Home_Textiles_Today_April16th_2012 by Sandow Media

Monday, April 16, 2012

THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY

hometextilestoday.com

| Vol. 33, No. 10 | $8.00

Anna’s Linens Hitting New Heights THIS IS GOING TO BE

BIG!

If it wasn’t a Who’s Who of the Home Textiles Industry, it certainly qualified as a Who’s There as more than 200 of the 300 vendors who attended the Anna’s Linens Managers Meeting and Vendor Summit turned out for a celebratory banquet. PHOTOS BY JIM LAURIE

BY WARREN SHOULBERG L A S V EG A S — It was all Anna’s all the time: So what else is new? The annual Anna’s Linens Managers Conference and Vendor Summit, held here late last

month, once more proved to be a lovefest for the specialty retail chain that has defied the odds and prospered where few other operations have. But 2012 will be an especially momentous year for the company. It will celebrate its 25th anni-

versary by opening its 300th store and moving off the continental United States for the first time with the opening of two stores in Puerto Rico next month. It will cross — if it hasn’t already — the $400 million threshold in annual sales. And it will contin-

A New Chapter for Springs U.S. N EW YORK — The long and storied history of Springs — once the largest home textiles mill in the United States — is about to enter a new phase as parent company Springs Global seeks a strategic investor to concentrate on the development of the U.S. business and brands. Springs Global was created in 2005, when then U.S.-based Springs Industries and Brazil’s leading home textiles mill Coteminas merged most — but not all — of their operations into the new company.

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Inside This Issue

Retail Inspiration .............................................................. page 4 In the Clearing Stands a Big Boxer ................................. page 4

April 21st - 26th, 2012

L.A. Artist Creates “BROllow” Dec Pillow Line for Men................................................... page 5

Rugs Overcome Pricing Challenges In 2012 ................... page 6 Winter 2012 Rug Review ................................................. page 16

www.surya.com

March Comps Mostly Positive ......................................... page 28

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ue to expand its merchandising horizons into better goods and more hard goods. As Alan Gladstone, founder, president, son of company namesake Anna and the chief cheerleader for the company, will tell you at the drop of a cur-

tain, you ain’t seen nothing yet. “I know I’m prejudiced, but this is something special,” he told HTT in an exclusive interview during the event here, which attracted some 400 Anna’s employees and close to 300 supSEE ANNA’S PAGE 8

Textiles Represented at High Point HIGH POINT, N.C. — Home textiles companies will have plenty to offer when the High Point Market gets underway here April 21. Antique Rug Collection and Rugs America are making their debut appearances at the show. Surya and Orian are opening new showroom spaces, and Loloi has doubled its space. In addition, four home textiles suppliers are among the nearly 50 exhibitors participating in High Point Market’s second Made in America Pavilion at Market Square & Suites. They are: • Artisan Weavers/Beljen Mills, which produce highend textiles made of U.S.-grown cotton and wool in designs that the company described as "passed down for generations"; • Salmagundi Inc., which offers collaged furniture as well as tuffets, throws and pillows; • Sarahjanes Oilcloth/The Preppy Possum, a manNourison’s Contour collection ufacturer of oilcloth-made aprons, beach bags, tableof 100% polyester handcrafted cloths, placemats and other items; rugs feature transitional and • Sweetwater Trading Co., which makes pillows of contemporary patterns in a rich European leathers in lodge, Western, Native American, color palette. See page 10 for additional High Point introductions. novelty, animal and equestrian themes. HTT

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We want to see you! 4/13/2012 3:54:33 PM

Monday, April 16, 2012

THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY

hometextilestoday.com

| Vol. 33, No. 10 | $8.00

Anna’s Linens Hitting New Heights

BY WARREN SHOULBERG L A S V EG A S — It was all Anna’s all the time: So what else is new? The annual Anna’s Linens Managers Conference and Vendor Summit, held here late last

JOSUE GOMES DA SILVA Springs

SEE SPRINGS PAGE 2

Inside This Issue Retail Inspiration .............................................................. page 4 In the Clearing Stands a Big Boxer ................................. page 4 L.A. Artist Creates “BROllow” Dec Pillow Line for Men................................................... page 5 Rugs Overcome Pricing Challenges In 2012 ................... page 6 Winter 2012 Rug Review ................................................. page 16 March Comps Mostly Positive ......................................... page 28

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4/13/2012 3:54:33 PM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

News

> hometextilestoday.com

Duckwall-Alco Sees Improvements in Operating Results ABILENE, K AN. — While unsea-

sonably warm temperatures impaired fourth quarter sales, regional general merchandise retailer Duckwall-Alco Stores Inc. reported same-store sales increases for fiscal 2012 over the prior year. Richard Wilson, president and ceo, said the company attributed this improvement to the company’s “merchandising strategies and enhanced product mix, which is providing Alco

customers with better value and a more organized shopping environment.” Another bright spot of note were net earnings, which also saw an improvement over the prior year thanks to “cost-reduction initiatives,” he added. Domestics were cited as among the various better-performing categories in the fourth quarter, along with consumables. Net earnings for the quarter

were essentially flat -- $0.8 million, or $0.22 per diluted share, compared to $0.8 million, or $0.21 per diluted share a year ago. Quarterly net sales from continuing operations increased 1.0% to $137.5 million, and same-store sales, excluding fuel center sales, were down 0.6% to $133.4 million. Net earnings for fiscal 2012 were $1.7 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, compared to a net

loss of $4.6 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, in the prior year. Net sales were up 4.4% to $482.8 million, and same-store sales, excluding fuel center sales, for the year increased 3.0% to $467.7 million. “We are excited about the many improvements that have taken place throughout the company this year,” Wilson said. “We are also encouraged by our sales and net earnings growth over the prior year’s results.” HTT

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Revere Mills Earns Women’s Business Certification D E S P L A N E S , I L L . — Revere

Mills International Group Inc. has been certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) as a company that is a majority owned and operated womanowned business. The WBENC is an advocate

of women-owned businesses as suppliers to America’s corporations. Revere Mills’ longtime owner, chairperson and ceo is Lori Gideon; her daughter, Dana Levenstein, serves as import manager of the company – which manufactures, designs

FIT Home Students Plan Presentation on Technologies N EW YORK — Seniors from the

Fashion Institute of Technology’s Home Products Development Department are inviting industry members to attend an hourlong presentation about new technologies that will impact home products. Deriving from the senior class’s product development competition, the event will take place

Tuesday, May 8 in the Katie Murphy Amphitheater, D Building, at 7th Avenue and 27th Street. Doors open at 6 p.m. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and will include five 10-minute multimedia presentations. Admission is free, but reservations are requested. RSVP to Art Mortensen at arthur_mortensen@ fitnyc.edu. HTT

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and markets bath, beach towels, kitchen textiles and rugs “We are extremely excited and look forward to enhancing our business with existing customers and provide new opportunities through vendor diversity programs”, said Gideon. “Revere Mills is celebrating our 96th year

in business and we are proud of our history. In conjunction with our partners, Regal Textiles and Eastern Textiles, we continue to thrive and adapt to changing economies and business cycles. We see this as the next step in our plan for continued growth and success.” HTT

