: $800 million up 0.9% from $793 million in 2009 2010
2009
% CHANGE
Discount department stores Home textiles specialty chains Mid-price chains Off-price chains Department stores Direct-to-consumer Single unit specialty stores Variety/closeout Warehouse clubs Other*
$288 172 173 63 30 30 14 17 7 6
$285 171 170 62 29 29 14 17 8 6
0.9% 0.4% 1.4% 2.2% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9% -9.2% 0.9%
Total
$800
$793
0.9%
* Other includes home improvement centers, military exchanges and gift/home accent stores.
Merchandise Mix Placemats Tablecloths Napkins Runners Napkin rings
($millions) 2010
2009
% CHANGE
$344 201 174 58 22
$340 200 173 58 22
1.1% 0.5% 0.9% 0.9% 0.9%
Kitchen Textiles Distribution Channels
($millions)
2010 total retail sales: $620 million up 4.6% from $593 million in 2009 2010
2009
% CHANGE
Discount department stores Home textiles specialty chains Mid-price chains Off-price chains Variety/closeout Warehouse clubs Single unit specialty stores Department stores Direct-to-consumer Other*
$379 68 99 23 18 12 4 6 6 5
$362 66 94 22 17 12 4 6 5 5
4.7% 2.7% 5.2% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6%
Total
$620.0
593.0
4.6%
* Other includes home improvement centers, military exchanges and gift/home accent stores.
Merchandise Mix Kitchen towels Potholders/mitts Dishcloths Chair pads Aprons
($millions) 2010
2009
% CHANGE
$322 137 112 43 6
$308 130 107 42 6
4.6% 5.0% 4.6% 3.1% 4.6%
SEE FACTS PAGE 13
2/3/2011 12:29:20 PM
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Welspun, Thom Filicia to Launch Bedding Line on QVC in mid February NEW YORK — Bedding and bath
home textiles company Welspun USA and interior designer and television personality Thom Filicia are set to launch their first collaborative consumer bedding line on the QVC shopping network in mid February. On Feb. 16, Filicia will introduce his modern yet classic collection on-air, and the line will then be available on QVC’s website for a month following. The new collections include complete top of bed ensembles in four patterns – Woven Dream, Floral Vine, Full Bloom and Sunrise Plaid – as well as two different throw blanket styles. Each collection includes a comforter with coordinating sheet sets, standard pillow shams, bed skirts, lumbar pillows and square pillows. The collection features immaculate embroidery, textured finishes and modern colors. Woven Dream is a bold geometric pattern available in two deep colorways with comple-
Kitchen Textiles FACTS FROM PAGE 12
the balance would be between quality of product and the number of pieces per pack.” That brings up the issue of the effects of pricing pressures on product quality. Lintex and Trendex both vowed to “not compromise our quality to try to hit a price point. We still want to pursue fashion,” Mayberry said, adding that the company will launch its largest breadth of new product introductions in the past five years come March at the New York Home Fashions Market. “We’re going to show a wide range of colors, a wide range of textures and treatments and finishes, because the time is now to get the customer something exciting,” Maberry continued. “As a consumer I see products out there that have been despecked. But I’ll pay a few extra dollars for more quality, and we need to remember there are other consumers out there willing to do that for their tex-
htt110201_012_013 13
menting touches of chartreuse or gray. Floral Vine features a delicate, tone-on-tone embroidered vine on a textural background available in either a mineral or chartreuse colorway. Full Bloom offers an intricate floral bud design, which is both playful and sophisticated, and is available in pink with yellow accents as well as yellow with green accents. Sunrise Plaid is a classic linear pattern offered in either an aqua and brown combination or a pink and gray blend. “I truly believe that style is a personal form of self-expression,” explains Filicia. “I want to bring my home collection to the most personal space in the home – the bedroom.” Filica represents one of Welspun USA’s several designer license partners. The company also markets Nautica, Christy, Graccioza, and Amy Butler.
Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
13
MindsInSync in Expansion Mode N E W YO R K — MindsInSync,
maker of the Microdry memory foam bath mat as well as Aquatopia children’s products, has opened a new Shanghai office and is preparing to expand its headquarters here as well. The Shanghai office initially employed 15 and now has 35 people. The company plans to expand that to about 100, according to president and ceo Iain Scorgie. The New York office, now with about 37 employees, with add another 50, mostly focusing on research and development, he
added. “What we’re seeing in home is a lot of categories that haven’t been shaken up in years,” said Scorgie. “The bath mat hasn’t changed in 20 years. I think there are a lot of easy pickings in the kids’ industry and in home.” Scorgie hails from the entertainment and gaming industry, holding positions with online gaming company Worlds Apart Productions as well as toy maker Spin Master. He noted that the toy industry thrives on innovation, and he sees an opportunity to apply fresh thinking to the
home industry as well. MindsInSync began five years ago producing unlabelled product. Three years ago, the company began working on proprietary brand development. Now it does both and sells product in Japan, Korea, Australia, South Africa, Chile, the UK and Germany as well as the Uni The company recently launched a Microdry and a pet bed. MindsInSync is also developing lighting along with hard and soft kitchen products as well as products for the bedroom and garage. HTT
Mohawk Ramps up Social Media Presence C ALHOUN , GA . — Recognizing
HTT
“the importance of social media and its influence among consumers,” area, accent and bath rug house Mohawk Home said this year it is expanding its marketing focus on social media sites. Mohawk Home regularly adds new postings on its Facebook and Twitter pages – www. facebook.com/mohawkhome
and www.twitter.com/mohawk_ home – which the company launched about two months ago. Bill Kilbride, president, said: “Our customer base is actively engaged in social media, and we plan to be as well.” He added that Mohawk H o m e ’s Fa c e b o o k p a g e i s “packed with information” stemming from current events,
trends, product offerings and reviews, promotions, and stories and photos from customers. “It’s amazing the response we get when we ask people to share their experiences with our products,” he continued. “We can answer questions, solve problems, or just listen. There isn’t a better way to understand what your customers truly want then to just listen.” HTT
tiles, as well.” Hamburger described de-specing as a “danger I won’t go for.” He said many of his contemporaries in the business are “reducing product qualities to go after price. They take 25% to 30% off of the weight in order to meet retailers’ price demands — and that only diminishes the worth of the product and the business. By reducing the quality, they are compromising their brand, and that is something I will not do because we’ve worked too hard to establish a strong quality image over the years.” Still, kitchen textiles suppliers and table linens suppliers must carefully walk the pricequality tightrope to satisfy both the bottom line and their customers. Home Fashions International/Westgate in New York is actively “changing some constructions from rayon to polyester, primarily in chenille fabrics,” to help alleviate the pain. In other cases, it is passing along the costs, and other times it admittedly absorbs the price increases, explained Rebecca
Gaeta, design director for the company’s decorative pillows, pet beds and table fashions. Windham Weavers is “coming up with other fabric options to choose from,” Ciavolino said. “People are still looking for value-added product and fashion and designs that are more updated, so we’re trying to be smarter in finding ways to make or product better without exploding or increasing our prices significantly.” Vogt acknowledged that “impulse items are where you need to be in this environment. It is the novelty, the fun, the newness that is really selling, as well as the more useful utility and value-packs and aprons that the shopper is responding to.” Distribution did not tilt much in 2010 for both categories, except only to lean slightly harder on the discounters, warehouse clubs, mid-tier chains and off-pricers for the obvious reason that these venues offer shoppers the sharper price points they are seeking in this challenging economic climate. Bryan Siegel, chairman and ceo of New York-based Elrene
Home Fashions saw 2010 as a time when the table linens and kitchen textiles “fared well against other areas. While we might not have moved up by too much, we definitely did not go backwards.” He noted a “strong comeback” from specialty ret ailers, “who were finally over the hump of the Linens ’n Things closing. They were now able to slice up the remaining pie without having to fight store closing sales and closeout markdowns.” His company, which in 2010 was the second largest table linens suppliers with $82 million in sales and the fifth largest kitchen textiles supplier with $28.5 million in sales, also saw “major improvement” at the department store level. “Differentiation of product, brands and price points have finally been clearly defined by this segment and now we are seeing strong results,” Siegel added. Looking to 2011, some companies have plans to expand their product offerings to help offset potentially damaging effects of price increases for cot-
ton and raw materials. New York-based Arlee Home Fashions, which a year ago launched its tapestry table linens business, is building on the response to its hefty seasonal programs with the addition of a new stand-alone placemats and runner line spanning up to 20 new patterns, said Lance Orlick, vp. The debut is set for March during the New York Home Fashions market. “We see a void in the marketplace for decorative placemats and runners that don’t coordinate with anything,” he said. “These are just pretty designs for everyday use that we are pricing modestly.” Runners are set to retail for $12.99 to $14.99. At Foreston Trends, a new rug program is in the works for market, as well. The effort is the company’s strategy for 2011 to “try to do less cotton sales and go after the petroleum business,” Gould said. Rugs, which represents an untapped product category for the company, are poised to help Foreston increase its total sales this year. HTT
2/3/2011 12:18:12 PM
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Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
News
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Masion et Objet: Paris Fashion Passion BY ROBBIE SUMBERG AND JOAN LIEBERMAN PARIS — Maison & Objet con-
tinued to live up to its billing as the premier show in the world for home fashions, with an energetic mix of color, design and trends last month. Etenne Cochet, the managing director of the show, said, “In this new year, Maison & Objet aims to be a mirror for our aspirations to live better. Maison is creating more bridges between the different worlds of design. “There is a strong objective, which is to offer the best of the art of living with a ‘green attitude’ that will allow design to eternally replenish itself.” Those expecting to see a majority of neutral colors based on the news from the Heimtextil show in Frankfurt earlier in January were in for disappoint-
ment. These are clearly two very different venues, as Maison continues to take a fashion leadership position on the world home textiles stage.
Colors The home textiles palette at Maison was very much feminine and pretty. Key colors were: • Dusty rose • Denim blue • Lavender • Gray and silver • Raspberry • Purple • Black and white • Peapod green • Turquoise • Carrot
Design Trends 1. Big Bad Flowers Key characteristics: A contemporary trend, another season of easy-to-live-with flat organic shapes.
