Monday, February 27, 2012
THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY
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| Vol. 33, No. 6 | $8.00
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Monday, February 27, 2012
THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY
Adding Towels to the Grocery List Home Textiles Pop up Where Consumers Shop Often BY JENNIFER WHITE KARP B RO O KLYN , N.Y. — Milk, eggs and kitchen towels? Check. Aspirin, Kleenex and
Trader Joe’s offers kitchen towels that supposedly absorb 10 times their weight in liquid.
sheets? Double check. While these are not the typical shopping lists most consumers carry into grocery and drug stores, they could be, as some home textiles — seemingly intended as impulse purchases — are popping up at these retail channels, just not a whole lot. Drug and grocery stores account for a small part of overall home textiles sales in the country. But the size of these retailers — like drug chains with thousands of stores — and the frequency that consumers visit these stores for a huge range of products makes them a channel worth considering. Logically, grocery stores often carry kitchen textiles. Maria Brous, director of media and community relations for Publix, a chain SEE SHOPPING PAGE 26
F R AMINGHAM , M ASS . — TJX Companies is ramping up expansion plans for the United States and Canada beyond previous expectations and now believes it can reach $40 billion in annual sales — nearly double its most recent fiscal year revenues. “We believe Marmaxx will be a bigger business than we thought just over a year ago,” said ceo Carol Meyrowitz during the company’s analyst call last week. “We see this chain growing to at least 2,400 stores. We also believe HomeGoods is
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bigger than originally thought, and we’ve raised its growth expect ations to 750 stores in 2012.” The Marmaxx division currently operates 1,867 stores and HomeGoods 374. In Canada, TJX Cos. sees Marshalls as “another growth catalyst,” she said. “We see the potential to grow TJX Canada overall to 430 stores, and we will be growing this business steadily.” Fiscal 2011 represented the third consecutive year that ended with significant increases in customer traffic. Marmaxx’s comp increased 5% and Home Goods’ 6%. Meyrowitz said bot-
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Market Basket Reflects Cotton Impact pared to 38% last year. The proportion of allcotton bedding declined N E W YO R K — The effect of to 35% compared to 37% JCPenney’s new, pared down pricing policy created the most a year ago. Blends retreatdramatic shift in this year’s annued to 21% from 25% in China Leads al HTT Market Basket Survey. last year’s survey. Manufacturing nations HTT went into the field after Family Dollar led the identified for 272 items. JCPenney lowered its base pricing polyester parade; every 4% on Feb. 1, and the change was eyesingle bedding item in its 9% U.S. Pakistan opening. Compared to spring 2011, a opening price point and 6% top price point baskets was basket of standard bedding and bath Other made of poly. Kmart ran products at opening price points rang a close second, offering in at nearly half of last year’s ticket. 22% India only one all-cotton item JCPenney’s basket of top price point in its basket. goods dropped 37.5% from last year. 59% Kohl’s, Macy’s and The survey — which examChina Target had the greatest ined the highest and lowest priced ratio of all-cotton beditems at key retailers in New York ding in their baskets. City, New Jersey, Long Island and *Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, The Philippines, But there were changes. Miami — is not necessarily repreTaiwan, Thailand and Turkey. Figure also represents unknown. Last year, Macy’s baskets sentative of a retailer’s overall priccontained only one polying grid, but it does assess the pricing consumers found in those stores in those ester item. This year, it had three all-poly bedmarkets during early February. Goods that were ding items and two blends. Kohl’s added a litmarked down were not included. The survey is tle more cotton to its basket assortment – seven items this year compared to six in 2011. Tarbased on full-priced merchandise. Higher cotton prices produced a swing toward get doubled the number of all-cotton bedding more all-poly bedding, which accounted for 44% items in its basket to eight from four last year. SEE BASKET PAGE 13 of bedding constructions in this year’s survey comHTT STAFF REPORT
TJX: We’re Going to Be Bigger BY CECILE B. CORRAL
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tom-line profit improved in both divisions. Additionally, Marmaxx’s sales rose 9% to $15.4 billion during the year, and HomeGoods grew by 14.6% to $2.2 billion.
MARKET BASKET
Inside This Issue Springs Gets Colorful with Pantone Partnership .......... page 2 Why $2 Cotton Could Be the Best Thing To Ever Happen to the Industry ............ page 4 The Little Things ............................................................... page 4 Design Today: In Store Review ....................................... page 18 Mum on Martha, Macy’s Says Textiles Solid in Fourth Quarter ...................................... page 24
SEE TJX PAGE 26
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February 27, 2012
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HTT Sponsoring Material ConneXion Open House for Market Week
ELITE SPONSORS For more information on these Home Textiles Today advertisers, scan their QR tags below using a free QR scanner available at synqware.com.
Intertextile
N EW YORK — Material ConneXion, the materials design resource and library, will host an Open House and tour on the Saturday before New York market week, sponsored by Home Textiles Today. The morning session, set for Saturday, March 3 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., will include a trend presentation by Material ConneXion’s Andrew Dent
as well as a tour of the company’s material library, which features thousands of textiles, hard surfaces and other elements that designers can use in product development. Breakfast will also be served. The Open House is geared specifically at product development and designers in the home textiles industry and offers the opportunity for them to get a
hands-on look at all the resources available at Material ConneXion. Attendees will have free time to tour the library and explore the materials on hand. The event will be held at Material ConneXion world headquarters at 60 Madison Avenue at 27th Street, just a quick walk from the Fifth Avenue showroom buildings. The session is part of the on-
going series of ConText events sponsored by Home Textiles Today and offered at minimal cost to those in the home textiles industry. Registration is $99 and all attendees will be eligible for a discount on future Material ConneXion memberships. More details and registration sign-up is available at HomeTextilesToday.com/ConText. HTT
Springs Gets Colorful with Pantone Partnership N E W YO R K — Pantone, the color authority and resource, will enter the world of branded bed and bath with Springs Global in a new partnership just announced. Springs will debut the line at the March New York Home
Fashions Market Week with a fall 2012 retail launch scheduled. Specifics on products and pricing levels were not immediately available in advance of market, although the announcement did call the new line “accessibly priced.”
Tracking Textiles WHERE PREMIUM SHEETS ARE BEING BOUGHT* Online sales of 401+ thread count sheets and pillow cases are stronger than the category as a whole. Online
15% In-store Catalog
82%
2%
But the alliance brings together the brand name universally known for color accuracy and standards with a supplier that is continuing to build its stable of high-profile names and labels. “Partnering with Pantone enables us to realize our vision of creating products that excite consumers and create compelling stories for the retailer,” said Joe Granger, president of Springs Global in announcing the new deal. “The collection goes beyond expressing color in a way that’s not just about color, but about moods and emotions.” Pantone sees a good fit too. “We are thrilled to be working with Springs on the creation of these colorful new collections for bedding and bath,” said Lisa Herbert, vp of Pantone’s consumer product division. “Now
Lenzing
“Partnering with Pantone enables us to realize our vision of creating products that excite consumers and create compelling stories for the retailer.”
Manhattan Properties
Protect-A-Bed
—JOE GRANGER, Springs Global
Pantone fans and consumers will for the first time be able to build color stories that express individual personality and beautiful dreams.” While Pantone has licensed its brand and color palette for some products in the past, including tabletop and stationery, this is believed to be the first time a bed and bath textiles line will reach retail shelves. HTT
Softline Home Fashions
Surya Rugs
Other
1% In the 12 months ending October 2011, 19% of all sheets and pillowcases sold had a thread count over 400. Consumers purchasing these sheets place a higher importance on material/texture, product appearance and matching other items they own than the overall sheet and pillowcase consumer. *12 months ending 10/11 based on share of market in dollars Source: The NPD Group/Consumer Tracking Service
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Retail Briefs
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Home Textiles Today
February 27, 2012
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OPINIONTodaY The Little Things
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OM E T I M ES, I T ’ S T H E L I T T L E T H I NGS that capture your attention. Such was the case last week when Walmart said its home department had produced positive comps in the fourth quarter – the first uptick in home comps at America’s largest retailer in 2 ½ years. The extent to which this is a positive signal for the country’s home business generally links directly to whether one considers Walmart a bellwether for the health of overall retailing. For the past three decades Walmart’s fortunes served as a barometer for middle class buying habits. Walmart did well in a recession, the rule EDITOR-IN-CHIEF of thumb went, because it benefited from a shift to cost-consciousness. It did even better after a recession as consumers began to spend more freely. So it’s worth noting — as Walmart’s chief fi nancial officer did last week — that while the recession is technically over, Walmart’s customer continues to live paycheck to paycheck. Heavy promotional activity during the fourth quarter put a $100 million dent in the company’s margin. Target, whose core customer has a somewhat higher average household income, said last week its better/best offerings in home are showing some momentum. Nonetheless, the retailer expects its home comps for the year will be flat to slightly up. A few steps up the food chain, Macy’s had a boffo fourth quarter, pointing to home textiles as one of its good performers. And at the top of the pyramid, Saks Fifth Avenue touted a “historically high gross margin rate performance.” Which brings us back to the question of whether Walmart any longer serves as the yardstick that best accurately measures the fortunes of the industry at large. Say what you will about cross-shopping, the Saks customer isn’t the Walmart customer — nor is the Sam’s Club customer the Family Dollar customer. Clearly, some retailers are bouncing back more quickly than others. Formats serving the distressed lower-middle-income consumer are going to be slogging it out for a while longer. HTT
Jennifer Marks
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Why $2 Cotton Could Be the Best Thing To Ever Happen to the Industry
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E A H, I K NOW YOU’R E loving that headline, right? You’re sitting there and remembering back to the insanity of the cotton crisis this time a year ago and wondering what in the world talking about. (I Warren I’m wonder the same thing Shoulberg myself, not to worry.) But, look at it this PUBLISHER/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR way: Suppose the industry had a price increase and the consumer never noticed? Wouldn’t that be something? Well, in a way, that’s exactly what happened to the home textiles industry over the past 12 months. After a price deflation spiral that stretches all the way back to the mid-1990s when Wamsutta cut the price of Supercale by a few bucks, the industry was finally forced to raise prices last year. Doubling and tripling of cotton raw material costs made it impossible to hold price points anymore and some of the most sacred rules of home textiles retailing — all ending in the number 99 — quickly came tumbling down. And guess what: The world did not end. There are some anecdotal stories about sales dropping on some key core products when the price increased, but frankly there are just as many reports that say the opposite, that
sales did not decline on many products where prices jumped a buck or two, or even three. After all these years of retailers telling vendors they had to have lower prices or they weren’t going to play nice, stores quietly and swiftly accepted higher prices without putting up much of a fight. Buying teams that tried to go direct to sources in Asia discovered their American supplier “partners” were not feeding them lies, the new higher prices were the price. And this was largely nonnegotiable. If you look at any measure of business last year — and HTT’s own numbers are as good as anybody’s and better than most — they show business went up a couple of ticks last year. That was probably not so much unit sales as it was average tickets, reflecting some of these new higher prices. Now, as the industry gets ready to gather for its semi-annual us-versus-them main event — commonly called market week — the big question is will suppliers and retailers understand that indeed the American consumer will pay a little more for most of the products they make and sell and that there isn’t this insane need to drop prices. It’s not so much who is going to blink first as it is whose eye sight is better. The industry found it impossible to raise prices until it had absolutely, positively no choice. Now, with cotton returning to manageable price levels, it has a choice again. We’ll find out soon enough what it will choose. HTT
2/24/2012 4:15:16 PM
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Retail Briefs
Mytex Broadening its Scope
Casa.com Makes Debut
BY JENNIFER MARKS
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asa.com launched two weeks ago offering 35,000 hard and soft home goods, including bedding, bath, window, table linens, dec pillows and throws. Casa.com is a spin-off of Quisdi, which was acquired last April by Amazon.com Home textiles brands available on the site include Brentwood, Croscill, Divatex, Louis Hornick, Nautica, Natori, Royal Heritage Home, Vera Wang and Waverly, among others. Casa provides shipping in two business days on orders larger than $49. Taking aim at “busy moms,” the site promises to make “those cross-town treks, crowded aisles and hovering sales associates seem like relics of the past.” Christina Carbonell is senior vp, retail.