Lenzing

Springs Looks Ahead SPRINGS FROM PAGE 1

Today, Springs U.S. is a private company that is 100% owned by Springs Global. Springs Global is a public Brazilian company in which Coteminas owns 69% and the public — including the former Springs Industries investors — owns 31%, according to Springs Global ceo Josue Gomes da Silva. The company is not looking to sell off the U.S. business outright, he told HTT in an exclusive interview last week. “We are looking not for an investor but a strategic investor to partner with our U.S. business — who can dedicate the time, attention and focus to the great brands we have in the U.S.,” he said. In addition to its legacy Wamsutta and Springmaid brands, the U.S. operation also produces several brands through licensing agreements, including Pantone, Diane Von Furstenberg Home, Paula Dean Home and Nate Berkus. The parent company needs to place its focus on the booming Brazilian market, where in addition to its manufacturing operation Springs Global owns more than 200 specialty retail stores. Gomes da Silva said the company has received several inqui-

ries since it publicly announced the new strategy earlier this month. The goal is to find a partner experienced in brands and the U.S. market that can step in “without any disruption to our brands, our customers or our services. Our customers and our services are the most important,” he said. Joe Granger, who had been president of the branded portion of Springs’ U.S. business and who brought in many of the licensed brands now in its portfolio, is no longer with the company. Longtime Springs executive Tom O’Conner remains with the company and continues to hold the title of president. Springs Global generated approximately $990 million in sales during 2011, with the Brazilian business accounting for 66.9% of the total, according the company’s recent annual report. The company does not break out the U.S. business. For the year, Springs Global reported a 5.2% decline in fashion bedding sales, a 17.3% decline in bath sales, and a 21.8% decline in utility bedding sales. When Springs Global was created in 2005, its annual sales were estimated in the range of $2.4 billion. HTT

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Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

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OPINIONTodaY Retail Inspiration

OMET IMES YOU NEED to recharge your batteries and look outside your own universe. To that end, I recommend the National Retail Federation’s “This Is Retail” competition at nrf.com. The contest is now down to 10 semifinalists. Sadly, there are no linen stores among them. Nevertheless, the two-minute videos from the contestants provide a nice pick-me-up — and, who knows, maybe a few ideas. There’s Heart’n Home in Laurens, Iowa. Owner Julie Wurr started out doing craft shows, then opened a shop EDITOR-IN-CHIEF in her garage and built from there to a Main Street shop where she draws customers with wine tastings. The owners of Anna and Eve – Anna Jones and Robert Houston – created a no-slip swaddle strap after the birth of the daughter, Eve. They now run an online retail business with nationwide distribution. Bookman’s Entertainment Exchange in Tuscon (books, movies and music) is on a mission to prove “used” is not a dirty word. Honolulu’s Eden in Love boutique partners with a charity every month – such as inviting five women being treated for cancer at a local hospital to come into the store for a complete makeover before the holidays. Jim Adams, the owner of Baltimore’s Falls Road Running Store, makes the case for retail this way: A customer buys a shoe. The store orders more shoes from a vendor. The vendor hires a truck driver to make deliveries. The driver stops at a diner to eat, leaving a tip for the waiter, who uses the money to go to the movies, where he orders some popcorn, which is produced by a corn farmer. The farmer has a sore back and goes to see the doctor. The doctor says, “You need a better pair of shoes.” It’s good stuff. Check it out. HTT

Jennifer Marks

In The Clearing Stands a Big Boxer*

HILE ITS CUSTOMERS generally give it high marks as a good place to shop, the vendors who sell Bed Bath & Beyond for the most part have a love/hate relationship with the retailer. On the one hand, they love that BBB is a very large base of customers who need copious amounts of product and that it is financially staWarren ble and continues to expand an aggressive pace. On the Shoulberg atother, they hate the cutthroat PUBLISHER/ buying style, endless tests and EDITORIAL DIRECTOR excessive post-sale chargebacks that are the cost of doing business there. And while both sides of that argument are certainly true, there is one more element that needs to be factored into the love side of the equation: Bed Bath is perhaps the strongest, most secure and overall least-likely-to-fail of any big box category killer in American retailing today. The most recent news coming out of Best Buy only confirms and continues a pattern that has existed for longer than most probably realize in the specialty chain store channel of distribution. And that is that the category is dying, having existed for a relatively short six-decade lifespan. Toys’R’Us under the legendary Charlie Lazarus is generally credited as the first category killer in retailing, a store that offered a huge assortment in a single merchandising classification at competitive prices. From its beginnings in the 1950s, TRU established a business model that over the following three decades became one of the hottest formats in the business. Soon every product category had two, three or

more big chains rolling out big stores in a big way: Office Depot, Office Max and Staples in office supplies; Best Buy and Circuit City in consumer electronics; Home Depot and Lowes and others in home improvement; and in the home furnishings business, Bed Bath along with Linens’n Things, HomePlace and a host of somewhat smaller regional players like Strouds, LeeJay and Waccamaw. Computers, auto parts, footwear, you name it: They all had their own superstores. By the 1990s the big-box movement had peaked and the pendulum began to swing the other way. None of us need to be reminded of the names of the endless casualties. Best Buy’s announcements of store closings, reformatting and management changes are only the latest nails in the big box box. Blame it on a lot of things — aggressive categorykiller-killing tactics by Walmart and Target; bad managers making bad real estate and financial choices; national competition for regional players; and, most importantly, the Internet. Like too many other retailers, the big specialty chains did not react fast enough to Amazon and by the time they did, the online game was over. Through it all only one category killer has continued to kill its category. Only one continues to post nearly uninterrupted positive same store comps. Only one has a balance sheet that would make Warren Buffet jealous. Only Bed Bath & Beyond. So, while it can be tough to deal with and even tougher not to deal with, the home textiles industry could have it a lot, lot worse. Without Bed Bath & Beyond, it could be just a poor boy, laying low, seeking out the poorer quarters where the ragged people go. HTT *With apologies to Paul Simon

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Retail Briefs

Connecting The Consumer To The Message

L A K E M YCOSK I E , founder of Toms shoes, attributes much of his business success to his social business model: “[People] had never heard about someone giving something away every time they sold something.” With the massive success of Toms, the company that gives one pair of shoes to a child in need for every Asha of Toms sold, businessChaudhary pair es in all markets are recognizGUEST COLUMNIST ing the impact on sales when their products “do good” and are socially responsible. Jaipur Rugs was founded as a socially-based business. A significant portion of the company’s profits go back into the hands of the company’s talented Indian artisans in the form of life-changing programs with focuses on education, health and women’s empowerment. Consumers today gravitate toward these types of business models — brands that they believe in. Purchasing a product that comes with a story creates a good feeling and higher confidence in the brand. These sustainable business models are about finding a way for consumers to connect to a brand’s efforts in a way that’s beyond a price tag or bottom line. Say you’ve been crafting the world’s most beloved

linens for over a decade. Think about the greater good and consider how you could maximize or reinvent your brand to resonate with today’s consumer. Are the sheets made with eco-friendly materials? Perhaps proceeds from a bulk order could benefit a charitable cause. Consumers often care as much about “who” they are buying as what they’re purchasing. Consumers are going to be more inclined to buy something if they recognize the social impact, and employees will be more motivated by a message built around improving the world rather than merely focusing on ROI. As companies deliver innovative, beautifully crafted products to the consumer, they must find ways to stand out. Why not focus on a differentiator that has a broader societal benefit? The design industry is uniquely poised for success with a social business model. Building an authentic story behind the product will add to its emotional appeal, strengthening the bond between shopper and remote village, consumer and artisan, or buyer and the environment. A social business model isn’t right for every company, but for businesses that can find a way to connect their products to a particular place, group of people, or organization can find success in both sustaining the group in need that they are supporting, as well as the own business. HTT Asha Chaudhary is president of Jaipur Rugs.

