Htt 6 24 13 by Sandow Media

Monday, June 24, 2013

THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY

It’s Showtime! Industry Gears Up for 2nd Half Trade Fairs HTT STAFF REPORT N EW YORK — Consumer buying behavior has vacillated from month to month so far this year – beating estimates in February only to cool off in March, then rebounding in April and making a surprisingly good show in May. The negatives – unseasonably cool spring weather, anemic jobs growth and the expiration of the payroll tax holiday – have played off against an improving Second Half Show Preview housing market, improving consumer confidence and income gains for higher earners. The mood among exhibitors and buyers during the winter/spring markets of 2013 was what one might term “decently optimistic,” although not “pop the champagne” gung-ho. Soon the roster of second-half trade fairs will begin, providing a look at how industry players are feeling about the prospects for business going into 2014. Here, HTT presents a brief run-down of the highlights for 13 shows of importance to the home textiles industry. They include one new show — Surtex Asia — and one newish show, the second annual Home Sourcing at Magic. SEE PREVIEW PAGE 20

Inside This Issue Pent-Up Demand? ......................................................................... page 4 Of Shoes and Sheets ..................................................................... page 4 JCP Unveils Home Department .................................................... page 10 Makers Optimistic Through Window Woes ............................... page 24

hometextilestoday.com

| Vol. 34, No. 15 | $8.00

Nanette Lepore Teams with Peking for Collection BY JENNIFER MARKS N EW YORK — Fashion designer Nanette Lepore — known for her contemporary American designs, bold colors and flair for prints — spent a day at Peking Handicrafts’ showroom earlier this month to preview her first licensed collection in home. “It was the right time,” she told HTT. “We do have quite a library to choose from.” The colorful collection includes duvet covers, comforters, coverlets, sheets and Euro shams. There will be two tiers of decorative pillows — coordinates for the bedding, which targets the department and specialty stores channels; and free-standing fashion pieces retailing at around $250 that will be introduced by Peking’s boutique division at NYNow (formerly the New York International Gift Fair) in August. Lepore in Peking’s showroom with her favorite bed, SEE PEKING PAGE 27

Botanical Porcelain, alongside the dress that inspired it.

The Outdoors Move in at High Point BY CINDE W. INGRAM & ALEXA BOSCHINI HIGH POINT, N.C. — Perhaps more than any other trend at Showtime earlier this month, outdoor fabric vendors agreed on one resounding message – the outdoors are moving in, and the indoors are moving out. Many vendors said they’re now pushing their traditionally outdoor lines as indoor/outdoor performance fabrics that SEE SHOWTIME PAGE 18

Sunbrella introduced several designs with a handmade, artisanal look.

ATLANTA

AMERICASMART 11-A-1

NEW LOCATION

LAS VEGAS WMC C400

SUNSET SERENADE SURYA.COM

htt130602_001_020_021_022 1

SY-031, SY-027, TYA-3001, POUF-197

BRD-6004

6/20/2013 4:15:32 PM

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

News

> hometextilestoday.com

ELITE SPONSORS

American Textile Names Two New Marketing Execs D UQU ESN E , PA . — American

Textile Company has named Patrick Seiffert vp of marketing and Krista Rogan brand manager for its AllerEase brand. Both appointments are designed to bolster the company’s marketing efforts as it continues to integrate new technologies into its products, according to Blake Ruttenberg, executive

PATRICK SEIFFERT KRISTA ROGAN American Textile American Textile

vp of sales, marketing and prod-

uct development, who made the announcements. Seiffert was most recently with GlaxoSmithKline’s consumer healthcare business, where he was involved with consumer marketing while Rogan comes from Bayer Medical Devices where she was responsible for brand strategy and digital marketing.

“This new team brings focus, ambition and a track record of delivering results in traditional and online channels,” said Ruttenberg. “For consumers seeking improved sleep, our ability to apply the latest advancements in textile technology combined with high impact marketing programs is unmatched.”

In anticipation of continued growth online, Pier 1 this summer is executing “major site upgrades,” he continued, “to enhance customer interaction with our brand” with new site designs and a redesigned checkout as well as implementing new incentives for shoppers, such as the opportunity to use coupons and other discounts toward puchases made from the site. Additionally, Pier 1 is exploring the expansion of some category offerings on the site, including curtains, cushions, outdoor and rugs — with extended style options. On a related note, the company’s rollout of its new pointof-sale system is on track for

completion later this summer. At that point, Pier 1 will begin the integration of its stores and e-commerce businesses, “laying the foundation to provide a seamless and significantly enhanced shopping experience for our customers,” Smith noted. Pier 1’s first quarter results included: a 14% increase in net income to $20.3 million, with earnings per share growth of 19% to $0.19, compared to last year’s $17.8 million, or $0.16 per share; a 9.3% jump in total sales to $394.9 million, versus $361.1 million in the year-ago quarter; and a comparable store sales gain of 5.9%, mostly attributable to increases in store traffic and higher average ticket. Smith said Pier 1’s continued

Intertextile

HTT

Pier 1 Reports 15th Consecutive Quarter Of Sales, Profit Increases; Ramps Up Ecommerce Business F ORT WORTH , TEXAS — Pier 1 Imports this summer marks the one-year anniversary of its ecommerce segment, which in July will undergo further enhancements as its role becomes an increasingly important aspect in the company’s total business performance going forward. While www.pier1.com “is not impacting [total] sales so much at the moment yet,” said president and ceo Alex Smith, “they will in the future.” During Pier 1’s first quarter earnings call last week, Smith noted the site is attracting 1.2 million visitors per week, including “a nice growth in the number of online-only customers, especially those not within a Pier 1 trade area.”