2. Be Calm Key characteristics: Eastern culture fusion, spiritual balance, human responsibility reused and sustainable, weathered and washed effects, sun drenched colors, contemporary exoticism for a home that exudes the sensual charm of vibrant eastern influences. 3. It’s Complicated Key characteristics: Flowers mixed with stripes and geometrics all in one pattern. 4. Girly Girl Key characteristics: Classic and romantic with roses, wild flowers and tiny packed florals. 5. Waterproof Key characteristics: Sea life, dolphins, waves, fish and sailboats in Mood-indigo blue and white with paint-washed whimsical patterns. 6. History Lessons Key characteristics: Toiles tell
Elsewhere in Home The Maison show includes all manner of home fashions from textiles to furniture to home décor. In the home accessories area, it seems as if all the exhibitors got the same memo as a very large group of individual home accessory and tableware companies had such similar offerings. The colors for this season’s accessories were uniformly grass green, carrot, raspberry, turquoise, true blue, pur-
ple and yellow. Intense color and oversized shapes were in many booths of home accessories and interior decorations. Among the icons used to show trend were: Vintage images of travel tags, pin-up girls, souvenir maps and advertising. More modern themes were vegetables, cooking utensils, nature, toiles, bulldogs, Mini Coopers, roses and the Eiffel Tower.
the story. 7. Big Shots Key characteristics: Overscale stripes, plaids and dots. Among the key applications on hand for these design trends were: Feathers, crewel embroidery, printed textures, bow ties,
ruffles, fur trim, crochet and shaggy loops. HTT Robbie Sumberg and Joan Lieberman are the principles of the trend service Showoffs and can be contacted at showoffs@ optonline.net.
Bedding was big, bright and bountiful at last month’s Maison & Objet show in Paris. Clockwise, from above: Selena et Gaia mixed flowers with stripes and geometrics in a colorful printed bed; Margaret Muir fused together sundrenched florals with contrasting striping for this bedding ensemble; Blanc des Vosges hit the green scene with this overscaled monochromatic floral top-of-the-bed treatment.
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News
February 7, 2011
Home Textiles Today
15
Maison remained the centerpiece of the home fashion universe with major design statements across all key categories. Far left column, from top: Iosis went the nautical route with these pillows for those who like to sleep with the fishes; Teo Jasmin rolled out the vintage Mini Coopers, one of several classic iconic symbols at the show; Advantex turned to the east for a traditional Buddha image on this pillow. Above, top to bottom: Sonia Rykiel thought big was beautiful with these overscaled stripes and patterns; Ybarra & Serret chose a classic toile interpretation for this print.
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2/3/2011 12:30:32 PM
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Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
> hometextilestoday.com
PEOPLETodaY Walmart U.S. Fills Chief Merch Officer Slot Company and Albertson’s Inc. U.S. has promoted Duncan Mac He also served as executive vp of Naughton to chief merchan- merchandising and marketing at Supervalu Inc. dising officer for U.S. In his new role, he stores, effective immeis charged with overdiately. seeing all merchandise Mac Naughton origcategories across more inally joined the comthan 3,700 stores in the pany in 2009 as chief U.S. business. He conmerchandising officer tinues to report to Bill for Walmart Canada. DUNCAN MAC Simon, Walmart U.S. Then, in October 2010 NAUGHTON president and ceo. he was named executive Walmart “Duncan has distinvp of merchandising for guished himself with Walmart U.S., responsible for consumables, health and a proven record of success in every organization that he has wellness, and Walmart.com. Prior to Walmart, Mac Naugh- worked in, including Walmart in ton held leadership roles at Kraft the United States and Canada,” Foods Inc., H.E. Butt Grocery said Simon. “He is a strong stew-
BENTONVILLE, A RK. — Walmart
ard of our culture and he understands that merchandising is at the very core of our business.” Added Mac Naughton: “We remain focused on ensuring that our assortment exceeds our customers’ expectations, both in stores and online. While much has been accomplished, we are working closely with our suppliers to deliver the products and the brands our customers are looking for at Walmart’s everyday low prices.” He said the company plans to “make the shopping experience more fun for our customers through increasing promotional intensity by effectively utilizing action alley.” HTT
TJX Cos.’ Board Announces Promotions Within Top Exec Team F R AMINGHAM , M A SS . — The
board of directors of the offprice chain TJX Companies Inc. has approved a new management structure as part of the company’s ongoing leadership succession planning. Carol Meyrowitz continues as ceo as well as a director of The TJX Companies and has entered into another two-year employment agreement. Ernie Herrman, who originally joined the company in 1989, has been promoted to president from his former post as senior evp, group president. Herrman, along with Jeffrey Naylor, senior evp, cfo and chief administrative officer, now report to Meyrowitz. Nan Stutz has been promoted to senior evp, group president of HomeGoods and TJX Canada, and Michael MacMillan has been promoted to senior evp, group president, continuing his responsibilities for The Marmaxx Group. Stutz has been with the company since 1990 and MacMil-
htt110201_018 16
lan since 1985. Both of them now report to Herrman as do three senior evps -- Jerome Rossi, whose responsibilities include real estate, logistics and procurement; Paul Sweetenham, who heads TJX Europe; and Greg Flores, chief human resources officer. “One of my key responsibilities as ceo is to see that the company has an effective, seamless leadership succession plan in place,” Meyrowitz said. “This new structure is an important step in that regard. It will permit me over time to delegate more of the day-to-day responsibilities and reduce my overall time commitment, while retaining responsibility for all executive functions and continuing to lead this great company. We have an outstanding management team that together, has led TJX through good as well as difficult economic times, delivering excellent financial performance and strong growth. I plan to work very closely with Ernie Herrman in his new role