L.A. Artist Creates “BROllow” Dec Pillow Line for Men BY CECILE B. CORRAL LOS ANGELES — Man Cave, meet

the BROllow. Print and video artist Toban Nichols, based here, has developed what he says is an appropriate interior décor piece for men’s spaces — or anyone who prefers a more masculine look — with his new BROllow decorative pillow. It was about two years ago that Nichols came up with the idea for the BROllow, he explained “Meet the Boys” is how Toban Nichols, the designer of these to HTT. masculine-minded decorative pillows, introduces his BRO-llow “Since I am not really from collection for Man Caves and other male-oriented dwellings. that [home furnishings] world, I didn’t know what to do. So it all took a can and stepped on it, or have been looking for a way to ended up being a little unortho- crumpled a newspaper page. And include it in my work.” Part of what prompted him to that is the overall design I use.” dox,” he said. venture into the uncharted world Nichols said that he has been “I start out with photos I’ve of home décor was that “out in making these types of prints and taken, and through a sort of commarketplace, I had not seen anyartwork for many years — “photos plicated process with the computer, I cause the computer to error based on bright colors,” he spec- thing this angular or masculine, so I thought my designs might while it is processing the image, ified. But he has “always had great make interesting pillows.” and the result is a mashed up image,” he said. “It’s like if you love for interior design, and I SEE PILLOWS PAGE 30

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Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

Dollar General Hits 10,000-store mark

ollar General opened its 10,000th store on March 30. The unit in Merced, Calif. is also one of the retailer’s first stores in the state. The first Dollar General store opened in Springfield, Ky., in 1955. The retailer now operates in 39 states.

Kardashian Kollection for Home Debuts at Sears

collection of soft home merchandise from the reality TV celebrity Kardashian sisters has landed at Sears, encompassing bedding, bath towels and bath accessories. Queen four-piece comforter sets are sale priced at $153.99, down from $219.99. Print queen sheet sets are sale priced at $104.99, down from $149.99. And bath towels are sale priced at $6.99, down from $9.99.

JCPenney Looking For A New Chief Financial Officer

fter just four months in the position, JCPenney cfo Michael Dastugue left the company last week. While the retailer conducts a search for a successor, his duties will be handled by chief operating officer Michael Kramer, who earlier in his career was ofo of Apple Stores.

Dwellstudio, Ankasa Plan Flagship Stores In Soho

wellStudio will open its first flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood in early May at 77 Wooster St. It will carry bedding, artwork, furniture, rugs, home accessories, tabletop and vintage/ found objects, offer full-service custom design services, and present an expansive collection of Robert Allen fabrics. Ankasa’s new flagship location in Soho at 424 Broome Street will feature a significant expansion of furniture and accessories, a private design lounge, and a custom pillow bar where customers can choose from Ankasa’s archive of thousands of pillow styles and recolor the base cloth, thread work, cording, sequins and leather.

Flash Site Luxeyard Expands Offerings

uxeYard, a flash site devoted to home furnishing, recent added high-end apparel to its mix. The site’s core offerings include textiles, furniture, cookware, lamps and accessories. LuxeYard has more the 425,000 members, according to the company.

Target Partners with Walt Disney Co., Julie Andrews for Princess Week

he first annual National Princess Week is coming to Target in mid April as part of a new alliance between the discount department store, actress and singer Julie Andrews and The Walt Disney Company. Together, they are launching an “enchanting” week-long event from April 22 to 28 that will include princess-themed bedroom décor as well as Blu-rays, books, toys, games and more. The merchandise will be offered in stores and online.

4/12/2012 4:47:11 PM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

News

Rugs Overcome Pricing Challenges In 2012

AREA RUGS

$25.72B 2011 Home Textiles Universe

$25.05B

% of the Home Textiles Universe

2.7%

2010 Home Textiles Universe

AREA RUGS Distribution channels 2011 total retail sales: $4,530 million up 3.0% from $4,400 million in 2010

Source for all tables and charts: Home Textiles Today market research

2011

Discount department stores $1,624 Direct-to-consumer $763 Mid-price chains $374 Home improvement centers $340 Home textiles specialty chains $240 Carpet/floorcovering stores $218 Gift/home accent stores & single-unit specialty textiles stores $199 Furniture stores $187 Off-price chains $170 Variety/closeout $164 Warehouse clubs $143 Other $68 Department stores $41 Total $4,530 Discount department stores include Kmart, Shopko Stores, Target and Wal-Mart. Direct-to-consumer includes television shopping channels, Internet and catalog sales Mid-price chains include JCPenney, Kohl’s, Mervyn’s, Meijer, Fred Meyer, Sears, TJMaxx/Marshalls, Stein Mart and Ross Stores.

2010

$1,549 $739 $370 $330 $233 $229 $194 $194 $163 $158 $136 $66 $40 $4,400

> hometextilestoday.com

% CHANGE

4.8% 3.3% 1.1% 3.0% 3.0% -4.8% 3.0% -3.6% 4.6% 3.5% 4.6% 3.0% 3.0% 3.0%

Home improvement centers include Home Depot and Lowes as well as regional and local home improvement centers. Variety/closeout includes stores such as Dollar General, Family Dollar, Freds, Value City, Tuesday Morning and Big Lots. Other includes interior designers and military exchanges Figures have been rounded. 2010 figures have been revised.

Oriental Weavers of America sees a lingering cautiousness NEW YORK — Rug manufacturers from consumers about non-necesand suppliers will likely look back sities. But that attitude stands to at 2011 as a transitional year. “help synthetic area rug manuThe overall industry managed facturers,” explained Aaron Gray, a modest 2.7% sales increase to OW’s director of marketing. $25.7 billion, compared to 2010’s While retails of $299-$399 for 5$25.05 billion. by-8 rugs are still important, “we It wasn’t an easy feat. Volatile are [also] seeing more consumraw material demand took a toll ers looking for rugs that at $199 on production-related costs, retails and below.” and the recessionary An improving econEA environment nationomy in some areas is AR wide kept shopalso creating an pers guarded in opening for spending on better-quality, discretionary better-priced goods. soft floor cover“[The] rug ings, according business improved to Wade Maples, RUGS co-owner of Maples in units shipped,” JefRugs. frey Seagle, Mohawk’s director of marketing and prod“Basically, it’s about better uct merchandising told HTT. goods that are made [using] more “Unfortunately, we have not seen innovative constructions and are an improvement in average price of a better quality so that we can and total dollar sales as retailers sell them at a better price,” he continue to focus on value and said. HTT opening price points.” He added raw materials were HTT’s new Database series absorbed by manufacturers for replaces the long-running Facts the most part, and a continued series of category sales reports. pressure “could force pricing up The next Database report will or product specifications down in appear on April 30 and will cover the top of bed category. 2012.” BY CECILE B. CORRAL