For more information on these Home Textiles Today advertisers, scan their QR tags below using a free QR scanner available at synqware.com.

improvement of its gross profit “speaks to the success of our merchandising strategies, both in-store and online, and reflects strong full-price selling during the period.” The company also leveraged expenses, enabling it to deliver operating margins of 8.4% and earnings per share growth of 19%. Pier 1’s guidance for fiscal 2014 calls for: Comparable store sales growth in the mid singledigit range; earnings per share in the range of $1.27 to $1.32, representing year-over-year growth of 9% to 13%, compared to prior guidance of $1.26 to $1.31; and approximately 30 store openings and 14 closing/relocations for a net increase of 16 stores. HTT

Lenzing

Manhattan Properties

Protect-A-Bed

Hilco Acquires Portico, Under the Canopy Brands N O R T H B R O O K , I L L . — Hilco

Brands LLC, the brand investment and management division of Hilco Global, has acquired the Portico and Under the Canopy brands from New Yorkbased Portico Brand Group. Hilco Brands’ current portfolio of brands and companies include Polaroid, Halston, and Miss America Properties. “The acquisition of the Portico and Under the Canopy brands is consistent with the focus of Hilco Brands, which is to invest in and help manage exciting brand businesses with promising futures by infusing them with smart strate-

htt130602_002 2

gic thinking and the capital required to thrive,” said Jeffrey Hecktman, chairman and ceo of Hilco Global. Hilco said key members of the Portico Brand Group management team will continue to manage both brands with guidance from Hilco Brands, which will provide capital, corporate management and brand licensing advisory services. “We look forward to supporting the current management team, led by Marci Zaroff, president and chief marketing officer, and Rachel Whitlow, chief operating officer,” said Jeffrey Branman, managing director

of Hilco Brands. “Portico and Under the Canopy are exciting brands with enormous growth potential. The eco-friendly, socially responsible products currently being manufactured and marketed by world class licensees provide a solid platform for further growth.” Both brands are currently licensed to major manufacturers, including WestPoint Home and Hunter Amenities International. The Portico brand includes a full collection of eco-friendly products, including home and hotel furnishings, personal care and beauty products. The

brand dates back to 1992, when it opened its flagship retail store on Spring Street in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. The store carried high-end furniture, cotton and linen home textiles, specialty bath and spa products, and loungewear. Other locations opened thereafter, and the chain quickly became a destination for decorators, designers, and style-minded connoisseurs of exceptional products. “Although the retail stores eventually closed, the brand’s DNA lived on and thrived through successful licensing strategies,” Hilco said in a release. HTT

230 Fifth Avenue

Surya Rugs

QR tags provided by Synqware, a leading technology company supplying connectivity tools to the businesses. Synqware.com.

6/20/2013 4:04:45 PM

Untitled-7 1

6/19/13 2:24:19 PM

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

> hometextilestoday.com

OPINIONTodaY Of Shoes and Sheets

Pent-Up Demand?

ER E’S A N INTER ESTING statistic: More than half of American households haven’t updated their home décor in five years or more. According to a new infographic from InStyle Modern, it’s been five years since 47% of U.S. households refurbished their surroundings and more than 10 years for another 9%. So it sounds like 56% of the country is due for a makeover — especially since only 20% of consumers said they’re happy with the current state of their furnishings. When will they make the move? Keep your eye on what’s happening in the furniture industry. Six out of EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 10 consumers said they will redecorate when they replace worn-out furniture. Among those who have plans to buy furniture in the foreseeable future — 77% of households earning $75K-$95K and 84% of households earning $100K or more – their actions could certainly spur related home textiles sales. By area of the house, here’s where consumers are aiming to gussie up their furniture: • Living room, 55%. That’s good news for rugs, dec pillows and throws; • Master bedroom, 29%; • Family room, which includes great rooms and/or dining areas, 34%; • Guest bedroom, 17%; • Child’s bedroom, 14%. So what are things looking like over in furniture-land? The year got off to a strong start, with January orders for U.S. furniture manufacturers up 7% and shipments up 10% year over year, according to Smith Leonard, the accounting and consulting firm conducts a monthly survey of residential furniture manufacturers and distributors. The pace cooled off thereafter, dipping 3% in February and 1% in March, the latest month for which figures are currently available. But Smith Leonard managing director Ken Smith said in the firm’s late May newsletter that business seemed to be improving in April and May. Most manufacturers came out of the High Point furniture market in April feeling more optimistic, he added. Hopefully, that rising tide will lift all boats in the back half of the year.

Jennifer Marks

HTT

HER E’S A FASCINATING dynamic going on in general merchandise retailing that may have some real relevance to the home textiles business. It’s all about shoes. Over the past year or so, a number of department store operations — Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, Nordstrom — have Warren relaunched their shoe dewithin flagship Shoulberg partments and larger locations, aimPUBLISHER/ ing to make them destinaEDITORIAL DIRECTOR tions for shoppers. We’re talking major investments in real estate, fixturing and store personnel, not to mention inventory for what has historically been one of the most skuintensive classifications on the modern retail-selling floor. This is not a coincidence that these three big stores have all come to the same conclusion at the same time. First off, shoe departments have always been a core category for general merchandise stores and each of these three retailers were not exactly slouches in their assortments before. In fact, Nordstrom really began in the shoe business and it has always been the cornerstone of its business. That has also been the case at other retail operations of years gone by. The old Sears and Penney stores used to have big kids shoe departments as a way to establish themselves as the place where newly formed family units did their shopping. More recently Kohl’s adapted the same strategy.