and will continue to focus on the growth of our important European business with both Ernie as well as Paul Sweetenham.” Added Bernard Cammarata, chairman of TJX Companies: “Our board of directors is very pleased to support Carol Meyrowitz’s new structure which provides for the continuity of strong leadership for our Company. We will continue to reap the benefits of Carol’s proven talents and track record as an outstanding executive and visionary leader while Ernie Herrman, with his demonstrated abilities in merchandising, operations and overall business leadership and execution, takes on a bigger role as President of the Company. Combined with the other organizational changes we are announcing today, this new structure will further strengthen our management team’s ability to continue to grow TJX successfully over the coming years.” HTT
Bon-Ton Extends Bergren’s Term, Promotes Schrantz YO R K , P A . — The Bon-Ton Stores Inc.’s board has extended Bud Bergren’s current posts as president and ceo through Feb. 5, 2012. In addition, Bon-Ton also promoted Barbara Schrantz to coo, effective Jan. 30. She is currently evp, sales promotion and marketing, a position she has
held since March 2009. In addition to her current responsibilities, Schrantz will also oversee stores, visual, logistics and distribution, loss prevention, construction, human resources, corporate procurement and operations, and information systems – all of which will report to her. HTT
Lowe’s President and COO, Stone, to Retire M OORESVILLE , N.C. — Lowe’s Companies Inc.’s president and coo since 2006 – Larry D. Stone – will be retiring this summer, on June 2, which marks his 42nd anniversary with the home improvements chain. Stone has served in “virtually every leadership position,” the company noted, within store operations, merchandising and store environment during his career at Lowe’s. “After more than four decades of commitment and dedication to the company he truly loves, we knew the day would come when Larry retires and begins the next chapter in his life,” said Robert Niblock, chairman and ceo. The company does not plan to fill the president and coo position after Stone’s retirement. Instead, Niblock and Stone will work together over the coming months for “a smooth transition.” But other executive shifts are in the works at Lowe’s. The chain is making the following promotions within merchandis-
ing, store operations and strategic planning: --Robert (Bob) Gfeller to evp of merchandising from svp and gmm of hardlines and building products; --Rick Damron to evp of store operations from svp of logistics; --William (Doug) Robinson to svp of customer support services from vp of store operations/special projects; --Richard Maltsbarger to svp of strategy from vp of strategic planning; Gfeller is replacing Charles (Nick) Canter, who earlier announced his plans to retire this March following 37 years with the company. “These outstanding leaders have been instrumental in the development and execution of Lowe’s current business plan as well as the strategic initiatives that will drive our future success,” added Niblock. “They know our company, our customers and the marketplace and are well-prepared to excel in their new roles.” HTT
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February 7, 2011
BUSINESS TodaY January a Time of Modest Comp Gains for Most Key Retailers BY CECILE B. CORRAL
WINNERS
NEW YORK — An improving per-
Same-store sales % change
formance in the home category helped offset relentless winter storm impacts in January when most key retailers reported modest same stores sales increases. Only two major retailers — JCPenney and Stein Mart — suffered comp declines. Both were down 1.2%. York, Pa.-based The Bon-Ton Stores, which churned only a 0.3% comp increase, which was
WINNERS Costco Dillard’s Inc. Ross Stores BJ’s Wholesale Corp. Macy’s Inc. Fred’s Inc.
6.0% 6.0% 3.0% 2.7% 2.6% 2.1%
LOSERS J.C.Penney Stein Mart Inc.
10.0%
(1.2)% (1.2)%
5.5% 4.0% 2.5% 1.0%
-3.5%
January Same-Store Sales Johnson Redbook Index
-5.0% JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN Source: Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Average, a unit of Instinet, a Reuters company.
the smallest comp gain for the month among the top 13 retailers tracked by HTT, was “pleased with our positive comparablestore sales increase despite inclement weather throughout the month,” said Tony Buccina, vice chairman and president – merchandising.” The home business helped the 275-unit regional department store chain make the grade in the four-week period, as Bon-Ton’s semi-annual home sale in the third week of January “kicked off the new year with double-digit increases for the category, with customers responding favorably to our new home assortments,” Buccina added.
htt110201_018 18
BJ’s Wholesale Club b The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. Costco Wholesale Corp. c d Dillard’s Inc. Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. Fred’s Inc. J. C. Penney Company Inc. Kohl’s Corp. Macy’s Inc. Ross Stores Inc. Stein Mart Inc. Target Corp. The TJX Companies Inc.
Dillard’s Inc. and Costco Wholesale Corp. managed the highest comp returns – 6.0% each — also thanks to home product-related sales. In the case of the Little Rock, Ark.-based department store, sales in the home and furniture category were “significantly above trend” during the fourweek period at Dillard’s. Domestics and housewares were among the strongest performing categories, with comps in the teens, at Issaquah, Wash.based Costco, even though the warehouse club said it estimated the winter weather conditions in the month negatively impacted its results by 1.0% to 1.5%. Next in line with the best
2011 SALES
2010 SALES
$779.8 $180.1 $6,300.0 $376.0 $28.1 $129.1 $903.0 $825.0 $1,310.0 $441.0 $62.8 $4,383.0 $1,350.0
$732.5 $180.1 $5,620.0 $353.9 $28.1 $125.0 $940.0 $798.0 $1,253.0 $411.0 $63.8 $4,289.0 $1,250.0
TOTAL % CHG.