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April 16, 2012

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Anna’s in Vegas ANNA’S FROM PAGE 1

pliers. “We started with one store and a dream and now what we’ve created is a company that we believe is very unique.” You certainly wouldn’t get any argument from the managers, merchandisers and employees in attendance for the awards dinner, training session and merchandise show held at Planet Hollywood here. They cheered, applauded and whooped at every opportunity in an environment more closely resembling a revival meeting than a business conference. But the enthusiasm was anything but forced. Gladstone said Anna’s opened 30 stores during calendar 2011 taking it to just under 300 units. With five new stores opened already, the 2012 tally is forecast to include 25 additional units, another 25 remodels and ten relocations. Puerto Rico will be one of two new market areas Anna’s will enter this year, though he declined to mention the other for competitive reasons. The new stores will continue to focus on 10,000-square-foot layouts heavily skewed toward bedding and window, although hard goods, including housewares and decorative accessories, will continue to grow as a percentage of store sales. They now represent just 5% of the total but could get to as much as 20% eventually. Anna’s customers are also finding a merchandising mix pushing the upper end of the envelope a bit more than in the past, he said. “We’ve raised the quality and some of our upper price points over the past year. Our customers told us that perhaps we were too limited in our assortments.” Gladstone said the overall economy continues to impact the store’s lower income customers and that while he believes Anna’s once again gained market share in 2011, it must remain vigilant in appealing to that core shopper group. In the meantime, Anna’s rolls along. With daughter Carie Gladstone Doll in charge of all merchandising and son Scott Gladstone handling many areas of operations — “I’m so proud of both of them and so glad they are here.” — Gladstone said Anna’s is set for the challenges and opportunities ahead. “I am the most appreciative person ever.” HTT At right, from top to bottom: At the vendor reception, from left, Carie Doll of Anna’s, Park Smith of Park B. Smith, Alan Gladstone of Anna’s, Linda Smith of Park B. Smith and Scott Gladstone of Anna’s. From Triangle Home, from left, Jeff Swartz, Allen Darwin, Jared Cohen and Jenny Zhu. Celebrating Anna’s were, from left, Henny Lakin and Bob Weiss of Creative Bath, Peggy Galvin of Anna’s, sales rep Lynn Gusto and Jeff Moss of Welspun. Below: At the Anna’s party were, from left, Rick Barry of Genieco, Andi Stanfa of Franco and Dana Morrison of Genieco.

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April 16, 2012

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Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

1. Softline Home Fashions’ indoor/outdoor Aprica collection made in a linen-and-sheer style was designed with a palette the company described as “relaxing and breathtaking.” Incorporating the eco-friendly Guardin technology, the fabric easily repels water and is resistant to fading 2. DownTown Company’s new paisley-patterned Peizli bedding collection complements any of its bedding ensembles. 3. Sam Salem & Son has given the name Downing Street to its newest collection of upscale bedding designs. Made of 100% cotton sateen, the components feature a variety of organically geometric complementing looks, including a sophisticated swirl ivory print on a rich charcoal background, a gray ribbon embroidery on an ivory ground, tonal quilting of the ribbon swirl in sky blue, and other embroidered details. 4. Woolrich Home is unveiling several new bedding ensemble collections, including this one called Hawk Mountain. The centerpiece of the set is a filled duvet that features a sophisticated woven Aztec stripe – a pattern taken directly from Woolrich’s heritage archives – enhanced with a bright accent palette of teal, sangria red and saddle brown. 5. Libeco Lagae’s new Santa Cruz blanket is a heavy-weight twill stripe made of 100% Belgian linen. It coordinates to pillows in five matching colors. 6. C & F Enterprises Gallerie II is showing its new St. Martin bedding ensemble. The collection is cotton-filled and pre-washed. 13

7. Amity Home’s Bianca linen duvet and dust ruffle collection coordinates with a matching French ruffle sheet set and a white handmade quilt. 8. Kennebunk Home’s Cabana throw is domestically knit and engineered for durability with anti-microbial and mildew resistant qualities. 9. Ann Gish’s Gorgeous collection of luxury throws, coverlets and shams feature white linen accented with metallic gold and a taupe floral pattern. 10. Eastern Accents and interior designer Barclay Butera are introducing four new additions to their collection, including Marrakesh. 11. Rennie & Rose is expanding its Coast Home program with two new additions – the Island Linens collection of relaxed, softhued cotton pillow styles, seen here, as well as the brighter Cabana Stripe collection. 12. Sleep & Beyond is showing its new Washable Wool collection of comforters, toppers, pillows, and other utility bedding products. Made of 100% natural cotton, these goods are all filled with100% Shropshire washable wool. 13. Protect-A-Bed’s Healthy Sleep Zone Solution Kit includes one AllerZip terry six-sided mattress encasement, and one premium mattress protector.

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4/11/2012 11:22:35 AM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

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High Point

4/11/2012 11:30:37 AM

High Point

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Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012 11

1. Kimlor Innovative Home Fashions introduces Purple Tie Dye, available as: comforter and sham sets, sheet sets, valances and decorative pillows.

7. Waverly by P/K Lifestyles is introducing Spellbound, seen here in the Fiesta colorway. It is made of 84% polyester and 16% rayon.

2. Auskin USA Inc. takes cowhide to new places with its new Hair on Cowhide collection of multi-color and multipatterned area rugs.

8. Xia Home Fashions is showing the Papillon pillow collection, which features colorful embroidery on printed linen backing.

3. Surya is expanding its Artistic Weavers program with the new Mantra collection. The rugs are hand-tufted and washed for heft, luster and reduced shedding.

9. Foreign Accents’ Chelsea collection features swirls of color on a cream background. The rugs are hand-tufted of wool and viscose.

4. Rizzy Home’s latest hand-crafted area rug offerings include Bentley, a hand-tufted collection made in India of a New Zealand wool blend.

10. Shaw Living takes design cues from antique damasks for its Venezia collection. The symmetrical composition offers an ample proportion and the two-color palette offers contemporary sensibility. These rugs come in gold, blue, black and red.

5. The Rug Market America’s Cecelia is a hand tufted of wool and viscose. 6. Safavieh’s new Jardin collection depicting dramatic floral patterns is hand-tufted in India using 100% wool with a cut-and-looped-hook texture.

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11. Feizy Rugs’ Tesoro collection are hand- knotted in three different constructions: 100% wool, wool and bamboo silk, and 100% bamboo silk.

12. Tapestries Ltd.’s French Birds on Blue tapestry collection is made in the USA in a linen/cotton blend. 13. Barretts Antique Rugs, Kilims, and Textiles is bringing one-of-a-kind decorative pillows and rugs made of natural fibers and fabrics. 14. Company C’s new Lounge Lake dec pillow is part of the Circles & Swirls collection, which combines embroidered and appliquéd multicolor dots on a cotton twill face. 15. G.E.A.R. by Re-Invention is showing its latest offering of U.S.A.-made home textiles, including this Toky patchwork pillow, which coordinates with the Toky throw in the same construction and color story. 16. Peking Handicraft Inc.’s new Double Peacock Embroidered pillow is a 16-inch square with feather down and featuring two brightly-colored peacock feathers embroidered on a natural linen ground.

4/11/2012 11:33:30 AM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012 1

High Point

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1. Apadana Inc. comes to market with several new collections of modern and vintage flatweave rugs, such as Madison – a grouping of clean geometric looks.