So, shoe departments as a merchandising strategy is nothing new. But what is new is that retailers see footwear as a classification more impervious to inroads from online retailers. It’s a purchase where personal interaction with a salesperson is critical and one where direct contact with the product is key, given variations in sizing, materials and colors. Zappos notwithstanding, it’s a tough category for Internet operations to get right. Which brings us back to home textiles and more specifically sheet departments. Certainly shopping for sheets has many of the same characteristics as shopping for shoes. It’s a purchase where seeing the color and feeling the fabric in person is integral with buying decision. It’s also one where selection and inventory are essential elements. Yes, you don’t have all the sizes and heel heights and widths of shoes, but that aside, sheets could serve the same role in home textiles departments as footwear does in apparel. Could a store position itself as the headquarters for sheets, the place with the largest in-person assortment and a guaranteed in-stock position (even if it is backed up with a drop ship component from a central warehouse)? A department with trained sales people who know the difference between percale and pima and can actually explain what thread count means? If in-store retailers are looking for a way to combat showrooming, go up against online competitors and build a real traffic-building foundation in their stores, they could do a lot worse than doing it with sheets. I’m just waiting for someone to try it on for size. HTT

Take Us to Bed. As a leader in comfort, innovation and consumer appeal, DACRON ® brand fiberfill will satisfy all your bedding needs. Found in comforters, mattress toppers and pillows, the DACRON® fiberfill family of products engulfs you in affordable luxury – making you want to stay in bed all night and all day. Look for products with the DACRON® Å JMZ Y]ITQ\a [MIT \W Å VL \PM JMLLQVO aW] LM[QZM Contact Margaret Hussey at 937.339.5398 today for more information.

htt130602_004_005 4

6/20/2013 2:53:19 PM

News

> hometextilestoday.com

Robert Allen Group Unveils Naturals II collection N EW YORK — With a focus on fresh colors, the Robert Allen Group is launching Naturals II, the second iteration of its Naturals collection. This second series embodies “easy elegance via the use of authentic materials in dry, textural fibers that lend themselves to creating a calming yet sophisticated space,” the company said. The Robert Allen design team reimagined the line for Naturals II, this time drawing inspiration from Palm Springs and the modern-rustic juxtaposition of tribal motifs with the area’s sleek midcentury aesthetic. Naturals II’s palette employs a new range of saturated reds — red earth, crimson, and sienna. Current hues in the fashion world, like subdued blue rain and delicate purple wisteria serve as on-trend accents, and neutral gray is reinterpreted as the richly livable graphite. Pops of classic cornflower, soft dew, and zesty lemongrass infuse the collection with a playful brightness. Popular designs from Naturals I have also been reissued in the new colors. “The collection may be called ‘Naturals,’ but that doesn’t necessitate a neutral or dull palette,” said Christy Almond, operating vice president, design. “The confident colors we’re introducing in Naturals II transform the designs and are an unexpected

Home Bedding will introduce The Elvis Presley Home Bedding Collection in August under license from Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. – marking the first time since 1999 that Elvis has been licensed in the category. The Elvis Guitars comforter set features a large-scale black-andwhite photo of a leather-clad Presley at the mike on the comfort-

htt130602_004_005 5

Retail Briefs Restoration Hardware Plumbing New Categories

H is also taking a leaf from the Williams-Sonoma playbook and expanding its brands. This fall it will debut two new catalogs, RH Leather and RH Rugs. Future launches include RH Kitchen and Tableware and RH Antiquities, the latter of which was described by executives as a $25 billion market largely scattered among small, independent operators. “While many of our initiatives such as bigger catalogs and larger stores may not be intuitive and seem to move in the opposite direction of the rest of the industry fascinated by digital trend, we drive ourselves – until it hurts – so we can see what others can’t see, so we can do what others can’t do,” said founder Gary Friedman – who serves as chairman emeritus, creator and curator.

Shopko Plans five Hometown Stores

From Robert Allen’s Naturals II collection.

take on this trend of casual constructions.” Naturals II patterns include simple geometrics, eclectic ikats, and detailed embroideries in a comfortable, washed finish. Classic designs such as an oversized paisley and a standard stripe are also presented, but have been modernized with chic metallic accents and crisp, fresh colorations. Other new introductions to the Naturals range include seven colors of brushed canvas and a whimsical eyelet. “With Naturals II, we were extremely conscious of what our customer base was searching for,” said Phil Kowalcyzk, ceo. “By rereleasing fresh versions of

popular patterns and responding to the demand for specific colors and patterns, we’ve crafted a collection perfectly in tune with the wants of today’s designers.” Patterns of note include: Native Trail, a painterly Navajo motif; Full Sweep, an applique embroidery on a 100% linen ground; Warm Shimmer, a rich embroidered linen with an ikat inspired design; Carmane, featuring crewel-like embroidery inspired by a geometric rug design; Eagle Pass, an Italian jacquard that features a three-end tapestry strie and a unique textured look; and Duncan Range, employing an innovative jute construction with a unique texture. HTT