N EW YORK — It has long been
one of the industry’s “quiet companies,” flying under the radar and serving select accounts, but Mytex has been broadening its scope and building out staff as it looks to step up its profile. “The focus for many years was other than big box stores. But now we’re going to the next level,” said industry veteran Art Siegel, who has been consulting with Mytex for three years and now serves as director of U.S. sales. He joined one-time market leader American Pacific during the 1980s and was vp of sales and general manager during its period of explosive growth. Siegel said he sees the same potential in Mytex. “It’s a great company — and I don’t use that term loosely. The product design, the quality, the timely delivery, the competitive price — it’s the whole package.” Company founder Richard Yee — the fourth generation of a textiles family – was formerly Pillowtex’s vp of Asian operations in charge of product sourcing and purchasing. He established Mytex’s cut and sew operation in China in 1995 and opened its U.S. headquarters office in Honolulu three years later. The
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Fairbanks is a yarn dyed jacquard duvet ensemble in spa blue and cream with applique, embroidery and quilted details.
U.S. mainland office is located in New York at 230 Fifth Ave. Bob Colman was one of the first salespeople at Mytex. He is now vp global sales and markets. In-house creative is led by Jennifer Paige, who joined four years ago after being on staff with a leading bedding manufacturer. Henry Gao is general manager of the operation in China. Based in Shanghai, he orchestrates staff, production and sourcing. In addition to holding the license for Cabella’s bedding, Mytex has manufactured several other branded programs, including Tommy Hilfiger, Vera Wang, Tommy Bahama, Perry Ellis and
QVC’s Northern Nights. In the past year, it has opened new accounts in the off-price and department store channels – and Siegel continues to add account reps to put the company into more retail channels. “I’m looking for individuals who can bring in specific accounts. Although we have several salespeople working with us now, we have selective accounts open,” he said. The company’s product range includes comforters and sets, quilts and sheet sets — adult and juvenile — in all types of constructions. It can also produce window panels and dec pillows. HTT
Bloomingdale’s to Launch Hugo Boss Home
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ugo Boss Home will launch at retail March 1 with a three-month exclusive at Bloomingdale’s. Hugo Boss Home is being produced under license by Sunham Home Fashions and includes bedding, bath and beach. Bloomingdale’s will create a series of installations for the line at its Manhattan flagship store on 59th Street, including windows featuring a backdrop designed by legendary artist Jeff Koons. The retailer will also host a debut reception in the bedding department for its best customers to promote the line.
Dering Hall Opens Ecommerce to Public
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ering Hall, an online site launched last October for interior designers, architects, artisans and dealers shopping for high-end and custom home furnishings, is now making its limited edition pieces available to the public. Designer Stephen Gambrel, Dering Hall co-founder, will kick off the program with the first Designer Provenance sale presenting furnishings and accessories from his former West Village townhouse, which was featured on the cover of Elle Decor.
Sears to Cut 100 Employees at HQ
Vystar Aligns With McGee, Smith for Vytex Textiles Entry ATLANTA —Vystar Corporation
has forged an agreement with two textiles industry veterans — Beacon Sales and Business Solutions’ managing partners Steve McGee and Tedd Smith — to launch the Vytex brand into the home textiles industry with natural rubber latex pillows and foam mattresses. Vystar created and patented a natural rubber latex called Vytex NRL, a raw material the company says “significantly reduces the protein allergens and other non-rubber particles found in natural rubber latex.” It is produced from a 100% renewable resource — the Hevea brasilien-
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sis tree -- making it environmentally safe and biodegradable, according to the company. William Doyle, Vyst ar Corp.’s president and ceo, said Vytex NRL is currently being used in a broad range of products, “and we are excited to enter the home textile products market. Foam produced with Vytex NRL is naturally whiter, virtually odor free and very resilient … When customers are looking for a bedding product that is truly natural, Vytex NRL Foam meets that criterion.” McGee and Smith will oversee Vytex’s entry into the marketplace. Together, they bring
more than 60 years of experience in the textiles industry. McGee served as vp of sales for both Thomaston Mills and WestPoint Stevens; Smith has a long history with Cannon, Owen, Beacon Blankets and International Home Fashions. “It is really exciting to find such a solution oriented product that can be used in home textiles,” Smith said. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to help Vystar launch their unique technology into foam pillow products as well as explore possible new product offerings using Vytex NRL in various home textile products.” HTT
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ears Holdings is reportedly laying off 100 employees from its headquarter offices in Hoffman Estates, Ill. The news was reported mid-month by several major news agencies around the country. HTT’s calls to Sears Holdings spokesman Chris Brathwaite were not returned at press time. But The Chicago Tribune quoted Brathwaite as confirming the news. “These decisions are never easy, but they are necessary as part of our efforts to transform the company,” he told the newspaper, adding that the jobs being cut “included a mix of different positions.” The company now employs 6,000 at its headquarters, according to published reports.
For the Record An item in the Feb. 13 issue of HTT gave an erroneous address for the showroom at which Gul Ahmed will make its New York Home Fashions Market debut. The address is 7 W. 34th St., Suite 822. Gul Ahmed has taken 3,600 square feet of space and will display 10 to 12 beds as well as curtains and table linens.
2/24/2012 5:06:15 PM
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Home Textiles Today
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Traditions By Pamela Kline Market Week Panel to Offer Career Advice Sold to Company President C L AV E R AC K , N.Y. — Pamela
Kline, founder of Traditions By Pamela Kline, has sold her luxury linens company to president Shari Kline, who has worked in the business for 18 years. Terms were not disclosed. Shari Kline will remain as president and take on the additional role of creative director. The company described the change as “the natural progression for the next generation of the business.”
Pamela Kline, who founded the business 38 years ago, said: “It has been such a pleasere for me to be able to work with someone as talented and dedicted as Shari. The fact that she is a part of my family and that I can see the company that I cherish live on under her guidance is an absolute gift to me, and consequently, to Traditions’ customers, who have become such good friends and are so important to us.” HTT
N EW YORK — The Home Fashion Products Association’s Young Professionals Group, also known as the YoPros, will host a panel discussion featuring top industry executives during New York Home Fashions Week. “An all-star panel of industry veterans will discuss how, given a price driven industry focused on branding, one can develop and place new product, effectively manage supply chain in an increasingly volatile world, and grasp the future of domestic production,” according to the group.
Panelists include: • Chris Baker, ceo of Hollander Home Fashions; • Louis Hornick II, chairman and ceo of Louis Hornick & Co.; • Barry Leonard, president and ceo of Welspun USA; • Norman Savaria, president and ceo of WestPoint Home. The event will take place Sunday, March 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at showroom building 7W, 7 W. 34th St. (between 5th and 6th Avenues) in the buyer’s lounge, Suite 729.
Admission is free to all employees of HFPA member companies and $50 for nonmembers. More details are available from HFPA headquarters at (212) 297-2122 or Emoses@kellencompany.com. Space is limited. The YoPros request reservations be made by Friday, March 2. The HFPA Young Professionals Committee is co-chaired by Andrea Bruckner of Home Source International and Louis Hornick III of Louis Hornick & Co. HTT
GoodWeave Certifies Rug Importers as Child-Labor-Free WASHINGTON — GoodWeave,
an organization working to end child labor in the hand-made rug industry, announced that three more U.S. rug companies have joined its certification program, committing to a childlabor-free supply chain. Caccese Collection, Doug and Gene Meyer Studio, and Kumari Rugs have joined the
program, bringing to 90 the number of North American importers licensed by GoodWeave USA. To ensure licensed importers adhere to its certification conditions, GoodWeave conducts unannounced inspections of importers’ looms. Each company’s licensing fees support GoodWeave’s work to res-
cue, rehabilitate and educate former child weavers and other at-risk children in weaving communities in India, Nepal and Afghanistan. Every certified rug receives a numbered label traceable to the inspected loom. “We’re proud of all the companies that have stepped forward to take a stand for children in weaving communities,” said
Nina Smith, executive director of GoodWeave USA. Based in New York, Caccese Collection designs custom, hand-knotted carpets incorporating natural fibers like bamboo, hemp, nettle and jute, in addition to wool and silk. Doug and Gene Meyer Studio is also based in New York and imports rugs designed by
the Meyer brothers. Kumari Rugs, headquartered in Bowling Green, Ky., create hand-knotted rugs that fuse elements of founder Raja Bhattacharya’s native Nepalese culture with that of his adopted home in the South. Nearly eight million GoodWeave certified rugs have been sold worldwide. HTT
Go Wet & Wild this Market. Faux fur-trimmed shower curtains are what’s new from Carnation Home Fashions this market. With the new Animal Instincts Collection, choose from Felina, Savanna, Serengeti, Panthera, Zuri, Sheena or Sable, all great animal skin looks. All curtains come with EVA liners and are completely machine washable. Isn’t it time you put a tiger in your tub?
your home. your style.