2. Kalaty Rugs’ new Portfolio by Parisa collection are made of 100% wool and bamboo silk and handcrafted on a Lori Loom weave. 3. AMS Imports’ InnerAsia Collection of Tibetan area rugs is made of 100% Tibetan highland wool in a 100knot handknot construction. 4. Karastan’s new Elan Collection of area rugs combines traditional and modern motifs. All are woven in the U.S. from fully worsted New Zealand wool on Wilton (Van de Wiele) looms. 5. Kas Rugs’s Anise collection of botanical rugs are handmade in polyester and come in 10 designs, including this one titled Blue Silhouette 6. OW/Sphinx’s new Ensley Collection of rugs woven on an axminster loom in a blend of wool and synthetic yarns for a soft hand. 7. Beacon Hill adds to its Classics line with the introduction of the Modern Silks collection, which draws from bold and abstract designs that echo the art and architecture in today’s eclectic interiors.

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4/11/2012 11:34:28 AM

News

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Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

Antique Rug Connection a Newcomer to High Point Market with New Showroom C HINO , C ALIF. — Antique Rug

Connection, a Pakistani producer of upscale handmade area rugs and carpeting, is opening a new permanent showroom at High Point in time for the market this month. The 1,062-square-foot showroom is located in space 333 at

200 N. Hamilton. Owned by the husband-andwife team of Nadeem Akbar and MehnazRokerya-Akbar, Antique Rug Connection has been a manufacturer and supplier of semi-antique and antique rugs for almost 25 years. The company operates a facility in Paki-

stan as well as a U.S. office and warehouse here, where it maintains stock of its entire line. “For many years, we operated a store in Los Angeles and did exhibitions throughout California,” said Rokerya-Akbar, director of business development. “Recently, we refocused our

business to concentrate on the design and production of highquality, trend-setting, one-of-akind rugs sold through designers and upscale rug boutiques.” The company’s rugs are ecofriendly “because of the process by which they are made and the materials and dyes that are used,”

Rokerya-Akbar added. At the market, Antique Rug Connection will introduce its new Susani collection of whimsical styles that combine steely colors with lively accent tones. Also, the company will also show new design additions to its Platinum Oushaak and Kotaan lines. HTT

Loloi Rugs to Gift iPads DALLAS — Loloi Rugs will give

Apple iPad 3s to customers who place qualifying orders during this month’s High Point Market. “In addition to the enthusiasm surrounding the expansion of our High Point showroom and our live music party, we want to create the ultimate buying experience for buyers by offering the opportunity to receive the new iPad 3,” said Amir Loloi, founder and president of Loloi Rugs. All those placing qualifying orders will receive the gift. Details are available from local sales representatives or Loloi’s headquarters. During market, the company will show in its newly expanded showroom in the International Home Furnishings Center, D320. HTT

Salon At Market Square Welcomes New Exhibitors HIGH POINT, N.C. — Five home

textiles companies will take up space here in Salon at Market Square, a showcase for fashionforward home furnishings. Fino Lino, French Laundry Home, Signoria Firenze, Sivaana and Yves Delorme/Mis En Demeure are among 13 new home furnishing suppliers who will be new to the space for the upcoming High Point Market, which takes place April 21-26. Other home textiles companies that exhibit in Salon include Auskin Group, Bliss Studio, Etoffe Makara, Kevin O’Brien Studio, Libeco Home and V Rugs & Home. HTT

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4/12/2012 11:54:12 AM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

Rugs

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Winter 2012 Rug Review 1

1. Shaw Living is complementing Tommy Bahama’s Ocean Club and Road to Canberra home collections with several new designs in tribal, ikat, Greek key and suzani themes — the latter seen here. These rugs are machine woven in the United States with Shaw’s own “EverTouch” recyclable nylon. 2. Karastan is expanding its Carmel collection with the addition of Portola Sage, a lush garden-inspired pattern featuring earth-tone philodendron leaves nearly blanketing an ivory field that is framed in a simple solid ivory border. Made in the United States, this new rug is woven on Wilton looms of two-ply nylon yarn. 3. Nourison offers an alternative to wool rugs with its new Rainforest collection of hand-tufted, 100% polypropylene indoor/outdoor rugs. The rugs, which are made in China, feature contemporary, bold, oversized floral and leafy patterns on a variety of background colors. 4. C & F Enterprises is offering its own brand of “fun in the sun” with its new collection of washable rugs called Parfait.

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4/11/2012 11:43:41 AM

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12/13/2011 9:07:15 AM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

Rugs

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Winter 2012 Rug Review 2

Peking Handicraft Inc. is in bloom with its new Flower Vase accent rug, made of 100% wool and cotton on a hooked construction.

2. Couristan uses natural fibers and dyes to produce its new handmade Azari rug, the latest addition to the company’s eco-friendly Chobi collection of 100% hand-spun and hand-knotted rugs. 3. Company C’s new Fly Away rug is adapted from a vintage fabric and features colorful larger-than-life butterflies that sparkle against an un-dyed ground. The butterflies’ wings are enhanced by a mix of hooked and tufted textures as well as novelty high-twist yarns. 4. Jaipur’s new Alsace rug seen here in the antique white ashwood colorway is from the Poeme collection.

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4/11/2012 11:44:07 AM

Home Textiles Today

Rugs

April 16, 2012

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Winter 2012 Rug Review 1

1. Harounian Rugs International is launching its Destiny collection of wool, cut-and-loop rugs machine-made in India. It comes in six designs and colorways, like this scroll black-andwhite style. 2. OW/Sphinxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Revival collection pairs easy care with fashion. These machine-made rugs feature an over-dyed look in washed shades of aqua, plum, crimson and neutral grays interpreted on vintage Persian styling. 3. Kas is introducing Meridian, a collection of 100% UV-treated polypropylene rugs designed for outdoor/indoor living. The construction is both high/low and multi-textured with space-dye techniques. Seen here is seafoam; it is also available in mocha and saffron orange colorways. 4. Homefires and artist Mossy Brook have created the new Painted Rain Forest collection of hooked indoor/outdoor area rugs. The designs feature happy colors to help create a welcome setting in living spaces.

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4/11/2012 11:44:31 AM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

Rugs

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Winter 2012 Rug Review 1

1. Kalaty Rugsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; new Gramercy collection is handcrafted on a Lori loom and is made of 100% wool and bamboo silk. 2. Central Oriental honors its home state of Rhode Island with a new U.S.-made collection of area rugs named after the capital, Providence. These pieces employ an extensive double point and drop stitch construction and are made of 100% heat-set polypropylene. The Marquette Black design is seen here. 3. Momeni draws its inspiration from nature for its new Summit collection, seen here in the sand colorway. These 100% polyester rugs are hand-hooked and feature bold floral and ethnic patterns. 4. cmi beckons Brooklyn with a new collection named after the NYC borough. These oval-shaped rugs are flat braids that are made of 100% polypropylene and feature the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cablelock construction.

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4/11/2012 11:45:01 AM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

Rugs

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Winter 2012 Rug Review 1

1. Creative Touch Design Studio is introducing the Modern Sari collection of silk rugs that are hand-knotted in India and come in plain and ikat designs. 2. Capel Rugs’ newest ikat-themed hand-tufted rugs are called Pow Wow, not inspired by Native American meets but rather “the power of ikat designs to wow.” 3. Ebisons Harounian Imports’ in-house design team has developed a new collection of handmade rugs that are produced in China of 100% viscose. 4. The Rug Market is introducing the Astra Gray collection, and adding it to its Ecconox line of value-priced rugs. Seen here in the floral gray colorway, Astra pieces are hand tufted of wool and viscose and are made in China.