Introducing The King — in Queen Size H OLLYWOOD , C ALIF. — Legends

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

er face and Presley’s signature on the pillow shams. The Dancing Elvis comforter set uses a blackand-white over the shoulder shot of Presley along with his signature on the comforter face and silhouettes of Presley’s dancing figure on the shams. “The quality bedding will be a sophisticated statement, with a touch of flair,” said David Bursteen Legends’ president of sales. “The

home bedding category has been void of celebrity licensing for adults.” The bedding will be sold online and in-store beginning in mid-August. “Our primary market research indicated a strong response by both dedicated Elvis fans and those just looking to enhance their bedroom décor,” said Ines Brigman, Legends’ president of operations. HTT

s part of its expansion in smaller, rural communities, Shopko will open five new Shopko Hometown units in three states by this fall. The stores will be located in in Afton, Wyo.; St. Peter, Minn.; and Winneconne, Ellsworth and Tomahawk, Wis. The Hometown retail format offers retail health services along with an edited selection of apparel, home furnishings, toys, consumer electronics, seasonal items, everyday consumable items and lawn and garden. “We understand that consumers in smaller towns are looking for the same variety of high quality goods and trend right merchandise that can be found in larger cities,” said Mike Bettiga, Shopko Interim ceo and chief operating officer. The company currently operates more than 180 Shopko Hometown stores and a total of more than 330 stores in 21 states.

Meijer Debuts New Supercenters

eijer opened two new 190,000-square-foot supercenters in northern Indiana earlier this month. The units are located in Portage and Warsaw and are part of a $200 investment that includes the construction of six new supercenters and extensive remodels on five existing stores. Meijer currently operates more than 200 supercenters and grocery stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

Sears Holdings to Shed a Few Canadian Units

s Target begins rolling out in Canada and with Nordstrom preparing to enter the market, Sears Holdings announced transactions related to three store leases – and raised the question of whether more may follow. The company has signed a deal to sell the leases of two Sears Canada units – Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto and at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga – back to their landlords for $191 million.

6/20/2013 2:55:49 PM

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

News

> hometextilestoday.com

Restoration Hardware Ups Gallery Outlook Q1 outpaces expectations CORTE MADERA , C ALIF. — Res-

toration Hardware now sees the opportunity to expand its RH full-line design galleries beyond the 50-plus markets it had already identified for growth, executives said during the company’s quarterly conference call earlier this month. “We are in negotiations for sites in over 30 markets in North

America, including New York, Chicago, Miami, Denver, Nashville, New Orleans, and San Diego, among many others,” ceo Carlos Alberini told analyst. “We plan to open our next full line design galleries in Greenwich, Conn., and Atlanta in 2014 – and we expect increased opening activity beginning in 2015 and forward.”

George Moves up Ranks at Gilt NEW YORK — Online shopping

merchandising, marketing, techflash retailer Gilt has promoted nology, operations, and creative Keith George to the role of svp, professionals. He reports to ceo men’s and home, effective Michelle Peluso. immediately. P r i o r t o j oi n He was previously gening Gilt, George’s eral manager of Gilt’s career included men’s business. retail and operations In his new position, the experience with company said George is Gap Inc., Cocaresponsible for driving reveCola Enterprises, KEITH GEORGE nue and innovation through UPS, and Ernst & Gilt Home a cross-functional team of Young. HTT

The design gallery concept has replaced the previous Restoration Hardware format with a mixture of one-of-a-kind pieces as well as curated and commissioned collections. “What’s important to note is that we are in the very beginning stages of our growth story,” Restoration Hardware founder Gary Friedman – who serves as chairman emeritus, creator and curator. “Our results to-

date have been restricted by the fact that our assortment has been trapped in legacy real estate that was designed for an entirely different company.” RH’s first quarter earnings beat analysts’ projections. For the quarter ended May 4, adjusted net income increased to $2.3 million from a net loss of $1.3 million for the same period last year. Despite operating four fewer

stores during the comparative period, revenues jumped 38% on top of an 18% increase in the year-ago quarter, marking the 13th consecutive quarter of double-digit sales growth. Direct-to-consumer sales (catalog and online) climbed 38% on top of a 20% increase in the year-ago period. Same-store sales soared 41% on top of 26% growth for the same period last year. HTT

Linon, Powell to Share Expanded Atlanta Showroom MINEOLA , N.Y. — Linon Home Décor Products said it will share its Atlanta showroom with the Powell Co. for future Atlanta markets beginning with the July 10-17 International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. Powell and Linon, which share the same ownership, will occupy more than 4,000 square feet in AmericasMart Building 1, Suite 6-G-12. Powell will show a selection of its in-stock, quick ship accent chairs, mirrors, Big and Tall barstools, casual dining, jewelry armoires, consoles, youth bed-

rooms, most of its 400-plus instock area rugs and many other accent pieces. In addition, Powell will showcase its Bombay Heritage Collection in a 100-square-foot boutique featuring Bombay furniture, accents and rugs. Linon will be showing its full stocking warehouse collection featuring upholstery, kitchen carts and space-saving kitchen seating, barstools, and accent furniture. Linon also will introduce new area rug collections. The Jewel Collection is a heat-set polypropylene rug with

multi-toned color palettes in grays and blacks. Retail on a 5 by 8 is $299. The Links Collection features 3-D geometric designs and a deep, plush pile. Retail on a 5 by 8 is $299. The Back to Campus Collection is a quick-ship program with 10 styles of promotional rugs, which can be displayed in a box of nine or 25. The size is 4-foot-4 by 7 and the target retail is $50. New additions to existing collections such as Trio and Milan will be featured as well. HTT