SAME-STORE % CHG.
6.5 0.0 12.0 6.0 0.2 3.0 (3.9) 3.4 4.6 7.0 (1.6) 2.2 8.0
2.7 0.3 6.0 6.0 1.9 2.1 (1.2) 1.4 2.6 3.0 (1.2) 1.7 2.0
TOTAL % CHG.
SAME-STORE % CHG.
8.3 0.7 11.0 2.0 0.7 3.0 1.2 7.1 6.5 9.0 (3.1) 3.7 9.0
4.4 0.9 5.0 3.0 2.4 2.2 2.5 4.4 4.6 5.0 (1.8) 2.1 2.0
52 WEEKS
2011 year-over-year
7.0%
-2.0%
Four weeks ended January 29, 2011 (dollar amounts in millions) a
4.7%
8.5%
-0.5%
JANUARY SALES FOR KEY RETAILERS
BJ’s Wholesale Club b The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. Costco Wholesale Corp. e Dillard’s Inc. Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. Fred’s Inc. J. C. Penney Company Inc. Kohl’s Corp. Macy’s Inc. Ross Stores Inc. Stein Mart Inc. Target Corp. The TJX Companies Inc.
2011 SALES
2010 SALES
$10,600.0 $2,980.5 $36,080.0 $6,019.6 $457.7 $1,842.0 $17,758.0 $18,391.0 $25,004.0 $7,866.0 $1,181.5 $65,786.0 $22,100.0
$9,800.0 $2,959.8 $32,450.0 $5,893.1 $461.0 $1,788.0 $17,556.0 $17,178.0 $23,489.0 $7,184.0 $1,219.1 $63,436.0 $20,300.0
a. Reporting periods vary from chain to chain. b. Excluding gasoline, merchandise comparable club sales increased about 0.3% for the four-week period. Year-to-date merchandise comparable club sales excluding gasoline increased 2.4%. c. Total sales results include sales fromthe company’s Mexico joint venture. Without those sales, the increase would have been 9.0%. d. January comp club results are for the U.S. division. Excluding the positive impacts of inflation in gasoline prices and strengthening foreign currencies, comparable club sales for the month were up
January comps was Pleasanton, Calif.-based Ross Stores. Its 3.0% comp increase was “well ahead of our expectations,” said Michael Balmuth, vice chairman and ceo. Here, however, juniors and dresses were the best performing business segments. BJ’s Wholesale Club in Westborough, Mass. came in with the month’s fourth highest comp gain — 2.7% — despite what is estimated to be a 2.5% negative impact from the effects of the “severe snow storms in
4% in the U.S. division, 11% in the international division, and 6% for the total company. e. Because it is on a different fiscal calendar than the other key retailers on this list, Costco’s year-to-date sales and comp results reflect the past 22-week period. Excluding the positive impact of inflation in gasoline and strengthening foreign currencies, comparable club sales were up 3% in the U.S., 9% in the international division, and 5% for the total company year to date.
the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.” Macy’s Inc. said its samestore sales for fiscal 2010 were above plan and above 2009 in every Macy’s region, as well as at Bloomingdale’s. “While sales in January were restrained by the series of snowstorms that caused widespread store closings along the East Coast and in the Southeast U.S., we continued to benefit from the underlying strength in our business,” said Macy’s Inc.
chairman, president and ceo Terry Lundgren. Showing continued rapid growth is Macy’s online business, which saw its sales at macys.com and bloomingdales.com combined go up 27.2% in January, 29.1% in the fourth quarter and 28.7% for the year. Online and home were also solid at Menomonee Falls, Wis.based Kohl’s Corp. “January’s sales results benefitted from continued strength SEE SALES PAGE 20
2/3/2011 4:26:32 PM
March 13-17 A Must-See Destination Spring NY Home Fashions Market Week If your firm is targeting the U.S. market, you must attend the March Market in NYC, and Home Textiles Today offers the best combination of showroom space and promotion available.
Global Interiors Home Collection Show For complete information, contact: Joe Carena, Show Manager, jvcarena@gmail.com (203) 329-9553 Warren Shoulberg, Publisher, Home Textiles Today wshoulberg@hometextilestoday.com (646) 805-0226
HTT_GIHC 2011 tab.indd 1
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Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2010
Business
JCP, Kohl’s, Ross and TJX Boost Guidance
Same-store sales
January Comes to a Mushy End NEW YORK — Retailers were blaming Old Man
N EW YORK — January’s wick-
Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. “Our preliminary target is for year-over-year same store growth of a 1.8% gain,” she said.