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4/11/2012 11:45:25 AM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

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PEOPLETodaY Moen to Retire as President, ceo of OW Hospitality Pacific Coast Feather Company Appoints Young To SEATTLE — Pacific Coast Feather 23 years ago after holding finanCompany’s president and ceo cial management positions Eric Moen will retire at the in the apparel industry and as end of the month after an auditor in public a decade at the helm. accounting. He will be succeeded “I am very proud of by Joe Crawford, curthe work that we have rently senior vp of collectively done and finance and procureour market position” ment. said Moen. “We have C r aw f o r d , a 2 0 created an incredible year veteran of PCFC, JOE CRAWFORD platform and a very Pacific Coast also serves as the marsolid business with Feather Co. nothing but potential keting chair of the American Down and for the future. The Feather Council, the industry management team is strong, focused and very committed to association. Moen joined the company the ongoing development of the

business.” Co-chairman Nicolas Hanauer noted Moen “has guided the company through some of the most difficult times for both the industry and the U.S. economy, while advancing PCFC’s status as the global leader in utility bedding.” He added that Crawford “is as prepared to lead this company as any chief executive in our history. His decisive leadership, his personal style, and his deep experiences across the entire value chain of our business uniquely qualify him to quickly step in to this role.” HTT

Target Names Former Gap Executive evp, cmo M INNEAPOLIS — After a search that began last fall, Target Corp. has named Jeffrey Jones II as its new evp and chief marketing officer, effective immediately. Jones replaces Michael Francis, who left in early October to become the new president of JCPenney. Most recently, Jones served as partner and president of McKinney, a Durham, N.C.based advertising agency. Prior to that, he held several lead-

ership positions at Gap Inc., including executive vp and chief marketing officer, responsible for leading marketing strategy, retail store design, store experience and all consumer communication. He also managed Gap’s gift card subsidiary, Direct Consumer Services LLC, serving as president of the division. In addition, Jones previously held executive positions at marchFIRST Inc., Coca-

Cola Company, Leo Burnett Worldwide, and served as president and chief executive officer of LB Works, a Chicago-based advertising agency associated with Leo Burnett. “Marketing is a key differentiator for Target and I am confident that under Jeff’s stewardship, we will continue to build on our long history of surprising and delighting our guests,” said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman, president and ceo. HTT

Coyuchi Appoints Eileen Mockus as vp of Product P OINT R EYES , C ALIF. — Coyu-

chi, an organic cotton bedding source, has hired Eileen Mockus as vp of product. Prior to joining Coyuchi, Mockus worked as director of global sourcing for Pottery Barn Kids and PB Teen during both brands’ launches. She has also worked in fabric development at Patagonia and The North Face. “We are thrilled to welcome

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Eileen to our family of ‘Coyuchis,’” said Karyn Barsa, ceo, Coyuchi. “Her experience with growing both well-known and start up brands combined with her social consciousness will be invaluable to Coyuchi as we continue expand into new areas of the home.” In her new position, Mockus will oversee product development and a global product sourc-

ing strategy for Coyuchi’s bedding, bath and baby lines. She will assume responsibility for the design, quality, sourcing and timely delivery of product across all Coyuchi lines, according to a release from the company. “I joined Coyuchi because there is an opportunity in the market to provide beautifully designed product that is responsibly sourced,” Mockus said. HTT

Head Global Sales LONDON — OW Hospitality, the hospitality carpeting arm of the Oriental Weavers Group, has named Jonathan Young its director of global sales, tasked with leading sales worldwide as part of the company’s expansion strategy. Young’s career experience in the hospitality sector dates back more than 30 years. Most recently, he served as the ceo of Brintons US Axminster Inc. Earlier, he held various key positions for several major carpet companies, such as Milliken in both the USA and international markets. In his new post, Young will be based in the company’s U.S. office in Dalton, Ga. “As Oriental Weavers Group has committed major resources to the growth in this sector of their business, it was evident that we needed an industry leader to provide complimentary strategic vision and leadership for the company’s efforts” said Michael Riley, ceo and managing director of OW Hospitality. “Jonathan Young was the first candidate that even came to mind and we are very lucky that he shared the vision of the opportunity for OWH in the hospitality business and knows how to build a first rate sales team.” HTT

Furlet Joins AmericasMart Atlanta A T L A N T A — AmericasMart Atlanta has hired Mark Furlet as senior vp/leasing in the Home category for permanent showrooms of Building 1. Before joining AmericasMart, Furlet served on the leadership team of Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI) where he most recently held dual appointments as vp in charge of all gift and home business at the Chicago Merchandise Mart and vice president and general manager at the L.A. Mart with responsibilities for the L.A. Mart, the L.A.

Mart Design Center and California Gift Show brands. “Mark’s broad home furnishings category perspective gained through years of proven business leadership aligns well with our mission of continued domestic and international expansion,” says Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., president and chief operating officer of AmericasMart parent company AMC Inc. Furlet will report to David Savula, AMC executive vice president for all home, area rug and gift leasing. HTT

Burgess to Lead Saks Ecommerce NEW YORK — Saks Incorporated has named Michael Burgess president of Saks Direct, effective May 7. Saks.com’s home textiles brands include Ralph Lauren, Sferra, Diane Von Furtsenberg, Frette, Matouk, Natori, Etro, Queen of Cashmere and Mis-

soni. Burgess will report to Denise Incandela, executive vp and chief marketing officer for Saks Fifth Avenue and the current president of Saks Direct. Burgess was most recently executive vp FTD’s consumer division at United Online. HTT

4/11/2012 11:56:24 AM

Home Textiles Today

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April 16, 2012

BUSINESS TodaY March Comps Mostly Positive BY CECILE B. CORRAL NEW YORK — This winter’s un-

usually warm weather trends coupled with an earlier Easter Sunday compared to last year boosted same-store sales for many key retailers in March.

mid-tier department stores BonTon and Stein Mart – both with slightly negative comps. Among the 10 stores HTT tracks monthly, only Fred’s reported flat comps. Home was not a strong category for most during the

10.0%

4.1%

8.5%

2012 year-over-year

7.0% 5.5% 4.0%

MARCH SALES FOR KEY RETAILERS Five weeks ended March 31, 2012 (dollar amounts in millions) a 2012 SALES

$254.1

$254.5

(0.1)

$9,130.0 $45.0 $194.0 $1,815.0 $2,358.0 $955.0 $127.5 $6,427.0 $2,300.0

$8,330.0 $43.3 $188.9 $1,723.0 $2,206.0 $828.0 $127.0 $59.6 $2,000.0

10.0 4.0 3.0 5.3 6.9 15.0 0.4 7.9 0.1

5.0 2.3 0.0 3.6 7.3 10.0 (0.3) 7.3 10.0

TOTAL % CHG.

SAME-STORE % CHG.

9 WEEKS March Same-Store Sales Johnson Redbook Index

-3.5% -5.0% MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR Source: Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Average, a unit of Instinet, a Reuters company.

As has been the case for several consecutive months, the strongest performers were offprice competitors TJX Cos. and Ross Stores. They were followed closely by Target and Macy’s. All reported better-than-expected comps. Once again, those posting the weakest results included

month. Target’s home comps increased in the low single-digit range, with the strongest performance in seasonal categories and the softest performance in decorative home. Stein Mart cited home — specifically linens — as among the categories that posted the

2012 SALES

The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. Costco Wholesale Corp. Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. Fred’s Inc. Kohl’s Corp. Macy’s Inc. Ross Stores Inc. Stein Mart Inc. Target Corp. The TJX Companies Inc.