The Rug Market America Launching Line of Baby and Youth Rugs LOS ANGELES — The Rug Mar-

ket America is set to launch a line of baby and youth rugs during the July 2013 Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings and International Rug Market. The Nurture Imagination Collection rugs are designed to coordinate with a line of bedding and children’s products marketed under the Nurture Imagination brand. The combined collections will be on display in The Rug Market America’s showroom B-8 in Building 1, Floor 12 during the July 1017 market. “Our design team and its years of design experience has resulted in an attractive and fun Nurture Imagination collection of rugs that we are excited about introducing this season,”

htt130602_006 6

said Mike Shabtai, president of Culver City, Calif.-based The Rug Market America and Nurture Imagination. “We have been in the children’s business for many years and have designed best-selling products in everything from baby home accessories to bedding and nursery décor.” More than two dozen rugs are within The Rug Market America’s Nurture Imagination baby and youth rug collection. Colorful birds gathering inside the bordered “Birds on a Wire” rug. “Count Off” features tone-on-tone numeral art inside a pair of borders. “First Friends” presents animals on a bright green background. Suggested retails for Nurture Collection rugs are $99 for 3-by-5 and $199 for a 5-by-8. HTT

From the Rug Market America’s baby and youth collection.

6/19/2013 5:10:41 PM

,I \RX¶UH LQ home textiles New York is the market. And the market in New York is the TEXTILE BUILDING For 90 years, 295 Fifth Avenue has been the leading showcase for the home textiles industry, with the best location, the best value per square foot, services that cater to your distinctive needs, high-profile traffic, high-tech security, a wi-fi buyers lounge and the personal service of a staff of 15. Give your business the best market, in the market. Call Lou Lombardi, President & CEO, Manhattan Properties, Inc. 212-685-0530 ƒ ceo295@aol.com ƒ on-site management

The Textile Building at 295 Fifth We are the market

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

News

> hometextilestoday.com

Intertextile Guangzhou Hometextile China Extending to Five Days in 2014

Colonial Mills Rugs Featured in Weekapaug Inn Renovation

buyers from 97 countries and regions. The show hosted 218 exhibitors, up 7.9% from 2012. Suppliers came from China, Germany, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan, while exhibitors in regional pavilions from Yuhang, Haining, Jiaxing, Shaoxing and Nantong. Product categories included bedding, bath, table and kitchen linens, carpets and rugs, upholstery fabric, wall and window decorations, textile handicrafts and ancillary textiles products. Intertextile Guangzhou Hometextile China was organized by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Sub-Council of Textile Indus-

WEEKAPAUG, R.I. — Braided area rugs from Colonial Mills are part

GUANGZHOU, CHINA — With the

number of visitors up 21.7% during the recently completed Intertextile Guangzhou Hometextile China trade show, fair organizer Messe Frankfurt announced it will add a fifth day to the event next year. “Once again this fair proves its value for overseas suppliers to gain a foothold in the Chinese home furnishings market, which continues to flourish as domestic spending increases,” said Wendy Wen, senior general manager for Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. This year’s show, which took place in March, drew 25,729

try, CCPIT, the China Home Textile Association (CHTA) and the China Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition Corp. The fair was held in tandem with the China International Furniture Fair, the China International Outdoor and Leisure Fair and Homedecor & Housewares China. N e x t y e a r ’s I n t e r t e x t i l e Guangzhou Hometextile China will be held from March 18-22 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. For more information email textile@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com or visit www.messefrankfurt.com. HTT

This year’s show attracted buyers from 97 countries.

Lenzing Marks 75th Anniversary

BY THOMAS LESTER of a $20 million renovation of historic Weekapaug Inn here. The interior renovations were the creation of Taylor Interior Design, which included the Rhode Island-based rug manufacturer in the plans for the Cape Cod-style inn, built in 1899. “We worked closely with the designers of Taylor Interior Design to create custom combinations to coordinate with the meticulously chosen furnishings for the Inn,” said Meredith Thayer, creative director for Colonial Mills. “By developing small swatches in the braid combinations chosen to complement each of the unique spaces, we were able to provide Taylor with samColonial Mills created ples to work from durmore than 40 custom ing the development of rugs for the inn. the project. It was such PHOTO: CHIP RIEGEL a great project to be a part of.” In the weeks leading up to the installation, Colonial Mills produced more than 40 custom rugs for the inn, including three large double-braid, all-natural wool rugs that cover the common area referred to as the SeaRoom. “The Inn is a wonderful piece of historic New England architecture and as a Rhode Island-based manufacturer of braided-texture area rugs, it is an honor to have been included,” Thayer said. “We owe sincere thanks to Taylor Interior Design and all those part of this beautiful project.” HTT

Construction on the newest production facility got underway in February.