Winter for a soft 1.8% uptick in comps during the final week of January, according to the Johnson Redbook. HTT Comps were stronger in the department store sector, up 2.2%, than in Johnson Redbook Index discount, up 1.5%, during the Fourth week of January, year-over-year % change week ended Jan. 29. WEEK ENDED 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/29 MONTH For the month, comps rose Department stores* 4.0 3.5 3.3 2.2 3.3 2.3%, just missing Redbooks Discounters 2.3 2.0 1.9 1.5 1.9 2.6% target. Redbook Index 2.8 2.5 2.3 1.8 2.3 Redbook analyst Catlin Levis *Including chain stores and traditional department stores noted February contains three Source: Johnson Redbook Index major events: the Super Bowl,
TARGET
2.7 2.5 2.6
BJ’s on the Block W ESTBOROUGH , M ASS . — BJ’s
Wholesale has put itself up for sale, signing with Morgan Stanley & Co. as an advisor to explore strategic alternatives. The company said it has set
no timetable and does not plan to provide updates. According to Bloomberg, BJ’s has received an offer from private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners. An affiliate
of the firm recently acquired Jo-Ann Stores. Neiman Marcus, The Container Store and Petco are some of the other retail holdings in its portfolio. HTT
Big Lots’ Sales up 3.8% in 4Q COLUMBUS, OHIO — Despite flat
comps, Big Lots’ fourth quarter sales rose 3.8% to $1.45 billion. Home, furniture and seasonal were the best performers.
The company said poor weather conditions during the last three weeks of January hampered same-store sales. The quarter ended Jan. 29. Preliminary sales tally for
the full fiscal year is $4.9 billion, up 5.0%. Comps for the year were up 2.5%. Big Lots is scheduled to report full financial results March 3. HTT
Jo-Ann Stores’ 4Q Sales Rise H U D S O N , O H I O — Improved
transactions and higher tickets helped lift Jo-Ann Stores’ fourth quarter sales to $624.1 million, up 3.6%. Comps rose 2.0% on top of a
strong 4.4% gain in 2009’s 4Q. Transactions were up 1.1% and average ticket got a 0.9% boost. The company said severe winter weather during the quarter, which ended Jan. 29, negative-
> hometextilestoday.com
ly hit comps by 0.8%. For the fiscal year, sales increased 4.4% to $2.079 billion, with comps up 3.5%. The company will announced complete financial results March 9. HTT
ed wintery weather was a cause of complaint for many retailers but didn’t hold back JCPenney, Kohl’s, Ross Stores or TJX Cos. from upping their guidance. Due to better-than-expected sales during the fourth quarter along with better gross margins and expense control, JCP now expects fourth quarter earnings to be in the range of $1.06 to $1.09 per share, including the previously announced one-time restructuring charges of approximately 8 cents per share. Management had previously projected 4Q earnings in the range of 90 cents to $1.00 per share. Buoyed by a 1.4% comp gain and 3.4% sales increase in January, Kohl’s Corp. said
January Sales SALES FROM PAGE 18
in our e-commerce business as sales increased 60% over last year,” noted Kevin Mansell, chairman, president and ceo. “From a line-of-business perspective, men’s and home outperformed the company on a comparable store sales basis.” While home — along with men’s furnishings — was a top performer for Jacksonville, Fla.– based Stein Mart, it wasn’t enough to pull it through the period. Plano, Texas-based JCP justified its 1.2% comp decline in January. “After strong sales during the first two months of the quarter, which resulted in quarterly sales coming in above the company’s expectations, January sales
it now expects fourth quarter EPS of $1.65 to $1.66 and fiscal year EPS of $3.64 to $3.65. The earlier guidance put 4Q at $1.62 to $1.66 and FY at $3.61 to $3.65. TJX Cos. credited strong sales and margins for its renewed outlook. It now expects fourth quarter EPS to be slightly above the high end of its prior prediction of 97 cents to $1.01, with a corresponding increase for the full year. Finally, Ross Stores fourth quarter EPS should increase 17% to 18% to $1.36 to $1.37, compared to $1.16 for last year’s 4Q. Earnings for the full fiscal year are expected to jump 31% to $4.62 to $4.63, up from $3.54 from last year. HTT
were impacted by lower levels of clearance inventory when compared to the same period last year, as well as by adverse weather conditions,” the company explained. The mid-tier department store chain’s top-performing merchandise categories for the period included women’s apparel and accessories. Sales of Liz Claiborne apparel and accessories “continued to perform ahead of expectations, attracting new and existing customers,” and Sephora inside JCPenney also continued to attract new customers. “This performance reflects the success of the company’s focus on enhancing the center core of its stores to provide both style and value for modern customers,” JCP concluded. HTT
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22
Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
Calendar
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360 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10010 Tel: (646) 805-0227; Fax: (646) 365-2307 www.hometextilestoday.com
February
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Marks 375 South End Avenue #32U New York, N.Y. 10280 (212) 945-9151 | jnegley@hometextilestoday.com
6 – 10
FOUNDING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carole Sloan
Spring Fair The National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK (609) 921-0222 www.springfair.com
PRODUCT EDITOR Cecile B. Corral 428 Bianca Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33146 (305) 661-7493 | cbcorral@aol.com COPY EDITOR Julie Murphy (646) 805-0224 | jmurphy@hometextilestoday.com DIRECTOR OF MARKET RESEARCH Dana French (336) 605-1091 | dfrench@sandowmedia.com