Carnation Home Fashions 230 Fifth Ave, Room 1007, New York, NY 10001 • 212-679-6088 • Sales@carnationhomefashions.com • CarnationHomeFashions.com
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Versailles Celebrates 25 Years With Promise of More Growth BY JILL ROWEN MONTREAL — Versailles Home
Fashion Inc. is celebrating 25 years in business, but its eyes are set on the next 25. Known for its range of drapery hardware — including some patented designs — the company is ready to expand into bedding and other fashion areas, according to Robert Gibbons, president. “We feel we have good access to retailers and are looking for diversification into other categories,” he said. “We are currently looking at new products and have all kinds of options.” Bedding will be first on the agenda, with more details as well as more category announcements expected later in 2012. After a working as a buyer at Eaton’s department store, Gibbons eventually bought two of
Canada’s prominent window covering and hardware distributors and landed in the window business in 1987. Partnering with Harvey Levenson of Commonwealth Home Fashion soon after, a company with solid synergy was born. Though they operate completely separately, the two companies share showroom space and even salespeople. “If someone is buying a panel with a particular color grommet, we’ll always have the right hardware to showcase with it,” Gibbons noted. Through the past 25 years Versailles has designed many unique and patented products, and is a major developer and importer/ distributor of drapery hardware, including wood and metal decorative rod sets, natural bamboo window products, tie backs, holdbacks and other home acces-
sories from several international sources. Its well-received cordless bamboo products were a direct result of listening to the marketplace where cords were considered a danger for children. Twenty-five years is enough time to see the window business go through significant changes, and Gibbons said two things were particularly important in changing how Versailles does business. “Department stores were king of the window coverings way back when,” he noted. “Now it’s specialty stores, independents and DIY retailers like Home Depot that are the big players, in addition to the dotcoms.” Style has also made an impact, Gibbons said. Back in the day, drapery was often a corded draw drapery on a white metal rod that covered the entire window. That look changed
Versailles’ headquarters.
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to the now-fashionable readymade panels that rule the business. The new style gave birth to decorative hardware market. It’s a style that is serving the company well. “2011 was good for us in the U.S. and I don’t see any slow down,” he reported. “We antic-
ipate growth in 2012, with a range of new products, and expect to see better economic growth in our own Canadian back yard.” Versailles has a New York Showroom at 261 5th Ave. and its head office in Montreal. HTT
“2011 was good for us in the U.S. and I don’t see any slow down.” —ROBERT GIBBONS, PRESIDENT
Versailles’ showroom in New York.
2/23/2012 9:51:31 AM
Lenzing AG, A-4860 Lenzing, Austria
d visit01 n a e Com ooth # 19 2012 our bPA EXPO at IS ianapolis in Ind
The fiber brand for the botanic bed TENCEL速 is made from wood and is thus 100 % from Nature. TENCEL速 can be used in lots of different ways in beds, starting with mattresses and mattress overlays, to bed covers and bed linens, through to lingerie. Thus a completely botanic bed becomes a reality. Lenzing Fibers, Inc. 530 Seventh Avenue, Suite 808, New York, NY 10018-3508 Phone: 212 944-7898, E-Mail: n.nadash@lenzing.com
www.lenzing.com/tencel
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February 27, 2012
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Govola, McNally Named Top Reps at Surya ATLANTA — Surya announced that James Govola and Nancy McNally have won the Surya Sales Rep of the Year award. Govola has been with Surya for five years and covers Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Upstate NY, and West Virginia. “I’m not the best ‘salesman’ by any means. I work hard to build trust with each of my customers, and I absolutely love what I do,” said Govola. McNally has been with Surya for three years and covers the Florida territory with a focus on the design services industry. She also won the award in 2010. McNally said: “Repeat customers are so
important in this business, so I always make sure I treat my customers as my friends.” The awards were presented by company president Satya Tiwari. Surya also rewarded Jane Reed with the Ray of Light award for embodying the company’s spirit. She is a sales representative who covers Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as North and South Dakota “James, Nancy and Jane have a tremendous amount of integrity, and they truly care about their customers and fellow employees,” said Tiwari. HTT
Harmony Art and Organic Cotton Plus Achieve GOTS Certification G U A L A L A , C A L I F . — Fa b ric designer Harmony Art, based here, and online fabric retailer Organic Cotton Plus have become certified to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), which requires the use of organic fiber while prohibiting the use of toxic fin-
ishing agents as well as child labor. Organic Cotton Plus, based in Ridgefield, Conn., was acquired in 2010 by Fox-Rich Textiles, Haromny Art’s fabric supplier. In 2005, Harmony Art shifted its focus to designing only for organically grown
cotton. The two companies supply hundreds of companies in North America and overseas. “ We h a v e s o u r c e d a n d designed high-quality, attractive GOTS-certified fabric since it became available in 2007,” said Harmony Susalla, Harmony Art owner/designer. HTT
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Karastan Adds to English Manor Collection DALTON, GA. — Karastan is add-
ing four new styles to its English Manor collection that evoke the British countryside. Each is woven in the U.S. of fully-worsted New Zealand wool on Van de Wiele looms. Chesterfield – available in the beige and red colorways – features “fanciful medallions dancing across a lightly striated field” to offer a modern and formal look. Preston, also available in beige and red colorways, employs primitive tribal elements on an
open field for a casual style with traditional accents. Leicester offers a complex design in soft butter, cream, and robin’s egg with accents of navy and brick framed with three narrow, leafy borders. Telford uses traditional kilim elements that are patch-worked together and distressed for an old-world, global feeling. English Manor rugs are available in a range of sizes, from 2’6”-by-4’ through 8’6”-by-11’6”. The retail price for a 5’7”-by7’11” is $999. HTT
IFDA Launches Blog N E W YO R K — The New York
Chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association has begun blogging. According to IFDA, this new blog, “is about what’s in the hearts and minds of IFDA NY members, sponsors, guest bloggers and experts in the furnishings and design industries.” On the blog’s site —ifdany. blogspot.com/— IFDA notes, “Interesting, out-of-the-box thinking and content is welcome.” The site’s blog-master is Jessica Tolliver, public relations and communications consultant and IFDA NY’s 2012 vp of publications. For the launch, IFDA NY pres-
ident Claudia Giselle Tejeda, who is a certified interior designer, posts the first blog. In it, she outlines a brief history of the IFDA and a summary of its membership. She also notes that this year marks IFDA NY’s 65th anniversary, “and we have an exciting year in the works,” which kicked off in January with a presentation at the Javits Center titled “Color: From Theory to Selection event with Benjamin Moore and House Beautiful.” This month, IFDA is hosting a seminar with interior designer Vicente Wolf and Swann Auction Galleries’ director of photographs Daile Kaplan. HTT
Global Home Show Returns During Market N EW YORK — HTT’s Global Home Show will take place here
March 4-8 in tandem with the New York Home Fashions Market. Exhibitors will show at 295 Fifth Ave. in Suite 104 and at 7 West 34th St. (the 7 W New York building) in Suite 1015. They include: • Ambadi Enterprises from India (295) • Al Karam Towel Industries from Pakistan (7W) • Al Karam Textile Mills from Pakistan (7W) • Bombay Dyeing from India (7W) • Chortex USA (7W) • Cosmique Global from India (295) • Contour Products from the US (295) • Cuddledown from the US (295) • Faze 3 from India (295) • Lady Sandra Home Fashions from Canada (295) • Marwah Corporation from the US (7W) • Markroteks Textile from Turkey (7W) • United Weavers of America (295) HTT
htt120202_008_010 10
2/23/2012 6:19:37 PM
What words best describe what consumers need for a good night’s sleep?
pure clean fresh Peace of mind And part of that comes from trusting what’s inside the products they select. In recent consumer market research, most consumers expressed an aversion to pillows filled with recycled fiber because they were unsure of the content*. Now with DACRON® Purestuff ™ fiberfill, you have a pillow that will give consumers what they want. DACRON® Purestuff ™ is a pure white fill that contains zero recycled content. This means pillows are clean and crisp looking with high loft for great shelf appeal.
DACRON® Purestuff ™ fiberfill - 0% recycled content, for 100% peace of mind For more information on DACRON® Purestuff ™ contact Margaret Hussey 937-339-5398 or Donna Kelloway 302-983-5278. * Results from 2011 online consumer survey n =180. © 2012 INVISTA. All trademarks and logos herein are INVISTA trademarks.
12
Home Textiles Today
MARKET BASKET
February 27, 2012
Bed Bath & Beyond
Big Lots
BEDDING Queen sheet set $199.99 Queen bed-in-a-bag 99.99 Pair of standard shams** 119.98 Dust ruffle 39.99 Queen quilt** 149.99 Queen blanket 89.99 Throw 19.99 TOTAL TOP BEDDING $719.92 BATH Bath sheet $79.99 Bath towel 39.99 Hand towel 24.99 Wash cloth 14.99 Shower curtain 49.99 Bath rug 99.99 Soap dish 15.99 Lotion pump 19.99 Tissue box 34.99 TOTAL TOP BATH $380.91 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $1,100.83 * Two individual shams at $14.99 each
Springs Global Cotton Bed, Bath and Beyond Cotton DKNY Cotton/Polyester Bed, Bath and Beyond Cotton/Polyester DKNY Cotton/Polyester Bed, Bath and Beyond Polyester/Down Berkshire Blanket Polyester -10% FROM $799.92 IN 2011
PRICE
China China China China China China China
Home Source International Cotton India Home Source International Cotton India Home Source International Cotton India Home Source International Cotton India Croscill Polyester China Finest Cotton India Croscill Wood Indonesia Croscill Wood Indonesia Croscill Wood Indonesia +6% FROM $359.91 IN 2011 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $1,159.83 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -5%
*only one price
**4- pack unit
...and Top-of-the-Line Choices
Opening price point baskets, lowest to highest
Top price point baskets, lowest to highest
Big Lots
-4.8%
$108.50
-22.0%
Family Dollar Big Lots
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
BEDDING Queen sheet set $25.00 Big Lots Poly/Cotton Pakistan Queen bed-in-a-bag 69.00 Big Lots Polyester China Pair of standard shams* 6.00 Revman Cotton India Dust ruffle NA Queen quilt NA Queen blanket 20.00 Big Lots Polyester China Throw 25.00 Big Lots Acrylic/Polyester China TOTAL TOP BEDDING $145.00 -22.0% FROM $186.00 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet NA Bath towel $5.00 Big Lots Cotton India Hand towel*** 5.00 Big Lots Cotton Pakistan Wash Cloth** 6.00 Revman Cotton Pakistan Shower curtain 10.00 Beatrice Home Fash. Polyester China Bath rug 15.00 Big Lots Cotton India Soap dish 9.00 Waverly Ceramic NA Lotion pump 10.00 Waverly Ceramic NA Tissue box 6.00 Casabella Plastic China TOTAL TOP BATH $66.00 +4.8% FROM $63.00 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $211.00 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $249.00 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -15.30%
** Two individual shams at $59.99 each
$89.50
CONSTRUCTION
BEDDING Queen sheet set $15.00 Big Lots Polyester China Queen bed-in-a-bag 38.00 Big Lots Polyester USA Pair of standard shams* 6.00 Revman Cotton India Dust ruffle NA Queen quilt NA Queen blanket* 20.00 Big Lots Polyester China Throw 3.00 Big Lots Polyester China TOTAL OPENING BEDDING $82.00 -16.3% FROM $98.00 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet NA Bath towel* $5.00 Big Lots Cotton India Hand towel 2.00 Big Lots Cotton Pakistan Wash cloth** 4.50 Revere Mills Cotton Pakistan Shower curtain 4.50 Notra Trading Vinyl China Bath rug 4.00 Trade AM International Cotton India Soap dish 1.50 Umbra Plastic China Lotion pump 3.00 Umbra Plastic China Tissue box 2.00 Umbra Plastic China TOTAL OPENING BATH $26.50 -35.6% FROM $41.12 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S OPENING TOTAL: $108.50 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $139.12 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -22.00%
Penny Pincher’s Picks...