LENZING, AUSTRIA — Viscose fiber producer Lenzing AG gathered

some 3,000 customers and employees here last week to celebrate its 75th year in business. When the company was established, Europe was home to more than 30 plants manufacturing viscose fibers. Today, Lenzing is one of just two remaining. “Lenzing fibers were once a cheap substitute for cotton,” the company noted in a statement. “In the meantime, they are highly sought-after premium products which are valued due to the renewable raw material of wood and the environmentally-compatible production.” The company’s Tencel fiber is leading the march into the future, which includes expanding production resources. Shortly after its founding, Lenzing was producing 30,000 tons of fiber annually. That capacity will soon reach 900,000 tons per year. HTT

htt130602_008 8

6/18/2013 1:48:19 PM

Luxury in Sleep by

Home Textiles Sourcing Expo, July 16-18, 2013 www.HomeTextilesSourcing.com Adamjee Enterprises - Booth no. 3213 Fine makers of sheeting for retail and hospitality. To schedule appointments contact ASIF SHAIKH, Senior Marketing Executive at asif_shaikh@adamjee.com.pk adamjee@adamjee.com.pk Cell:0092-300-2855153.

Percale - White Sheeting TC-144 TC-160 TC-180 TC-190

Cotton/Modal 55:45 in 30/s Cotton/Modal 55:45 in 30/s 100% Tencel in 40/s 50:50 Cotton/Tencel in 40/s

Sateenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s High Quality Shiny Super Soft TC-206 100% Tencel in 40/s TC-230 100% Tencel in 60/s TC-260 100% Tencel in 60/s TC-270 Cotton/Tencel in 60/s TC-300 100% Modal in 60/s

n.nadash@lenzing.com

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

News

> hometextilestoday.com

WATCH PHOTO: SHANNON FAULK/GETTY IMAGES

ALL OTHER PHOTOS: JCPENNEY

Before: The standard racetrack with a dense product presentation packed onto endcaps.

JCP Unveils Home Department

he ceo who envisioned it has exited the company. It arrived nearly three months later than scheduled. And a Macy’s lawsuit thwarted the original plan to anchor the home department around a 20,000-square-foot Martha Stewart store. But on June 6, JCPenney finally pulled down the construction screens that had enveloped the floor to reveal its home reset in 500 stores.

“Sleep” is the theme for non shop-in-shop bedding. Throughout the home floor, categories care called out with simple messaging.

htt130602_014_015 10

After: A widened center aisle flanked by edited shop-in-shop assortments.

Key branded areas include Michael Graves Design, MarthaHome, Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler, Design by Conran, Bodum, and Ording&Reda. Royal Velvet and Studio are also anchor brands in soft home. The reset includes a service bar, which offers gift wrapping, monogramming and curb-side package pick up. HTT

Cross-merchandising towels along with jcp Everyday bedding.

6/19/2013 4:50:27 PM

> hometextilestoday.com

News

June 24, 2013

Home Textiles Today

Top: Packaging inserts in the utility bedding department have been toned down to give the floor a sleek, clean look. Right: Some of the jcp Everyday beds on the floor were originally designed for MarthaHome. Bottom: Hard home decor is a bigger part of the assortment than it had been previously, in part because of higher sales velocity.

htt130602_014_015 11

6/19/2013 4:51:20 PM

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

News

> hometextilestoday.com

Brentano Adds Festive Flair Feizy Introducing 19 Rug Collections With New Calypso And in Dallas Hula Outdoor Fabrics BY THOMAS LESTER

The solution-dyed nylon fabrics are bleach cleanable.

WHEELING , I LL . — Brentano is

adding pops of color to its growing textiles line this summer with the addition of two new outdoor fabrics. Made with 100% solutiondyed nylon, the beach-inspired hues of Calypso and Hula have “strong light-fastness,” the company said, and are bleach cleanable, making them ideal for use in outdoor settings. The giant tropical leaves of Calypso form Brentano’s largest scale pattern to date; its complement, Hula, meshes rhythmic, stylized waves “with superior abrasion resistance at over 100,000 double rubs,” Brentano explained. In stock now, Calypso and Hula will be available to the marketplace in August. HTT

DALLAS — Feizy Rugs is unveiling 19 rug collections at the Dallas Total Home & Gift Market here this month as part of its 40th anniversary celebration. “Our designers have created amazingly eye-catching designs in all price points and constructions,” John Feizy, founder and ceo, said in a release. “From the ultra-fine, hand-knotted pieces down to attractively priced, indoor/outdoor and machinemade collections, we have an incredible new selection of pieces that represent every taste and offer something that’s practical for every lifestyle.” Two new collections, Amalfi and Anoosha, will be added to the Feizy Fine Rug Collection at the Dallas market, which runs June 19-25. The Anoosha Collection is a grouping of traditional designs while Amalfi leans more toward transitional and contemporary. In addition, 17 new collec-

tions will be added to the Feizy Home Collection of mid-range to value-priced rugs. Power loomed additions include the Lucka Collection of indoor/ outdoor rugs, the Saphir Yardley and Saphir Rubus collections of high-low viscose rugs and the Azeri Collection, a new wool and viscose offering available in four palettes. New tufted offerings include the Mahsa, Carina, Aurora and Morisco collections. The Cetara Collection of hand-hooked rugs is also set for introduction. Tamar and Coronado are the newest additions to the Poetic Wanderlust Collection by Tracy Porter, which will also make their first Dallas appearances, and the Sargasso I and Sargasso II Collections of eco-friendly, indoor/outdoor PET rugs will also be shown. A percentage of all orders placed at market will be donated to the Global Fund for Children to benefit marginalized children in more than 60 countries. HTT

Rugs from Feizy’s Sargasso I collection can be used indoors and outdoors.