7 – 10
PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Warren Shoulberg (646) 805-0226 | wshoulberg@hometextilestoday.com
Texworld Paris Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, Paris, France +33 155 268 989 www.texworld.messefrankfurt.com
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Jeff Reeves (336) 605-1009 | jreeves@hometextilestoday.com ACCOUNT MANAGER NORTHEAST/MIDWEST/CANADA Mary McLoughlin (646) 805-0227 | mmcloughlin@hometextilestoday.com
8 – 10
CLASSIFIED AD SALES Spencer Whittle (336) 605-1027 swhittle@sandowmedia.com Karen Hancock (336) 605-1047 khancock@sandowmedia.com
Expofil Parc des Expositions, Paris-Nord Villepinte, France +33 (0) 4 72 60 65 00 www.expofil.com
MANAGER, CHINA Nancy Yu Tel: 86 (0) 21 5126 0111; Fax: 86 (0) 21 6539 0321 nancy@oceaniamedia.net MANAGER, EUROPE Mirek Kraczkowski Tel: 48 22 401 70 01; Fax: 48 22 401 70 16 | kraczko@aol.com
11 – 15
MANAGER, INDIA Kaushal Shah Cell: 91-9821715431; Tel: 91-22-6663 4597 / 24988658 Fax: 91-22-66634596 | kj_reeds@yahoo.co.in
Ambiente Frankfurt Fair & Exhibition Center, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (770) 984-8016 www.ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt
ONLINE SALES MANAGER Penny Schneck (336) 605-1084 | pschneck@sandowmedia.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Rich Lamb Tel: (336) 605-1074; Fax: (336) 605-1143 | rlamb@ sandowmedia.com DIRECTOR, WEB OPERATIONS Chris Schultz | (336) 605-1076 | cschultz@sandowmedia.com MANAGER, CLIENT SERVICES, WEB ADVERTISING Dan Sage | (336) 605-1080 | dsage@sandowmedia.com
27 – March 2 ASD Las Vegas Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas (310) 481-7300 www.asdamd.com
March 12 - 14 The Atlanta International Fine Linen and Home Textiles Market & The Atlanta Spring Gift, Home Furnishings & Holiday Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com
E-MEDIA PROJECT MANAGER Missy Axe | (336) 605-1005 | maxe@sandowmedia.com
16 – 18 Interstoff Asia Essential—Spring Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. (852) 2238 9917 www.interstoff.messefrankfurt.com
24 – 27 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas Market Center, Dallas (800) 325-6587 www.dallasmarketcenter.com
13
22 – 24
Home Textiles Today’s New York Winter Market Kickoff Party The Penthouse Lounge and Rooftop Garden at 230 Fifth 6 p.m- 8 p.m. (646) 805-0226 www.hometextilestoday.com
Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR Shanghai New International Convention Center, Shanghai, China +86 21 6247 7668 www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
14 – 18 New York Home Fashions Market Home Fashion Products Association (212) 297-2122 (Kellen Co.) www.homefashionproducts.com
April 2–7 High Point Market International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC), High Point, N.C. (336) 869-1000 www.highpointmarket.org
6–8 Lineapelle Fair District, Bologna, Italy
htt110201_022_023 22
+39 02 8807711 www.lineapelle-fair.it
DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE MARKETING Allison Ternes (704) 573-9007 | aternes@sandowmedia.com VP, PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Kevin Castellani (336) 605-1034 | kcastellani@sandowmedia.com
26 – 28 gulfBID Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Manama Kingdom of Bahrain +973 1729 3131 www.gulfbidexhibition.com
26 – 28 Vision10: International Window Coverings EXPO Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta (651) 293-1544 www.wf-vision.com
May 4–6 Proposte Villa Erba in Cernobbio, Como, Italy +39 02 6434054 www.propostefair.it
14 – 17 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York (914) 421-3200 www.icff.com
SANDOW MEDIA PRESIDENT AND CEO Adam I. Sandow VP CREATIVE AND EDITORIAL Yolanda E. Yoh EVP, GROUP PUBLISHER James N. Dimonekas
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2/4/2011 3:25:49 PM
News
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JCP WINDOW FROM PAGE 1
ney is probably keeping their largest, most successful design studios and consolidating within markets,” reported Jan Jessup, a spokesperson for Calico Corners. “However, it may cause consumers to look at other sources for custom window treatments and Calico has an excellent reputation in this area.” “Each year, the Calico inhome design consultants and sales associates see a large number of homeowners who have received rather high estimates for JC Penney custom window treatments — and these consumers are looking for alternatives,” noted Jessup. “Calico has a larger range of fashion-forward
Egypt CRISIS FROM PAGE 1
answer is: I don’t know — and if anybody tells you they do, they don’t.” Any potential, prolonged disruption of the country’s transport infrastructure, or of the financial system, could turn into challenges down the road
Home Textiles Today
February 7, 2011
23
fabrics, better prices and more choices for their windows, plus custom options for upholstered furniture and custom bedding (which Penney’s doesn’t offer).” “This will leave between 100 to 200 decorating consultants looking for work; they are among the best trained chain store consultants in the industry,” noted Steve Bursten, Exciting Windows, Bethesda, Md., who agrees that the impact on sales will be tempered by concentrating on its better markets. “Over the counter and in-store sales may not be hit too hard. The custom department is for customers who want the best looks and professional advice; the in-stores sales of window coverings are for the DIY crowd who are trying to save money on simple treat-