Family Dollar
MANUFACTURER
OPENING PRICE POINT
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
TOP PRICE POINT
CONSTRUCTION
OPENING PRICE POINT
MANUFACTURER
BEDDING Queen sheet set $39.99 Bed, Bath and Beyond Cotton India Queen bed-in-a-bag 99.99 Bed, Bath and Beyond Cotton China Pair of standard shams* 29.98 Levinsohn Textile Cotton/Polyester China Dust ruffle 29.99 Levinsohn Textile Cotton/Polyester China Queen quilt 99.99 Nautica Cotton China Queen blanket 29.99 Berkshire Blanket Polyester China Throw 19.99 Berkshire Blanket Polyester China TOTAL OPENING BEDDING $349.92 +4% FROM $334.92 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet $9.99 Revere Mills Cotton Pakistan Bath towel 4.99 Revere Mills Cotton Pakistan Hand towel 3.99 Revere Mills Cotton Pakistan Wash cloth 2.99 Revere Mills Cotton Pakistan Shower curtain 14.99 Maytex Peva China Bath rug 14.99 Mohawk Home Nylon USA Soap dish 9.99 Decorative Living Various Phillipines Lotion pump 12.99 Lamont Various China Tissue box 12.99 Baum Various Phillipines TOTAL OPENING BATH $87.91 +26% FROM $64.91 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S OPENING TOTAL: $437.83 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $399.83 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: +9%
TOP PRICE POINT
PRICE
> hometextilestoday.com
$98.50
-15.5%
$211.00
-15.3%
*** 2-pack unit
NA - Not available
Bedding Construction
21% Blend
35% Cotton
Marshalls
$142.87
-9.5%
Marshalls
$446.87
+60.8%
Walmart
$152.75
-20.0%
Walmart
$398.24
11.3%
Kmart
$234.96
-11.9%
Kmart
$510.36
-2.2%
Target
$303.83
+24.0%
Target
$617.83
+10.8%
44% Poly
2012 25%
JCPenney
$306.00
-49.7%
JCPenney
$759.99
-37.5%
Kohl’s
$352.85
-6.6%
Bed Bath & Beyond$1,100.83
-5.0%
Bed Bath & Beyond $437.83
+9.9%
Kohl’s
$1,042.87
+70.9%
Macy’s
-29.1%
Macy’s
$2,168.96
-7.2%
Blend
37% 38%
Cotton
Poly
$819.97
2011
htt120202_012_013_014_016 12
2/23/2012 12:22:28 PM
MARKET BASKET
> hometextilestoday.com
Family Dollar
BEDDING Queen sheet set* $21.00 Family Dollar Polyester China Queen bed-in-a-bag* 30.00 Family Dollar Polyester China Pair of standard shams* 4.00 Family Dollar Polyester Pakistan Dust ruffle NA Queen quilt NA Queen blanket* 10.00 Family Dollar Polyester USA Throw* 4.00 Family Dollar Polyester China TOTAL TOP BEDDING $69.00 -4.2% FROM $72.00 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet NA Bath towel $5.00 Family Dollar Cotton Pakistan Hand towel* 3.00 Family Dollar Cotton Pakistan Wash cloth 2.00 Family Dollar Cotton Pakistan Shower curtain 8.50 Family Dollar Vinyl China Bath rug* 5.00 Family Dollar Cotton India Soap dish** 6.00 Family Dollar Plastic China Lotion pump NA Tissue box NA TOTAL TOP BATH $29.50 -33.7% FROM $44.50 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $98.50 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $116.50 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -15.50%
$21.00 30.00 4.00 NA NA 10.00 4.00 $69.00
Family Dollar Family Dollar Family Dollar
Polyester Polyester Polyester
Family Dollar Polyester Family Dollar Polyester +7.0% FROM $64.50 IN 2011
USA China
NA - Not available
*Two individual shams at $20.00 each
SEE BASKET PAGE 16
**Only price point available. Two shams at $20.00 each.
NA - Not available
Kmart PRICE
MANUFACTURER
CONSTRUCTION
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
OPENING PRICE POINT
Four retailers boosted retails in their upper price point baskets, in some cases dramatically. Kohl’s top price point basket runs 71% higher than it did in 2011. Marshalls basket jumped nearly 61%. It’s worth noting that in last year’s survey, Marshalls’ did not have in stock three items on HTT’s shopping list; this year it was missing four. Target’s top-tier basket was up 11%, with the primary price hikes coming from sheets, the bed-in-a-bag, quilt and blanket. Walmart’s basket of top goods also rose 11%, with higher prices on most of the same items. Three retailers lowered their upper price point baskets by double digits. JCPenney, as noted earlier, took the basket down most significantly. Big Lots and Family Dollar also reduced their upper price point points by about 15% each. Most retailers expanded the range between their lowest priced items and their most expensive in the baskets. Only Bed Bath & Beyond’s spread remained consistent year-over-year, with the difference between the cheapest item in the basket and the priciest $197.00. Among the expanders:
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
BEDDING Queen sheet set $17.99 Kmart Polyester China Queen bed-in-a-bag 57.99 Kmart Polyester China Pair of standard shams NA Dust ruffle NA Queen quilt 39.99 Kmart Cotton/Poly China Queen blanket 17.99 Kmart Polyester China Throw 19.99 Northwest Company Polyester China TOTAL OPENING BEDDING $153.95 -28.1% FROM $196.91 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet** $14.99 Kmart Cotton India Bath towel 4.99 Kmart Cotton India Hand towel 3.99 Kmart Cotton India Wash cloth 2.99 Kmart Cotton India Shower curtain 12.99 Kmart PEVA China Bath rug 9.99 Kmart Nylon U.S. Soap dish 4.59 Kmart Plastic China Lotion pump 8.49 Kmart Plastic China Tissue box $7.99 Kmart Plastic China TOTAL OPENING BATH $81.01 +16.0% FROM $69.81 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $234.96 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $266.72 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -11.90%
TOP PRICE POINT
The impact of higher cotton prices was also apparent when identifying the single most expensive item in each retailer’s basket. In seven out of 10 cases, it was either a cotton quilt or a cotton sheet set. In previous surveys, the most expensive item in a given basket was often a bedding set. Last year, that was the case at six out of the 10 retailers in the survey. In opening price point baskets, eight of the 10 retailers surveyed lowered their prices. In part, this could be due to editing of inventories. Across the survey, there were 16 items missing from baskets this year compared to 11 items last year. Most often, dust ruffles and shams were dropped from assortments — not too surprising considering the proliferation of bedding sets that already include these coordinates. Four retailers lowered their opening price point baskets by double digits: Big Lots, JCPenney, Kmart, Macy’s and Walmart. Only Target and Bed Bath & Beyond produced opening price point baskets with higher retails this year than in 2011. Target’s basket was up 24% and Bed Bath & Beyond’s was up nearly 10%.