$453.5 $16,170.0 $482.8 $352.9 $2,989.0 $4,218.0 $1,632.0 $208.1 $11,559.0 $4,000.0

a. Reporting periods vary among retailers. b. Costco’s March comp results are for the U.S. division and do not include the positive impacts of inflation in gasoline prices or the

chain’s strongest comps in the five weeks. But at TJX, where home has

Same-store sales

Another Solid Week For Comp Sales N EW YORK — Retail comps rose 4.1% in the apparel,” she continued. “Retailers benefited first week of April, according to The Johnson from year-over-year comparisons as an earlier Easter created more sales volume in the week. Redbook Retail Sales Index. Month-to-date, April was up 4.1% compared Warm weather helped full-priced seasonal apto April of last year. For the month, Redbook parel business, especially women’s apparel and expects April comps to rise 3.5%. Month-over-month Johnson Redbook Index showed a 0.8% gain comFirst week of April, year-over-year % change pared to March, relative to WEEK ENDED 4/07 4/14 4/21 4/28 MONTH TARGET a target of a 0.1% gain. Department stores* 3.4 3.4 2.6 As retailers enter the final Discounters 4.5 4.5 4.0 month of the first quarter, reRedbook Index 4.1 4.1 3.5 sults of the first week were *Including chain stores and traditional department stores running better than expectSource: Johnson Redbook Index ed, noted Redbook analyst Catlin Levis. “Last minute Easter-related purchases drove footwear. Basic food and consumables as well demand for candies, toys and boys and girls as garden supplies also did well.” HTT

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SAME-STORE % CHG.

Costco Wholesale Corp. b Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. Fred’s Inc. Kohl’s Corp. Macy’s Inc. Ross Stores Inc. Stein Mart Inc. Target Corp. The TJX Companies Inc.

1.0%

-2.0%

TOTAL % CHG.

The Bon-Ton Stores Inc

2.5%

-0.5%

2011 SALES

$452.2 $14,710.0 $426.6 $342.6 $2,884.0 $3,969.0 $1,423.0 $207.5 $10,705.0 $3,500.0

0.3 10.0 4.0 3.0 3.6 6.3 15.0 0.3 8.0 13.0

0.3 NA 3.0 (0.4) 1.8 6.1 10.0 0.1 7.2 10.0

negative impact from foreign currencies. Including those impacts, comps for the month were up 6.0% in the U.S. division, 7.0% in the international division, and 6.0% for the total company.

been a bright spot for several months, apparel took the spotlight in March. By segment, Marmaxx’s comps were up 10%, driven by the apparel category’s 12% comp versus home’s 1%. Home Goods was up “a strong” 6%, noted Sherry Lang, TJX’s vp of global communications. Winners and Home Sense combined comped up 8%, “and we’re pleased to see strong trends continue in our Canadian business,” Lang summed. Kohl’s home business posted a negative comp with “decreases in substantially all discretionary categories,” the company said. Ross Stores was mum about its home business. Instead, the off-pricer cited juniors, children’s and shoes as its strongest merchandise categories in the month. At Macy’s, the strengths in performance was “once again … balanced across Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, stores and on-

WINNERS AND LOSERS Same-store sales % change

WINNERS Ross Stores 10.0% TJX Cos. 10.0% Macy’s Inc. 7.3% Target Corp. 7.3% Costco Wholesale Corp. 5.0% Kohl’s Corp. 3.6% Duckwall-ALCO 2.3%

LOSERS Stein Mart The Bon-Stores Inc.

(0.3) (0.1)

line, geographies and families of business,” said Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and ceo. “The early warm weather drew attention to our outstanding assortments of fresh spring goods, which were received enthusiastically by customers.” The company’s online sales were especially strong — 39% in March and 35.6% year-todate for macys.com and bloomingdales.com combined. HTT

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Home Textiles Today

Pillows for Bros PILLOWS FROM PAGE 5

Nichols made his first prototype in 2008. “But I couldn’t really wrap my head around it at the time,” Nichols said. “I liked it and thought it looked really cool, but didn’t know how to make it in a viable product. I don’t think that way. I think more in the artistic way.” Realizing he lacked industry know-how, Nichols went to work on his approach, experimenting “a little more” on his designs and researching “how to make a pillow, as opposed to how to make printed work, which I already know. I did my due dili-

April 16, 2012

gence [on pillows].” He wanted to know how to produce, market, and sell a decorative pillow. So he created a six-design line and began showing them to some players in the industry. Then last fall, he came into contact with Joseph Abbati, owner of DQtrs (aka Design Quarters), a San Francisco-based home décor producer, wholesaler and online retailer. “His work looked interesting, and he seemed very interested in putting together this pillow collection, so I made some samples and he then got involved in doing some fo the marketing,” Abbati told HTT. This February, the first BROllow collection debuted on http:// dqtrs.com/DQtrs/DQtrs.html,

News

which also works with other artists and designers to create unique decorative pillows, throws and wall hangings for high-end home décor. “I like the BROllow line because I like the concept of marketing to men or for masculine [tastes],” Abbati said. “There isn’t a lot out there marketed for men’s home décor in the marketplace. It’s a segment that I think is often forgotten.” Abbati said he refrains from t argeting “only men” with BROllow. But, he added, “It’s a good way of speaking to a market that really isn’t usually spoken to. I think that a lot of the design out there, we just naturally think that, especially if it’s for a straight married couple, the wife will take care of the décor

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in the home. But there are a lot of men who like to get involved with buying things for their man caves or homes or whatever you want to call it. So BROllow is addressing that and giving men an option that speaks to them.” DQrts retails BROllow pillows for $135 each. Abbati said he produces some limited-edition collections, and makes 250 of each design by Nichols. Now, Nichols wants to expand the line to include some more mass market looks that can retail at major discount department and mid-tier department

stores. To help him get that effort started, he has launched a crowd funding campaign on Kickstarter.com. He is also exploring licensing opportunities for his designs to the home textiles supplier community. “What I want mainly is to get my BROllow pillows in front of people,” Nichols said. “I want to show them to everyone.” HTT

CLASSIFIEDS LINES OFFERED

Wanted: “Connected” Agents Artistic Weavers, the Mass Merchant division of Surya Rugs, is looking for independent agents already successfully selling to the Home Fashions divisions of any one of the following accounts: -ShopKo -City Furniture -Meijer -El Dorado -Sam’s Club-Wal Mart -Bealls -Rooms To Go -Big Lots -Kirklands -Value City We offer In-stock, Made-To-Order and fully supported E-com programs. Visit us at www.surya.com to see the vast assortment of products we offer. Please send your resume and cover letter to paul.sullivan@surya.com

THEY’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS

TO REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET SPENCER WHITTLE: swhittle@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1027 fax 336.605.1143

KAREN HANCOCK:

w w w. h o m e t e x t i l e s t o d a y. c o m

khancock@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1047 fax 336.605.1143

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4/13/2012 11:08:18 AM

SEE THE HIGH POINT RUG MARKET

LIVE ON HTT VIDEOS Check out our website, Hometextilestoday.com, every day during High Point Market for our daily video webcast on all the latest on what’s happening in the rug business at market. We’ll feature interviews with key newsmakers, Sponsored by:

market trends and business analysis.