Amer Rugs to open Permanent High Point Showroom N ORCROSS , GA . — Amer Rugs has a permanent home in High Point, N.C. The area rug house will be in Showplace 3415 during the October High Point Market. “I’m thrilled to be adding this permanent location for our clients,” said Bart Gilleland, director of operations. “Showplace makes the most sense to partner with. The space is ideal, clients love the atmosphere, and we look forward to making our new home a haven for all buyers, retailers and designers.”

htt130602_013 12

At its new Showplace home, Amer will showcase its entire portfolio of designs, colors and constructions. Also on hand will be Amer’s new Ameresque line of decorative accents. According to its website, Amer Rugs previously showed at the Suites at Market Square in High Point. The company also shows at Americasmart in Atlanta. Amer Rugs is led by the husband-and-wife team of Tanuj and Monika Gupta. HTT

6/19/2013 4:53:18 PM

COUNTDOWN TO INTERTEXTILE SHANGHAI HOME TEXTILES /A SPECIAL ADVERTISING REPORT

Made in Europe… But Shown In China The first-ever Proposte China Pavilion will showcase 24 exhibitors bringing some of the best of Made in Europe Like a modern day Marco Polo, the Proposte Fair is setting sail for China this summer, bringing some of the best of Italian and other European home textiles designs and products to attendees at the Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles fair. The Proposte China Pavilion, the result of a new arrangement between the organizers of the famed fair near Milan and Intertextile’s organizer, Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong, is expected to feature 24 European manufacturers of high-quality decorative and furniture fabrics. It’s the first time ever such a partnership has been arranged and participating companies are excited about the potential to show their creations to the more than 42,000 expected attendees. “We decided to approach the Chinese market because we feel it is very keen on Italian design and style,” said Piercarlo Vigano, of Vigano SpA. “As a member of Proposte we can guarantee the Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles - Autumn Edition will be held August 27-29 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre in Shanghai, China. For more information, please visit www.intertextilehome.com.

shanghai 2013-4.indd 1

respect of the Made in Italy high quality standards that visitors can recognize at first glance.” “We have exhibited at Proposte in Italy for the past 15 years and it is known to attract a prestigious clientele. We hope they will have the same pull in China,” said Wendy Murray of Morton Young & Borland, based in the UK.

ing blackout flame retardant curtains, embroideries and hand-painted designs. Libeco will also be bringing its newest collections of 100% Belgian linen fabrics to the fair, according to Vandamme. For Vigano, the emphasis will be on its high-end velvet range as well its entire “fabric range with plain, semi-plain and piece-dyed fabrics,” according to Vigano. The company, he added, “started in 1930 and is highly specialized in producing plain and jacquard fabrics for upholstery and home decoration. We have noticed interest, especially for the highend products,” in China, he added. Morton Young & Borland, which bills itself as “the only producer in the world manufacturing patterned lace with original Nottingham lace looms,” will launch its new

Morton Young & Borland will bring its new line of wool sheers to Intertextile. wool sheers at Intertextile, according to Murray. She said the company has noted increased interest for its products and Western goods in general from Chinese consumers. “We have recently received several inquiries from large companies based in China and also from smaller clients looking for

sheers using natural yarns.” This is the fourth in a series of special promotional previews for Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, the leading home textiles trade exhibition in Asia. The next Countdown to Intertextile Shanghai will appear in the July 8 issue of Home Textiles Today.

“We have very few clients in China but we seem to be getting increased interest from this area through our website and so we feel it is a perfect time to exhibit here and get face-to-face time with prospective customers.” “We have a long and good tradition with Proposte as an important and classy exhibition,” said Bart Vandamme, sales director for Libeco, the Belgian-based linen specialist. “We would like to know more about the Chinese market and for that reason we decided to take part in the Proposte China Pavilion.” The chance to open up business in China is a huge part of the draw for the Proposte companies. “We hope to make new contacts showing our company and our products to the Chinese market,” said Mauro Cavelli of Mario Cavelli SpA. The company will be showing a variety of fabrics includ-

6/18/13 5:15 PM

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

> hometextilestoday.com

PEOPLETodaY Dollar Tree Names Philbin president, coo CHESAPEAKE, VA. — Dollar Tree has promoted Gary Philbin to president and chief operating officer. He has been serving as coo since 2007. He joined Dollar Tree in 2001 as senior vp of

stores. Prior to that, he spent 30 years in grocery retailing holding senior positions in the merchandising and operations sides of the business. “Among his many notable achievements are the improve-

ment of Dollar Tree customer satisfaction and shopping experience and the integration of our Canadian stores,” said ceo Bob Sasser. Dollar Tree operates 4,763 stores in 48 states and five Canadian Provinces. HTT

Parris Tapped to Manage Creative and Visual for Rizzy Home C ALHOUN, GA. — RizzTex USA has appointed Teresa Parris to the

JCPenney Exec Joins Martha Stewart Board NEW YORK — JCPenney’s senior

vp of corporate strategy has been elected to the board of directors at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. At Penney, Robert Peterson is responsible for identifying

growth opportunities and strategic alliances. JCPenney acquired a 16.6% stake in MSLO in December 2011 and recently rolled out a collection of MarthaHome merchandise in its stores and online.