CONSTRUCTION
BEDDING Queen sheet set $80.00 JC Penney Cotton India Queen bed-in-a-bag 170.00 JC Penney Polyester China Pair of standard shams** 40.00 JC Penney Cotton/Polyester China Dust ruffle 40.00 JC Penney Cotton China Queen quilt** 110.00 JC Penney Cotton/Polyester China Queen blanket 80.00 Biddeford Polyester China Throw 40.00 JC Penney Polyester/Nylon China TOTAL TOP BEDDING $560.00 -41% FROM $944.48 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet $12.00 JC Penney Cotton India Bath towel 20.00 JC Penney Cotton Turkey Hand towel 20.00 JC Penney Cotton Turkey Wash cloth 9.00 Saturday Knight Cotton Thailand Shower curtain 42.00 JC Penney Polyester China Bath rug 60.00 Croscill Polyester China Soap dish 12.00 Croscill Ceramic China Lotion pump 24.99 JC Penney Ceramic China Tissue box N/A N/A N/A N/A TOTAL TOP BATH $199.99 -27% FROM $272.96 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $759.99 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $1,217.94 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -37.6%
Price Points BASKET FROM PAGE 1
MANUFACTURER
BEDDING Queen sheet set $22.00 JC Penney Polyester China Queen bed-in-a-bag 65.00 JC Penney Cotton/Polyester China Pair of standard shams* 40.00 JC Penney Polyester China Dust ruffle 25.00 JC Penney Cotton/Polyester China Queen quilt 60.00 JC Penney Cotton Polyester China Queen blanket 18.00 JC Penney Polyester China Throw 14.00 JC Penney Polyester China TOTAL OPENING BEDDING $244.00 -51% FROM $499.98 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet $9.00 JC Penney Cotton India Bath towel 4.00 JC Penney (93677) Cotton India Hand towel 3.00 JC Penney Cotton India Wash cloth 2.00 JC Penney Cotton India Shower curtain 12.00 Maytex, Morgan, Ex-Cell, Vinyl Peva China Bath rug 9.00 JC Penney (38768) Nylon USA Soap dish 11.00 JC Penney Chrome China Lotion pump 12.00 Croscill Ceramic China Tissue box N/A N/A N/A N/A TOTAL OPENING BATH $62.00 -43% FROM $107.95 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S OPENING TOTAL: $306.00 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $607.93 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -49.7%
China China Pakistan
NA $3.00 Family Dollar Cotton Pakistan 3.00 Family Dollar Cotton Pakistan 0.75 Family Dollar Cotton Pakstian 2.75 Family Dollar Vinyl China 5.00 Family Dollar Cotton India 6.00 Family Dollar Plastic China NA NA $20.50 -30.5% FROM $29.50 IN 2011 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $94.00 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -4.80%
**part of set / only price point
PRICE
OPENING PRICE POINT
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
TOP PRICE POINT
CONSTRUCTION
OPENING PRICE POINT
MANUFACTURER
TOP PRICE POINT
PRICE
htt120202_012_013_014_016 13
13
JC Penney
BEDDING Queen sheet set* Queen bed-in-a-bag* Pair of standard shams* Dust ruffle Queen quilt Queen blanket* Throw* TOTAL OPENING BEDDING BATH Bath sheet Bath towel Hand towel* Wash cloth Shower curtain Bath rug Soap dish** Lotion pump Tissue box TOTAL OPENING BATH THIS YEAR’S OPENING TOTAL: 89.5
*only one price point
Home Textiles Today
February 27, 2012
BEDDING Queen sheet set $79.99 Kmart Cotton India Queen bed-in-a-bag 103.99 Pem America Poly/Rayon/Nylon China Pair of standard shams NA Dust ruffle NA Queen quilt 91.99 Pem America Cotton/Poly China Queen blanket 45.99 Kmart Polyster China Throw 34.99 Kmart Polyester China TOTAL TOP BEDDING $356.95 -5.5% FROM $377.92 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet** $14.99 Kmart Cotton India Bath towel 14.99 Kmart Cotton India Hand towel 11.49 Kmart Cotton India Wash cloth 9.49 Kmart Cotton India Shower curtain 32.99 Pem America Polyester China Bath rug 22.99 Kmart Cotton India Soap dish 11.49 Kmart Various China Lotion pump 14.99 Kmart Various China Tissue box 19.99 Kmart Various China TOTAL TOP BATH $153.41 +0.7% FROM $143.91 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $510.36 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $521.83 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -2.20% NA - Not available
**bath sheet - only one price point available
2/23/2012 12:22:49 PM
14
Home Textiles Today
MARKET BASKET
February 27, 2012
Kohl’s
Macy’s
BEDDING Queen sheet set $219.00 Kohl’s Cotton India Queen bed-in-a-bag 289.99 CHF Industries Polyester China Pair of standard shams 59.99 Kohl’s Cotton India Dust ruffle NA Queen quilt 119.99 Peking Handicraft Cotton China Queen blanket 69.99 Kohl’s Cotton India Throw NA TOTAL TOP BEDDING $758.96 +71.9% FROM $441.43 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet* $39.99 Ralph Lauren Corp Cotton Turkey Bath towel 29.99 Chaple Hill Home Fash. Cotton China Hand towel 24.99 Chaple Hill Home Fash. Cotton China Wash cloth 17.99 Chaple Hill Home Fash. Cotton China Shower curtain 35.99 Saturday Knight Polyester China Bath rug 49.99 Chaple Hill Home Fash. Poly/cotton China Soap dish 19.99 Chaple Hill Home Fash. Ceramic China Lotion pump 24.99 Chaple Hill Home Fash. Ceramic China Tissue box 39.99 Koh’ls Plastic China TOTAL TOP BATH $283.91 +68.0% FROM $168.91 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $1,042.87 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $610.34 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: 70.90
PRICE
MANUFACTURER
CONSTRUCTION
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
OPENING PRICE POINT
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
BEDDING Queen sheet set $45.00 Pem America Inc. Polyester China Queen bed-in-a-bag NA Pair of standard shams* 120.00 Macy’s Cotton China Dust ruffle 107.00 Revman Cotton denim Mexico Queen quilt 200.00 Macy’s Cotton China Queen blanket 110.00 Macy’s Cotton India Throw 40.00 Macy’s Polyester China TOTAL OPENING BEDDING $622.00 -37.5% FROM $995.00 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet $40.00 Lauren by Ralph Lauren Cotton India Bath towel $10.00 Baltic Linen Co. Cotton Pakistan Hand towel $8.00 Baltic Linen Co. Cotton Pakistan Wash cloth $6.00 Baltic Linen Co. Cotton Pakistan Shower curtain $17.99 Ex-Cell Home Fashions Vinyl China Bath rug $28.00 Charter Club/Macy’s Comforel-branded nylon USA Soap dish $19.99 Martha Stewart/Macy’s Ceramic China Lotion pump $26.99 Martha Stewart/Macy’s Ceramic China Tissue box $41.00 Martha Stewart/Macy’s Ceramic China TOTAL OPENING BATH 197.97 +22.2% FROM $161.96 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S OPENING TOTAL: $819.97 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $1,156.96 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -29.10
TOP PRICE POINT
CONSTRUCTION
OPENING PRICE POINT
MANUFACTURER
TOP PRICE POINT
PRICE
BEDDING Queen sheet set $39.99 Kohl’s Cotton India Queen bed-in-a-bag 99.99 CHF Industries Poly/Cotton Pakistan Pair of standard shams 39.99 Kohl’s Cotton China Dust ruffle NA Queen quilt 17.99 Kohl’s Cotton China Queen blanket 19.98 Kohl’s Polyester China Throw NA TOTAL OPENING BEDDING $217.94 -26.5% FROM $296.43 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet* $39.99 Ralph Lauren Corp Cotton Turkey Bath towel 11.99 Kohl’s Cotton China Hand towel 9.99 Kohl’s Cotton China Wash cloth 7.99 Kohl’s Cotton China Shower curtain 13.99 Linde Products Vinyl China Bath rug 9.99 Kohl’s Nylon USA Soap dish 8.99 Linde Products Ceramic China Lotion pump 11.99 Linde Products Ceramic China Tissue box 19.99 Kohl’s Bamboo China TOTAL OPENING BATH $134.91 +66.1% FROM $81.22 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S OPENING TOTAL: $352.85 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $377.65 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -6.60%
*only one price point
> hometextilestoday.com
BEDDING Queen sheet set $320.00 Sferra Bros. Egyptian Cotton Italy Queen bed-in-a-bag NA Pair of standard shams** 320.00 Sferra Bros. Egyptian Cotton Italy Dust ruffle 367.00 Sferra Bros. Egyptian Cotton Italy Queen quilt 535.00 Natori Vscose and Cotton China Queen blanket 140.00 Berkshire Blanket Polyester China Throw 120.00 Charter Club/Macy’s Cotton and Acrylic China TOTAL TOP BEDDING $1,802.00 -5.0% FROM $1,897.00 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet $75.00 Hotel Collection/Macy’s Cotton India Bath towel 55.00 Hotel Collection/Macy’s Cotton India Hand towel 30.00 Hotel Collection/Macy’s Cotton India Wash cloth 15.00 Hotel Collection/Macy’s Combed Cotton India Shower curtain 59.99 Hotel Collection/Macy’s Cotton/Polyester Taiwan Bath rug 43.00 Charter Club/Macy’s Cotton and Viscose India Soap dish 19.99 Hotel Collection/Macy’s Wood and Ceramic China Lotion pump 26.99 Hotel Collection/Macy’s Wood and Ceramic China Tissue box 41.99 Hotel Collection/Macy’s Wood and Ceramic China TOTAL TOP BATH $366.96 -16.8% FROM $440.97 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $2,168.96 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $2,337.97 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -7.20%
NA - Not available
*Two individually packaged shams at $60 each; $120 for two. **Two individually packaged shams at $160.00 each; $320.00 for two. NA - Not available
High Fliers...
...and Low Riders
The High/Low
Highest priced item in top-tier basket
Least expensive item - the wash cloth and a soap dish
$ difference between the highest and the lowest price items in the baskets
Macy’s Kohl’s
Queen quilt
$535.00
Walmart
Wash cloth
$0.47
Macy’s
$529.00
Queen sheet set
$219.00
Family Dollar
Wash cloth
$0.75
Bed Bath & Beyond Queen sheet set
$199.99
Big Lots
Soap dish
$1.50
Marshalls
Queen quilt
$189.99
JCPenney
Wash cloth
$2.00
JCPenney
Queen bed in a bag $170.00
Bed Bath & Beyond Wash cloth
$2.99
Target
Queen quilt
$99.99
Kmart
Wash cloth
$2.99
Target
$97.00
Kmart
Queen quilt
$91.99
Marshalls
Wash cloth
$2.99
Kmart
$89.00
Walmart
Queen bed in bag
$84.76
Target
Wash cloth
$2.99
Walmart
$84.29
Family Dollar
Queen bed in a bag
$30.00
Macy’s
Wash cloth
$6.00
Family Dollar
$29.25
Big Lots
Queen sheet set
$25.00
Kohl’s
Wash cloth
$7.99
Big Lots
$23.50
htt120202_012_013_014_016 14
$211.01
Kohl’s
Bed Bath & Beyond
$197.00
Marshalls
$187.00
JCPenney
$168.00
2/23/2012 12:23:03 PM
16
Home Textiles Today
MARKET BASKET
February 27, 2012
Marshalls
Target
BEDDING Queen sheet set $59.99 AQ Textiles Cotton/Polyester India Queen bed-in-a-bag NA Pair of standard shams*** 59.98 Marshalls Cotton India Dust ruffle NA Queen quilt 189.99 Marshalls Cotton/Polyester India Queen blanket NA Throw 39.99 Newton Buying Modacrylic/Polyester China TOTAL TOP BEDDING $349.95 +86.9 FROM $189.94 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet NA Bath towel $9.99 Kassatex Egyptian Cotton China Hand towel 5.99 Kassatex Egyptian Cotton China Wash cloth 3.99 Kassatex Egyptian Cotton China Shower curtain 19.99 Croscill Home Polyester China Bath rug 24.99 Carpet-Art-Deco Polyester China Soap dish 8.99 NA Metal India Lotion pump 9.99 NA Ceramic China Tissue box** 12.99 Artisanale en Indie Stainless Steel India TOTAL TOP BATH $96.92 +10.2% FROM $87.92 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $446.87 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $277.86 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: 60.80%
$19.99 NA 19.98 NA 29.99 NA 12.99 $82.95
Divatex Home Fashions
Polyester
China
Newton Buying Corp.
Cotton
China
Newton Buying Corp.