ments,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for competitor growth where the studios are closed — I would love to get that list.” “I’m sure we’ll get inquiries, but they’ve never been a big player in our circle,” noted Ken McWilliams, owner, ABC Blinds, Austin, Texas. “We’re well-known in our space and have a long history — 60 years in business — I don’t think the impact will be huge for us.” “I have a lot of respect for them and they were clearly the largest player, but it’s a small part of their overall business,” said Bruce Heyman, owner, Metropolitan Window Fashions, North Plainfield, N.J. “For us, it’s our main focus. Both our ready-made and custom businesses were up last year. Better goods are still selling. This is
an industry where smaller players may actually do better.” “That’s putting a lot of money on the table for other people to grab at,” said Jeff Kalpan, owner, Innu Window, Natick, Mass. But like some other independents, Kaplan noted that he “didn’t run into Penney’s that much,” aiming instead for a higher-end customer. “It’s more of a sign that the middle is disappearing. People will either buy packaged goods or go to a better custom window retailer,” he said. “Our own ready-made business is stagnant. But our custom, high-end business has continued to grow and grow.” Kaplan believes a chain as large as Penney’s probably had its share of mistakes and remakes impacting the bottom line. And, he
pointed to Hunter Douglas as an example of a brand that changed the way it did business with chain stores, making a strategic decision to focus on custom customers. (In early 2010, Hunter Douglas stopped third-party internet sales. The Home Depot site, for instance, now directs consumers to call a consultant for help.) The Penney’s announcement also leaves room for other internet and franchise retailers to grow their business. According to Bursten, Customer Decorators may likely become a big player; while Kaplan pointed to online’s Smith & Nobel as an up and comer. It may be a while until the impact of Penney’s decision is fully felt. But whatever the outcome, it does leave room for a new leader in the category. HTT
for the Egyptian cotton growers, the gins, the major cotton merchandisers, and exporters, he observed. With a current market price of $3.00 per pound for extra long staple (ELS) Egyptian cotton – “probably the highest in history,” said Curlee – there is very little wiggle room for additional upward cost pressure.
As for any likely maneuvers by mills, manufacturers, or retailers, Curlee said, “I don’t think you’re going to see a huge shift in blending...a towel’s still going to be cotton...if you go to polyester it’s like trying to dry yourself with a piece of plastic. You might make the towel a little smaller; maybe you blend it with a Modal wood fiber, or
maybe you make the ground out of poly; that doesn’t touch your skin.” The story would be similar in bedding, he said. “In sheeting, people are accustomed to cotton sheets. The thread count might go down,” he said, or the proportion of non-cotton fibers in a blended product might rise, particularly within “the
lower end of the market.” Getting back to the raw cotton trade itself, Curlee noted that “farmers are already contracting” for next year, and the market for ELS seems to indicate that “for 2012, the crop is still to be in the $1.80 to $2.00 range” per pound. “Maybe it’s $1.50 or $1.60 in the future,” he said. HTT
CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED
CLOSEOUTS
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
CLOSEOUTS WANTED --BOUGHT AND SOLD-Seeking Unlimited Quantities on Firsts, Irregulars and Overstocks HOME FASHIONS DISTRIBUTOR INC Mike O’Neil 207-646-1949 Email: mike@homefashionsinc.com
BRENTWOOD ORIGINALS is seeking a CFO to be based in the corporate headquarters in Los Angeles. Experience in the home furnishings field is a plus but not a requirement. Must have experience with all aspects of corporate operations. Responsible for strategic oversight of the financial resources of the company including accounting, taxes, insurance, and internal controls. Compensation commensurate with experience.
Contact Loren Sweet, President/CEO 310-637-6804 EXT. 1102 lsbrent99@yahoo.com 20639 South Fordyce Ave. Carson, Ca. 90749
NOTICES
LINES OFFERED Product Development Manager Major New England based manufacturer seeks a Yarn Product Development Manager. Candidate will be responsible for the development of new consumer yarns for the knitting/crotchet industry and marketing the product to major distributors and retailers. Interested & qualified applicants, forward your resume and salary history to: hr@pfisleep.com
THEY’RE LOOKING FOR YOU
SPENCER WHITTLE:
www.hometextilestoday.com . www.hometextilestoday.com .
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swhittle@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1027 fax 336.605.1143
KAREN HANCOCK: khancock@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1047 fax 336.605.1143
WANTED - WELL KNOWN, ESTABLISHED MANUFACTURER OF BASIC NATURAL & SYNTHETIC FILLED BEDDING, IS LOOKING FOR A SELECTED FEW SALES REPRESENTATIVES THAT HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE & SUCCESS IN SELLING MAJOR RETAILERS. PLEASE SEND RESUMES TO: NINGBLUERIDGE@AOL.COM
www.hometextilestoday.com . www.hometextilestoday.com . www.hometextilestoday.com . www.hometextilestoday.com .
SALES REPS NEEDED Fast grow, strong competitive Home Textiles company in CA is seeking Sales Reps. Email resume to hr@newpointintl.com
2/4/2011 3:23:37 PM
Barbados Sand
Atlanta AmericasMart Gift Mart Building 2, Showroom 1435
Dallas
Las Vegas
New York
333 World Trade Center 2050 N. Stemmons Freeway
World Market Center Building C, Suite 701
295 Fifth Avenue Suite 1006
Toll Free: 888-889-9868 • www.cnfei.com • sales@cnfei.com •
•
Atlanta • Boston • Chicago • Columbus • Dallas • Las Vegas • Los Angeles • Minneapolis • New York
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