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 THROUGH TUESDAY, APRIL 24 LOG ON, TUNE IN, CHECK IT OUT! HOMETEXTILESTODAY.COM

TEXTILES IS OUR MIDDLE NAME

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4/12/12 2:17:43 PM

Home Textiles Today

April 16, 2012

Surya to Fete New High Point Showroom C ALHOUN , GA . — To inaugurate its new showroom at Showplace 4100, Surya Inc. is hosting a party in the space during the upcoming High Point Market. Set for April 22, the festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at Surya’s 26,000-square-foot space and will feature a live DJ, dancing, open bar and a catered dinner. Surya will also be showing its newest collections for market. The lineup spans more than 500 new rugs, decorative pil-

lows, poufs and wall art designs. “We want to give everyone a break from their hectic appointment schedules and have a chance to enjoy themselves, and if they get the opportunity to view our new collections and best sellers, that’s icing on the cake,” said Satya Tiwari, president. Surya will also offer ustomers breakfast and lunch daily in the showroom as well as hors d’oeuvres and cocktails every evening during market. HTT

News

> hometextilestoday.com

THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY® 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010 Telephone: (646) 805-0227 Fax: (646) 365-2307 USPS 497-490 HOME TEXTILES TODAY (USPS 497-490) (ISSN 0195-3184) is published 29 times a year except for the weeks of 1/16, 2/6, 2/20, 3/12, 3/26, 4/9, 4/23, 5/7, 5/21, 6/4, 6/18, 7/2, 7/16, 7/30, 8/13, 8/27, 9/17, 10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 11/26, 12/10, 12/24 by Furniture/Today Media Group, 360 Park Avenue South, 17th fl., New York, NY, 10010 a subsidiary of Sandow Media LLC, 3731 NW 8th Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. HOME TEXTILES TODAY copyright ©2012 by Sandow Media LLC. Annual subscription rates: U.S. and Canada $169.97; 1 year, other countries $325.99 for surface mail . All payments must be made in U.S. currency. Subscription inquiries: HOME TEXTILES TODAY, PO Box 5879, Harlan, IA 51593-1379. Phone: (866) 456-0405. HOME TEXTILES TODAY and THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY are registered trademarks of Sandow Media LLC, used under license. Sandow Media LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause whatsoever. (Posted under Canadian International Publication Agreement No.40624074. Sandow Media/CDS (Mint Hill)

360 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10010 Tel: (646) 805-0227; Fax: (646) 365-2307

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HOME TEXTILES TODAY, P.O. Box 5879, Harlan, IA, 51593-1379 Email: HTTcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RCS International; APC; PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Rich Hill, ON L4B 4R6

PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Warren Shoulberg (646) 805-0226 | wshoulberg@hometextilestoday.com

www.hometextilestoday.com www.facebook.com/httmag @HomeTextilesTod on Twitter EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Marks 10 Ocean Blvd #8B Atlantic Highlands, N.J. 07716 (732) 204-2012 | jnegley@hometextilestoday.com

SENIOR EDITOR Cecile B. Corral 428 Bianca Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33146 (305) 661-7493 | cbcorral@aol.com MANAGING EDITOR Julie Murphy (646) 805-0224 | jmurphy@hometextilestoday.com

Where inspiration becomes reality.

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC ARTIST Desiree Nunez (646) 805-0233 | dnunez@giftsanddec.com DIRECTOR OF MARKET RESEARCH Dana French (336) 605-1091 | dfrench@sandowmedia.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, ACCOUNT MANAGER CHINA Jeff Reeves (336) 605-1009 | jreeves@hometextilestoday.com ACCOUNT MANAGER NORTHEAST/ MIDWEST/CANADA Mary McLoughlin (646) 805-0227 | mmcloughlin@hometextilestoday.com CLASSIFIED AD SALES Spencer Whittle (336) 605-1027 swhittle@sandowmedia.com Karen Hancock (336) 605-1047 khancock@sandowmedia.com MANAGER, EUROPE Mirek Kraczkowski Tel: 48 22 401 70 01; Fax: 48 22 401 70 16 | kraczko@aol.com MANAGER, INDIA Kaushal Shah Cell: 91-9821715431; Tel: 91-22-6663 4597 / 24988658 Fax: 91-22-66634596 | Kaushal@kaushals.com 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

furniture

rugs

lighting

wall art

textiles

accessories

E-MEDIA PROJECT MANAGER Missy Axe | (336) 605-1005 | maxe@sandowmedia.com DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE MARKETING Allison Ternes (704) 573-9007 | aternes@sandowmedia.com PRESIDENT, FURNITURE TODAY GROUP Kevin Castellani (336) 605-1034 | kcastellani@sandowmedia.com

High Point Market • April 21-26, 2012 From the new to the tried and true, Market Square & Suites is THE destination for design-driven home furnishings in High Point. Find new, up-and-coming designers and your next best sellers all under one roof.

FOUNDING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carole Sloan, 1979-2011

F E AT U R I N G SANDOW MEDIA PRESIDENT AND CEO Adam I. Sandow CFO/COO Christopher Fabian VP CREATIVE AND EDITORIAL Yolanda E. Yoh

WWW.MARKETSQUAREANDSUITES.COM

EVP, GROUP PUBLISHER James N. Dimonekas SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. (866) 456-0405 All other countries: (515) 247-2984 HTTcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com FAX SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1-866-310-7181

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4/13/2012 3:09:50 PM

TO GI S DA TE R Y! GISTICS 2.0 Solving the supply-chain puzzle 2012 LOGISTICS CONFERENCE Join us for this special one-day conference filled with expert speakers, panels and workshops devoted exclusively to retailers and manufacturers in the gifts and home furnishings industries.

WESTIN PEACHTREE PLAZA

149

PER NIGHT

800-241-6405

THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012, 9AM-4:15PM AMERICASMART, ATLANTA, GA

Networking Cocktail Party, Wednesday, May 9, 6:30-7:30pm, Westin Peachtree Plaza TOPICS TO INCLUDE: Keynote Speaker: Bill Lindler, Sr., CEO of United Steel Storage, is a man leading retailers routinely refer to as ‘The Lynchpin of Logistics.’ Bill will share his decades of experience as he explains key paradigm shifts that are likely to alter the logistics landscape. Ocean Freight: Smooth sailing ahead, or waves of change? A panel of experts from companies including Havertys Furniture, American Global Logistics, Descartes, Samson Holding and Stanley Furniture will do a deep dive into this sector. Home Delivery: Leading home delivery experts at Cory 1st Choice Home Delivery and 3PD will share the podium with key retailers from Bob’s Discount Furniture, Home Depot, Haynes Furniture/The Dump and Wayfair, to discuss segment challenges as well as logistics solutions. Trucking Update: Transportation executives from American Signature, SunBelt Xpress, Zenith and Watkins & Shepard Trucking will update you on many of the key drivers impacting this segment. You’ll hear about fuel costs, hours of service regulations, the dwindling driver pool and much more. Retail Panel: Key retailers including Badcock Home Furniture & More, Ashley Furniture HomeStores, Williams-Sonoma, Freedom Furniture & Electronics and Broad River Furniture will talk big-picture challenges and best-practice logistical solutions. Supplier/Importer Panel: Hooker Furniture, Home Meridian International, A.R.T. Furniture and Jofran Furniture will evaluate the logistics landscape from the supplier’s perspective.

TO REGISTER, VISIT HOMETEXTILESTODAY.COM/LOGISTICS2012 Sponsored by:

For more information, contact Heather Grant, Conference & Events Manager 336-605-1061 or hgrant@sandowmedia.com