Cotton/Polyester
China
Sun-Yin USA Inc. Polyester -17.3% FROM $99.94 IN 2011
China
NA $5.99 Simply Happy/HG Buying Cotton China 3.99 Simply Happy/HG Buying Cotton China 2.99 Simply Happy/HG Buying Cotton China 7.99 Popular Bath Products Polyester China 12.99 Bacova Guild Cotton India 4.99 NA Resin China 7.99 NA Ceramic China 12.99 Artisanale en Indie Stainless steel India $59.92 +3.5% FROM $57.92 IN 2011 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $157.86 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -9.50%
PRICE
* Two individual shams at $19.99 each
** Two individual shams at $19.99 each
Walmart
For the 2012 Market Basket Report, HTT editors visited stores in the metro New York and Miami areas between February 1 and February 10. Only items tagged at everyday prices were included in the survey; sales or clearance items were not used. The following stores were surveyed: New York City West Babylon, N.Y. Lindenhurst, N.Y. Eatontown, N.J. New York City
Kohl’s Macy’s Marshalls Target Wal-Mart
Massapequa, N.Y. Miami Miami Middletown, N.J Farmingdale, N.Y.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
BEDDING Queen sheet set $66.88 Wal-Mart Cotton China Queen bed-in-a-bag 84.76 Wal-Mart Polyester China Pair of standard shams 24.88 Wal-Mart Cotton India Dust ruffle* 16.97 Wal-Mart Polyester China Queen quilt 69.97 Wal-Mart Cotton China Queen blanket 26.88 Wal-Mart Cotton India Throw NA TOTAL TOP BEDDING $290.34 +15.8% FROM $250.70 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet* $14.00 Wal-Mart Cotton China Bath towel 9.00 Wal-Mart Cotton China Hand towel 8.00 Wal-Mart Cotton China Wash cloth 7.00 Wal-Mart Cotton China Shower curtain 19.99 Wal-Mart Polyester China Bath rug 15.97 Wal-Mart Cotton India Soap dish 8.47 Wal-Mart Ceramic China Lotion pump 12.47 Wal-Mart Plastic China Tissue box* 13.00 Wal-Mart Metal China TOTAL TOP BATH $107.90 +0.9% FROM $106.97 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $398.24 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $357.67 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: 11.30% *only one price point
htt120202_012_013_014_016 16
CONSTRUCTION
OPENING PRICE POINT
Methodology
MANUFACTURER
BEDDING Queen sheet set $18.97 Wal-Mart Polyester Pakistan Queen bed-in-a-bag 29.96 Keeco Polyester China Pair of standard shams 5.50 Wal-Mart Cotton/Polyester Pakistan Dust ruffle* 16.97 Wal-Mart Polyester China Queen quilt 23.00 Wal-Mart Cotton/Polyester China Queen blanket 14.88 Wal-Mart Cotton India Throw NA TOTAL OPENING BEDDING $109.28 -16.9% FROM $131.50 IN 2011 BATH Bath sheet* $14.00 Wal-Mart Cotton China Bath towel 1.97 Wal-Mart Cotton Pakistan Hand towel 0.97 Wal-Mart Cotton Pakistan Wash cloth 0.47 Wal-Mart Cotton Pakistan Shower curtain 2.33 Wal-Mart PEVA China Bath rug 6.97 Wal-Mart Nylon USA Soap dish 1.88 Allure Ceramic China Lotion pump 1.88 Allure Ceramic China Tissue box* 13.00 Wal-Mart Metal China TOTAL OPENING BATH $43.47 -27.0% FROM $59.99 IN 2011 THIS YEAR’S OPENING TOTAL: $152.75 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $191.05 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: -20.00%
TOP PRICE POINT
• Macy’s: $529.99 compared to $390.00; • Kohl’s: $211.01 compared to $88.00; • Marshalls: $187.00 compared to $47.00; • Target: $97.00 compared to $87.00; • Kmart: $89.00 compared to $69.00; • Walmart: $84.29 compared to $72.12. Retailers tightening up their price range included: • Big Lots: $23.50 compared to $69.00; • Family Dollar: $29.25 compared to $37.50; • JCPenney: $168.00 compared to $328.00. The presence of U.S. made goods in the survey remains small. Out of 272 individual items in the baskets, only 10 were produced domestically — the same number as in the 2011 survey. HTT
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
BEDDING Queen sheet set $79.99 Target Corporation Cotton India Queen bed-in-a-bag 99.99 Target Corporation Cotton Pakistan Pair of standard shams** 39.98 Target Corporation Cotton China Dust ruffle 49.99 Target Corporation Cotton China Queen quilt** 99.99 Target Corporation Cotton China Queen blanket 59.99 Target Corporation Polyester China Throw 19.99 Target Corporation Polyester China TOTAL TOP BEDDING $449.92 CHANGE FROM 2011: +11% BATH Bath sheet $19.99 Target Corporation Cotton India Bath towel 12.99 Target Corporation Cotton India Hand towel 9.99 Target Corporation Cotton China Wash cloth 8.99 Target Corporation Cotton India Shower curtain 32.99 Target Corporation Cotton China Bath rug 39.99 Target Corporation Polyester India Soap dish 9.99 Target Corporation Ceramic China Lotion pump 12.99 Target Corporation Ceramic China Tissue box 19.99 InterDesign Solon Bronze China TOTAL TOP BATH $167.91 CHANGE FROM 2011: +6% THIS YEAR’S TOP BASKET TOTAL: $617.83 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $557.83 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: 10.80%
PRICE
BASKET FROM PAGE 13
CONSTRUCTION
BEDDING Queen sheet set $24.99 Target Corporation Cotton Pakistan Queen bed-in-a-bag 44.99 Target Corporation Polyester Mexico/China Pair of standard shams* 39.98 Target Corporation Cotton China Dust ruffle 15.99 Target Corporation Polyester China Queen quilt 69.99 Target Corporation Cotton China Queen blanket 16.99 Target Corporation Polyester China Throw 12.99 Target Corporation Polyester China TOTAL OPENING BEDDING $225.92 CHANGE FROM 2011: +23% BATH Bath sheet $19.99 Target Corporation Cotton India Bath towel 4.99 Target Corporation Cotton India Hand towel 3.99 Target Corporation Cotton India Wash cloth 2.99 Target Corporation Cotton India Shower curtain 9.99 Target Corporation EVA China Bath rug 9.99 Target Corporation Nylon USA Soap dish 5.99 InterDesign Solon Stainless Steel China Lotion pump 4.99 Target Corporation Plastic Taiwan Tissue box 14.99 Target Corporation Oil-rubbed Bronze China TOTAL OPENING BATH $77.91 CHANGE FROM 2011: +6% THIS YEAR’S OPENING TOTAL: $303.83 LAST YEAR’S TOTAL: $244.83 PERCENTAGE CHANGE: 24.00%
* Two individually packaged shams at $9.99 each; $19.98 for two. ** This particular Marshalls store, located in Miami’s Kendall neighborhood, only carried one single regualrly-priced tissue box. It is included in both the opening price and top price charts here. ***Two individually packaged shams at $29.99 each; $59.98 for two. NA - Not available
Price Points
MANUFACTURER
OPENING PRICE POINT
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
TOP PRICE POINT
CONSTRUCTION
OPENING PRICE POINT
MANUFACTURER
TOP PRICE POINT
PRICE
BEDDING Queen sheet set Queen bed-in-a-bag Pair of standard shams* Dust ruffle Queen quilt Queen blanket Throw TOTAL OPENING BEDDING BATH Bath sheet Bath towel Hand towel Wash cloth Shower curtain Bath rug Soap dish Lotion pump Tissue box** TOTAL OPENING BATH TOTAL MARKET BASKET $142.87
Bed Bath & Beyond Big Lots Family Dollar JCPenney Kmart
> hometextilestoday.com
NA - Not available
2/23/2012 12:23:17 PM
18
Home Textiles Today
February 27, 2012
Design Today
> hometextilestoday.com
In-Store Review Program:
Jennifer Lopez Store:
Kohl’s
Home Textiles Today kicks off a new series this week called In-Store Review, critiquing branded private and captured label programs in home textiles stores and departments. Programs are rated on five criteria: 1. Design/creativity/aesthetic of the product; 2. Visual presentation in the store; 3. Packaging of the product; 4. Relevance of program to the store’s target customer base; 5. Value of the program relative to the store mix and customer base. Each can be ranked from one (least) to five stars (best) and the overall score is an average of the five individual evaluations.
Shopped at Kohl’s Northgate Mall, San Rafael, CA and online at Kohls.com.
Reviewed by Julian Tomchin, former senior vice president for Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s West and Fieldcrest Cannon.
1 Design “I would describe the collection as conservative master bedroom styling with some nice thoughts unrealized. No great things but nothing in bad taste either. But there’s not enough excitement to trade the customer up and I question this customer’s perception of what Jennifer Lopez represents in the design world. The Old Hollywood group is a symphony in gray and would do a lot of decorating work. It’s cleverly designed and well executed. It’s the most Glamorous J-Lo.” Rating:
★★
2 Visual Presentation “The selling floor is the enemy here. It is disorganized and designer collections are mixed at random with no logic. It would seem to make it very difficult for the customer to make decisions as there is no way to figure out what the components of an ensemble are and there’s no one on the floor to answer questions. I give them credit for the electronic signage. That is a genuine great thing.” Rating:
★
3 Packaging “Packaging is attractive and sturdy with heavy-duty zippers when called for. But there’s a minimum of information on a single room shot used throughout. Components, thread count and country of origin require serious searching.” Rating:
★★★
4 Relevance to Store Customer “Kohl’s, I assume, considers this a higher end collection in its overall assortment. Adding such a level may be a good idea I suppose, but they are better off with the Vera Wang offerings, which in some cases are in direct competition to Lopez styles. I think they are over-complicated for a moderate customer who is looking for more value.” Rating:
★★
5 Relative Value “They get credit for the effort, but I don’t see its value. Kohl’s other exclusive collections without the ‘designer’ name prestige cover all the bases very well and with much greater variety.” Rating:
★
Overall Rating: 1.7
htt120202_018 18
★★
2/23/2012 3:55:15 PM
ConText
OPEN HOUSE: M A K E
Y O U R
M A T E R I A L
CONNEXION
Material ConneXion library
WHAT:
A fast-paced morning program of design trends and access to the most amazing materials resource in the world at Material ConneXion.
WHO: Created especially for designers and product development staffs Andrew Dent
WHERE:
WHEN:
Saturday, March 3, 9-11:30am
Material ConneXion headquarters, 60 Madison Ave. at 27th St.
HOW MUCH:
$99 registration, includes breakfast and discount membership to Material ConneXion.
HOW TO REGISTER:
HomeTextilesToday.com/ConText
SPONSORS:
HTT_Connexion tab fin_Revise_1.indd 1
2/21/12 3:32:29 PM
Featured Exhibitors at
Home Textiles Today’s Global Home Show
AL KARAM T
O
W
E
L
Ambadi Enterprises Ltd
S
See these and other exhibitors at 295 5th Avenue and 7 West 34th Street.
March 4-8, 2012
Bombay Dyeing
United Weavers
Chortex Mills
Contour
Al Karam
March 4-8,2012 Spring NY Home Fashions Market Week See us at Suite 104, 295 5th Avenue and Suite 1015, 7 West 34th Street
For show details, contact: Joe Carena, Show Manager, jvcarena@gmail.com (203) 329-9553 Warren Shoulberg, Publisher, Home Textiles Today, wshoulberg@hometextilestoday.com (646) 805-0226
22
Home Textiles Today
February 27, 2012
News
PEOPLETodaY
HTT GLOBAL HOME SHOW MARKET KICK-OFF PARTY SPONSORS:
Nourison Names Baker, Forwood Regional Sales Managers SADDLE B ROOK , N.J. — Nourison has promoted both Owen Baker and Jeff Forwood to regional sales manager posts. Baker is charged with managing the western region of the U.S. Forwood is assigned to manage the Northeast region. Each will oversee business within his respective territory while supervising a team of companyemployed account executives.
Baker is an industry veteran in both the rug and broadloom sides of the business. He has spent the past eight years working as an account executive in the Southern California territory for Nourison. Forwood has served for more than two years as an account executive in the Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland region. “These are well-deserved promo-
tions that are reflective of the success and commitment to excellence that these gentlemen have shown at Nourison. They are also indicative of Nourison’s continued investment to its sales, service and manufacturing infrastructure,” said Gerard O’Keefe, vp of sales. “Our sales organization is stronger than ever and poised for great success as market conditions continue to improve.” HTT
Tommy Bahama recruits Van Alphen as vp of creative services SEATTLE — Tommy Bahama Group has named 20-plus year industry veteran Ferdinand Van Alphen the company’s new vp of creative services. The appointment is effective immediately. Van Alphen has held many major posts within the creative side of the business, including senior creative posts at Tommy Hilfiger in both the USA and Europe as well as agency work in The Netherlands, New York, and Hong Kong. Most recently, Van Alphen owned a cre-
ative consulting agency, handling various projects for Vertu mobile phones, Boss fragrance, Pringles, and Liebeskind Berlin, among others. In his new endeavor, Van Alphen is responsible for the creative expression and branding strategies for all channels of the Tommy Bahama business, which spans men’s and women’s wholesale, retail, commerce, licensing and restaurants. He also oversees advertising, brand imagery, visual merchandising, and creative services to all areas of the business.
Additionally, Van Alphen serves as a member of the Tommy Bahama senior leadership team, working to develop long-term goals and initiatives. “The Tommy Bahama brand is our most valuable asset, and I’m excited to have someone as talented as Ferdinand join our team to bring it to life,” said Terry Pillow, ceo. “This job requires an understanding of our rich history and the ability to translate our aesthetic to all facets of the company, and I think Ferdinand is the perfect fit.” HTT
Anna’s Hires Knapp, Promotes Negrete COSTA M ESA , C ALIF. — Anna’s Linens has added Jennifer Knapp to its team as senior buyer of window coverings and promoted Maggie Negrete to fashion bedding buyer. Knapp spent the past seven years as a buyer at Shopko. “We’re confident that Jennifer will uti-
lize her high level retail and buying experience to manage these buying responsibilities at Anna’s,” said Carie Doll, evp and chief merchandising officer. Negrete has worked in the Anna’s Linens’ merchandising department for more than seven years in various positions.
“We are focused on being the leader in decorative window coverings and fashion bedding and have hired Jennifer and promoted Maggie to help further expand on our success,” said Alan Gladstone, ceo and founder. Anna’s currently operates more than 290 stores in 18 states. HTT
Sanitized AG Appoints Urs Stalder ceo B URGDORF, SWITZERLAND — Sanitized
AG has promoted Urs Stalder to ceo of the company. He was previously a member of the executive management team and marketing manager. He replaces company owner Niklaus Lüthi, who remains with Sanitized AG
htt120202_022_023 22
as chairman. Stalder, who has been with the company for the past 20 years, is charged with leading the development of new innovations and technologies for Sanitized AG, a provider of antimicrobial hygiene function and material protec-
tion for home textiles, apparel textiles and plastics. He will also concentrate on new market segments in the fields of technical applications - such as air conditioning and ventilation as well as medicine and food. HTT
2/23/2012 6:48:54 PM
THE BIG PARTY IS BACK
Join us for the
MARKET KICK-OFF PARTY The HTT Market Kick-off Party’s new location got rave reviews. Don’t miss it: Bar Basque at the Eventi Hotel, 2 minutes from 5th Avenue Showrooms.
Sunday, March 4, 6-8pm Sponsored by:
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For sponsorship opportunities, contact Warren Shoulberg at wshoulberg@hometextilestoday.com or 646-805-0226.
HTT March2012 Market party ad.indd 1
2/16/12 6:08 PM
24
Home Textiles Today
> hometextilestoday.com
February 27, 2012
BUSINESS TodaY Walmart’s Home Department Mum on Martha, Macy’s Says Scores First Comp Gain Since ‘09 Textiles Solid in Fourth Quarter
B E N T O N V I L L E , A R K . — The home department at Walmart’s U.S. stores generated positive same-store sales in the low single digits during the fourth quarter — the first time home has recorded a positive quarterly comp in 2 ½ years, according to the company. “We’ve worked diligently to focus on the basics and improve assortment through addbacks and item merchandising,” Walmart U.S. president and ceo Bill Simon said of the performance. “Home management and food preparation were stand-out categories in our home area, and outdoor living performed better than expected
during the warmer weather.” Heavy promotions took a toll on overall margin for the parent corporation, and WalMart Stores Inc. took an almost 15% net income hit in the fourth quarter. Net income for the quarter ended Jan. 31 fell to $5.16 billion, or $1.50 per share, compared to $6.05 billion, or $1.70 a share, in the year-ago period. Sales for the total company fared better, rising 5.8% to $122.3 billion. By segment, Walmart U.S. posted a 2.4% net sales increase to $72.8 billion, and Sam’s Club reported a 6.8% net sales gain to $14.0 billion. Total sales got a boost from the
acquisitions of the Netto stores in the U.K. and Massmart in South Africa. Total company comps, excluding gasoline sales increased 2.1%. Comps were up 1.5% for Walmart U.S. and 5.4% for Sam’s Club. Earnings per share for the fiscal year rose 8.6% to $4.54. Sales were up 5.9% to $443.9 billion. Sales for Walmart U.S. rose 1.5% to $264.21 billion. Sam’s Club sales were up 8.8% to $53.8 billion. Comps for the year, without fuel impact, were up 0.9% for the total company, 0.2% for Walmart U.S. and 5.1% for Sam’s Club. HTT
Home Depot Bests Expectations ATLANTA — The Home Depot beat Wall Street es-
timates with fourth quarter earnings of $774 million, or 50 cents per share, up 32% from year-ago earnings of $587 million, or 36 cents per share. Sales for the quarter ended Jan. 29 rose 5.9%
to $16.0 billion. Comps climbed 5.7%. Same-store sales for the U.S. were up 6.1%. For the full fiscal year, EPS rose 22.9% to $2.47. Sales increased 3.5% to $70.4 billion. Comps were up 3.4%, with U.S. comps rising 3.0%. HTT
Same-store sales
Holiday Sales Brighten Comps NEW YORK — Last-minute Valentine’s shopping
sales in unrelated categories, including basic and and President’s Day sales helped push comps seasonal apparel as well as food and household up 2.9% during the third week of February goods, “all of which saw satisfactory business. following a 2.7% gain the previous week, ac- Mild weather may have also helped to boost cording to The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales early sales of spring merchandise.” HTT Index. Johnson Redbook Index “Valentine’s Day was a Third week of February, year-over-year % change major draw for some general merchandise stores, atWEEK DED EN 2/04 2/11 2/18 2/25 MONTH TARGET tracting customers and creDepartment stores* 1.3 1.6 1.9 1.6 2.1 ating spill-over business in Discounters 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.3 3.2 other categories,” said CatRedbook Index 2.5 2.7 2.9 2.7 2.8 *Including chain stores and traditional department stores lin Levis, Redbook analyst. Source: Johnson Redbook Index She said the increased traffic also led to higher
htt120202_024 24
CINCINNATI — Macy’s Inc. cited textiles as among many categories showing strength during the fourth quarter as it reported results last week. Sales, earnings and cash flow for 2011, including the fourth quarter, exceeded expectations, the company reported. “We have more than doubled our earnings over the past three years,” noted Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and ceo. He described the 2011 holiday season as “terrific.” Macy’s executives did not mention Martha Stewart or her exclusive collection during the approximately 45-minute earnings call. But during the question-and-answer session, an analyst asked cfo Karen Hoguet if it was right to assume that Macy’s 3.5% fiscal 2012 comp outlook “has no pick-up from any disruption related to JCPenney.” The analyst was referring to Macy’s suit against Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, filed in late January regarding MSLO’s deal to launch products exclusively with JCPenney in 2013. In response, Hoguet briefly offered, “Well, we’ll have to see how that plays out. Our best as-
sumption right now is the 3.5%, and we’ll see.” Net income for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 28 rose 11.7% to $745 million, or $1.70 per share, beating expectations. Quarterly sales were up 5.5% to $8.7 billion. Same-store sales increased 5.2%. For the full fiscal year, net income jumped 48.3% to $1.256 billion, or $2.92 per share. Online sales for macys.com and bloomingdales.com combined were up 40.0% in the fourth quarter and 39.6% for the fiscal year. Buoyed by its recent performance, Macy’s said it is assuming same-store sales growth of about 3.5% in fiscal 2012, and guidance for earnings per share is $3.25 to $3.30. Capital expenditures for the year are expected to be approximately $850 million. The company has announced plans in fiscal 2012 for new Macy’s stores in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Greendale, Wisconsin, as well as five new Bloomingdale’s Outlet locations. HTT
CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB
2/23/2012 10:03:31 AM
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Check out our website, Hometextilestoday.com, every day during New York Home Fashions Market Week, for our daily video webcast on all the latest on what’s happening at the market. We’ll feature interviews with key newsmakers, market trends and business analysis.
THAT’S MONDAY, MARCH 5 THROUGH THURSDAY MARCH 8.
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26
Home Textiles Today
February 27, 2012
News
> hometextilestoday.com
Milk,Bread and Textiles SHOPPING FROM PAGE 1
of 1,048 supermarkets in five southeastern states, said that “in general, our stores do not carry many textiles, and the ones we do carry are mainly for the kitchen. We maintain a limited selection for customer convenience.” According to the NPD Group’s Consumer Tracking Service, combined grocery and drug stores represent 1% of total home textiles unit sales in 2011, with only slight growth over 2010, coming from the grocery segment. The survey found that drug stores are showing a shift in product assortment — to more kitchen and dining products, and less bath. In 2011, bath accounted for three-quarters of home fashions unit sales, and kitchen and dining accounted for one in five units sold. Additionally, NPD reported, the distribution of category groups (bed, bath, kitchen and dining, window treatments) within grocery stores is relatively unchanged compared to 2010. Bath products account for just over half of the home fashions unit sales in grocery, while kitchen and dining represent about a third. Visits to grocery stores in Brooklyn found a slim selection of kitchen towels, usually just one style and sometimes only a single product was left on the shelf. The Red Hook location of Fairway, which has 10 locations in the New York City metro area, offers a set of three 16-inch-by19-inch kitchen towels for $5.99, made in China. Trader Joe’s, which has 365 stores in 31 states, carries kitchen towels in its Court Street location that are made of 100% viscose and purportedly absorb 10 times their weight in liquid. The 14-by-10 towels are made in Germany and priced at $3.99 for two. A search for home textiles at the big drug store chains turned up a large selection of pet beds and novelty pillows, and at a Rite Aid location on 5 th Avenue in Park Slope, Brooklyn, sheet sets and pillows. With perhaps a surprising name, the Reallé Collection are six-piece microfiber sheet sets that come with four pillow cases, one fitted and one flat sheet. The sets are made in China to U.S. specifications for SFD Manufacturers and come with a two-year
htt120202_001_026_027_028 26
The Reallé Collection of microfiber sheet sets sold at Rite Aid come with four pillow cases, one fitted and one flat sheet.
Rite Aid’s American Dream pillows are $6.99 each.
CVS stocks pet beds in two sizes and a range of colors.
warranty, according to the label, which also states the sheets have the “hand feel and texture of 400 thread count” sheets, but the actual thread count is not printed. The sets come in about nine solid colors and full, queen and king sizes. It appears the sheets sold elsewhere for $39, $49, and $59, as those prices are visible inside the clear plastic packaging, but Rite Aid lists the prices on its shelves as $24.99 for all three sizes. An internet search did not turn up other retailers. The sheet sets may be less expensive at other locations: on the “I heart Rite Aid” website, which appears to be for fans of the retailer, one consumer claims to have purchased Reallé sheets sets for $19.99. Alongside the sheet sets are American Dream standard-size pillows for $6.99. Labeled nonallergenic and made with 100% high-loft polyester fiber, they come with a one-year warranty. Rite Aid, according to its website, is the largest drugstore chain on the East Coast and the third largest drugstore chain in the United States. It has approximately 4,700 stores in 31 states and the District of Columbia. At the Court Street, Brooklyn location of CVS Caremark, which operates 7,300 retail stores
in the United States and Puerto Rico, there are pet beds in two sizes in a range of colors. The 21inch-by-21-inch pet bed is $7.99 and the larger 27-by-36 pet bed is $14.99. Also available are play pillows for children, Happy Nappers and Pillow Pets, including cuddly ladybugs and fluffy zebras, for $19.99. And there are a couple of decorative pillows, including one with a fall leaf design for $7.99, possibly leftover from a previous promotion. CVS, like several retailers discussed here, did not return requests for comment. Other retailers said they did not wish to talk about their home textiles. Online, drug stores sell a wider range of home textiles than in their brick-and-mortar locations. A significant portion is aimed at medical use, such as memory foam pillows from Serta and Homedics, and Priva bed-ina-bag for $60.99, a jersey sheet set for a hospital bed, with flat, fitted sheet, standard pillow case and cotton thermal blanket, found on CVS.com. Walgreens.com stocks several kinds of kitchen towels, including an 11-inch-by-11-inch dish cloth and 25-by-15 dishtowel set from China for $1. Hometex 14by-17 cotton towels are made in
Fairway sells microfiber kitchen towels in a set of three.
Pakistan and come in a pack of eight for $5.99 Shamwow towels, which the manufacturer claims holds 12 times its weight in liquid, come in a pack of two for $7.99. Walgreens.com also offers blankets, including flannel receiving blankets for $24.99 and a Sunbeam Fleece Heated Throw Blanket in assorted colors for $36.99. It has three heat settings and 3-hour auto-off. There are also fleece throws ranging from $4.99 to $7.99 The online site had medical support pillows ranging in price from $14.99 to $84.99 as well as over 20 styles of $19.99 play pillows. It carries Sobakawa buckwheat pillows to relieve back and neck pain for $19.99 to $29.99.
The online retailer also carries mattress pads from Homedics and Hudson Medical in sizes ranging from full to California King. Not only do drug stores and to some extent, grocery stores, saturate the wider retailer landscape with more stores than many other kinds of retailers, but consumers shop there with more frequency to pick up everyday food staples and household necessities and important items like medication. Marketing and promotions are generally more intense at drug and grocery stores than other retailers of home textiles. Drug and grocery stores offer reward programs, which track purchases and offer points or discounts toward future purchases. Many distribute weekly shopping circulars that promote items on sale. They offer two-for-one and other bulk deals to draw shoppers in. Rite Aid’s pre-Valentine’s Day shopping circular promoted Pillow Pet Pee Wees at buy one get the second half off with use of Rite Aid’s Wellness+ card. Consumers on the way to the drug or grocery store may not be thinking “kitchen towel” or “pillow” when running through their shopping lists, yet those items may still end up in the shopping bag. What retailers say they carry for customer convenience can translate into a home textile impulse buy. HTT
2/24/2012 4:20:46 PM
> hometextilestoday.com
News
Home Textiles Today
February 27, 2012
27
360 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10010 Tel: (646) 805-0227; Fax: (646) 365-2307 www.hometextilestoday.com www.facebook.com/httmag EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Marks 10 Ocean Blvd #8B Atlantic Highlands, N.J. 07716 (732) 204-2012 | jnegley@hometextilestoday.com PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Warren Shoulberg (646) 805-0226 | wshoulberg@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 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/ WEST COAST/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 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 FOUNDING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carole Sloan 1979-2011
Lenzing Presents New Eco MicroModal Fiber PARIS — Cellulose fiber producer Lenzing debuted a new fiber called MicroModal Edelweiss during the spring trade shows here. “Produced in an eco-friendly process known as Edelweiss, the micro fiber is particularly fine and luxurious,” according to the company,
which is based in Austria and operates an office in New York servicing the U.S. home textiles industry. Edelweiss-technology is based on oxygen-based chemistry and is the only Modal fiber which satisfies the highest environmental standards and is even CO2-neutral, said Lenzing.
Additional Modal innovations are planned for autumn 2012, the company said. In the last 10 years, the production of Modal fibers has more than tripled – from 30,000 tons to more than 100,000 expected to be produced this year. HTT
Commonwealth Home Fashions Readies for Market week M O N T R E A L — Commonwealth Home Fashions said it will unveil new, innovative programs during the upcoming New York Home Fashions Market, which begins March 5. Thermasheers will be added to the Thermalogic Energy Efficient program. The coated sheer panels
block out the cold drafts and the hot sun, according to the company. Three styles will be offered: Weathersheild, Weathervane, and Weatherplus, each in assorted décor colors. The Outdoor Décor Line will be expanded to include new solid
colors and stripes in Gazebo along with new printed sheers in the Escape Collection. Commonwealth will also show a complete collection of burnout sheers in geometric urban designs designed to retail at $29.99 each. HTT
Kalaty Rug’s New Manhattan Showroom Open for Business HICKSVILLE, NY — Kalaty Rug Corporation’s new permanent New York City showroom at 7 W. 34th Street, showroom 807, is now officially open for business. The company will host a grand opening celebration on Tuesday, March 13, featuring breakfast and
lunch, and musical entertainment throughout the day. “We feel that this showroom and its location will be a positive move for us,” said Kamran Kalaty, company spokesman. “We look forward to working with old and new customers at this new location, and we also
TJX Cos. Sets its Course
“As we continue to expand our global sourcing, we plan to open more new vendor doors and build stronger vendor relationships.”
look forward to welcoming guests to our grand opening celebration.” Kalaty’s new 4,400-square-foot showroom displays the company’s entire program product line as well as catalogs, marketing materials, and dealer merchandise display and sample racks. HTT
SANDOW MEDIA PRESIDENT AND CEO Adam I. Sandow CFO/COO Christopher Fabian VP CREATIVE AND EDITORIAL Yolanda E. Yoh 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 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) 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
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TJX FROM PAGE 1
TJX, said Meyrowitz, is “back on solid track.” On a similar note, TJX Canada “regained momentum” at the end of 2011. The division posted a sales increase of 6.8% to $2.68 billion for the year. Total company fiscal year sales rose 6% to $23.2 billion, with consolidated comps up 4%. Net income for the year ended Jan. 28 was $1.5 billion, and earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.93. For the quarter, net income jumped 42% to $475.3 million, with earnings per share from continuing operations of 62 cents.
— CAROL MEYROWITZ TJX Cos.
Total company sales for the quarter rose 6% to $6.7 billion. Consolidated same-store sales increased 7%. To support growth, TJX Cos. laid out strategic investments it is making this year. They include supply chain systems, among them a new distribution center on the West Coast — the first new DC for Marmaxx in 10 years.
Also planned: a new data center and systems, additional store remodels and an ecommerce division. “We plan to lever our $23 billion brick-and-mortar merchandise business and our merchant organization that is over 750 people strong,” said Meyrowitz. However, the company has not set a launch date for ecommerce — a business it briefly entered then abandoned in 2005. As TJX Cos. works on these developments, the company also plans to build out its broad vendor base, which currently numbers more than 15,000. “As we continue to expand our global sourcing, we plan to open more new vendor doors and build stronger vendor relationships,” Meyrowitz said. HTT
2/24/2012 4:43:09 PM
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Home Textiles Today
February 27, 2012
News
Dallas Market Centers Honors Retailer for Community Work DALLAS — Dallas Market Center has announced the two winners of its The Next Big Give competition, a national search for specialty retailers that give back to their communities: A. Dodson’s, an apparel, gift and home décor store located in Suffolk, Va., and Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy located in Tyler, Texas. The winners were selected from more than 50 retailers that are involved in their communities through volunteering, raising funds or donating goods. “Congratulations to The
Next Big Give winners,” said Bill Winsor, president and ceo, Dallas Market Center. “Both winners are great examples of how retailers can give back in big and small ways. Their work is truly inspiring.” A. Dodson’s supports numerous causes including blood drives and toy and school supply drives, also donating $12,000 to Taylor Bend YMCA to assist in building a new facility. The A. Dodson’s Round Up allows customers to round up the cost of each purchase to the nearest dollar and have the extra cents donated to charity.
A. Dodson’s publishes a poll on its Facebook page in order for customers to choose the cause the Round Up funds will be donated to at the end of each month. Charities can apply by simply e-mailing their name, contact information and confirmation of their 501c3 status to roundup@adodsons.com. In 2011, A. Dodson’s gave more than $2,500 to various charity organizations. Brookshire’s has been giving back to the communities in which it operates since its founding in 1928. In 2008, the Community Connections pro-
gram was founded to enable Brookshire’s employees to assist with the causes important to each store’s local community. Employees form teams by store or non-retail department and gather to volunteer an average of four times per year with the cause of their choice. Last year, Brookshire’s donated more than 28,000 documented volunteer hours and more than $1.5 million to various charitable causes. After receiving more than 50 applications, the entries were narrowed down to 10 finalists and then two winners by a panel
of industry experts and Dallas Market Center representatives. The winners will receive a complimentary trip to the March 22-25, 2012 Dallas market including round-trip airfare and a three-night hotel stay. While at market, The Next Big Give winners will be recognized on Thursday, March 22 during The Inspired Event, a cocktail party benefiting charitable causes. For additional information, visit www.dallasmarketcenter.com/contests/give or email thenextbiggive@mcmcmail. com. HTT
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