Because of a pending lawsuit from rival Macy’s, JCPenney thus far has been barred from carrying Stewart-branded bedding, bath and kitchenware, which Macy’s said are exclusive under its contract with MSLO. HTT

Macy’s Lundgren Honored at Father of the Year Awards

post of creative and visual manager at Rizzy Home. She is charged with heading the company’s “in store” branding and visual marketing. Rizzy Home described Parris as an industry veteran who has won numerous awards for showroom and visual display as well as many home show design honors. Parris has held various positions over her TERESA PARRIS career, including buyer, merchandise manager, and visual display director for Henco Furniture, Rizzy Home The Spencer Group, and Southern Motion. Most recently she was a principal at Kevin Sergeant Enterprises. “Teresa is a tremendously creative talent that will be a great asset as we continue to move Rizzy forward,” said Mark Ferullo, vp of RizzTex USA. She will be based out of Rizzy Home offices here. HTT

RH Nabs Williams-Sonoma exec CORTE MADERA, CALIF. — Resto-

Macy’s chairman/president/ceo Terry Lundgren with his daughter Tracey Lundgren at the 72nd annual Father of the Year Awards luncheon held June 11 in New York. Former President Bill Clinton also received the honor from The National Father’s Day Council. The program benefits Save the Children, which assists needy children in 120 countries.

htt130602_016_018 14

ration Hardware has hired former Williams-Sonoma brand president Richard Harvey as chief merchandising officer for its new RH Kitchen and Tableware brand. Harvey spent 30 years at Williams-Sonoma, Inc. In his new position, he will develop a curated collection of kitchen furniture, appliances, lighting, cookware, tools and food for RH Kitchen and Tableware. Restoration Hardware launched the first RH Tableware 2013 Source Book this past spring. The RH Kitchen and Tableware brand will

become part of the company’s next iteration of its full-line design galleries – the format that is replacing the previous Restoration Hardware store prototype. RH Kitchen and Tableware will also be featured as its own catalog and with its own presence on rh.com in late 2014. “Kitchen and t ableware represent a $25 billion market and a significant growth opportunity for our company,” said Carlos Alberini, RH ceo. “We are honored that Richard, arguably the most experienced and talented leader in this industry, has joined our team.” HTT

6/19/2013 5:04:32 PM

> hometextilestoday.com

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

HBC Appoints Brooks to Vice Chair, Rodbell to President TORONTO — Hudson’s Bay Com-

pany has made some changes at the top of its executive structure. Owner of retailers Hudson’s Bay, Home Outfitters and Lord & Taylor, the company has promoted Bonnie Brooks to vice chairman and Liz Rodbell to president. Brooks was previously president, while Rodbell formerly served as evp, chief merchant. Both report to Richard Baker, chairman and ceo. The transition is expected to

be completed by the end of the company’s current fiscal year, come January 2014. “This new structure will continue to drive our long term growth strategy, as we build upon the company’s momentum toward revitalizing its banners and product offerings, and

strengthening the customer experience,” Baker said. In her new role, Brooks will act in an advisory capacity to Baker and the company’s board of directors, HBC noted. She will continue to provide input into both the Hudson’s Bay and Lord & Taylor businesses.

Rodbell, who was appointed to her previous post in February 2012, was credited by HBC with leading the merchant integration of the Lord & Taylor and Hudson’s Bay banners and successfully driving a repositioning of the buying group. She joined Lord & Taylor

in 1985 and held management positions of increasing responsibility over her time there. Starting in 1992 and beyond, she served as svp, gmm over various merchandising assignments, and finally evp, merchandising – the latter from 2008 to February 2012. HTT

Gracious Home Names Fothergill president N E W YO R K — After conduct-

ing “an extensive search,” highend home furnishings store Gracious Home has named industry veteran Ashley Fothergill as the company’s new president. Fothergill hails most recently from Ralph Lauren, where he had been since 2006, his last post as vp for the home collection. Prior to that, he served as director of product development at Williams-Sonoma, and earlier as director of product development at Sainsbury’s in the United Kingdom. His career in retailing got started with Macy’s Merchandising Group. G r a ci o u s H o m e c r e di t s Fothergill with being “instrumental in building up the home category at Ralph Lauren, which covers many of Gracious Home’s departments,” including textiles, lighting, giftware, home fragrance, decorative accessories, stationery, paint and window hardware. The company added he also “personally led the successful development and launch of the newly introduced Ralph Lauren lighting collection, which GH debuted strongly this year.” Joel Kier, chairman, said Fothergill “comes highly recommended by many of GH’s strongest relationships and supporters in the home furnishings industry.” HTT

htt130602_016_018 15

6/19/2013 5:42:38 PM

Home Textiles Today

> hometextilestoday.com

June 24, 2013

BUSINESS TodaY Retail Sales up 5% in May food service released by the U.S. Department of Comwere in the mood to merce – which inspend last month, pushclude non-general ing May sales (excluding merchandise categoautomobiles, gas stations ries such as automoand restaurants) up 0.6% biles, gasoline stations, seasonally adjusted from and restaurants – inApril and up 4.8% unadcreased 0.6% seasonjusted year-over-year. According to the Na- MATTHEW SHAY ally adjusted monthto-month and rose tional Retail Federation, NRF 4.3% adjusted yearsales at furniture and over-year. home furnishing stores’ “Stronger employment data sales decreased 0.8% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month but and increasing home and equirose 0.1% unadjusted year-over- ty prices lifted confidence and spending this spring,” said NRF year. “The American consum- chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. He added that stagnant wages, er continues to drive the U.S. economy,” said NRF President the impact of the sequester on and ceo Matthew Shay. “In spite government spending and the exon fluctuating gas prices, severe piration of the payroll tax holiday weather in much of the coun- continue to constrain sales. Other findings from the May try and fiscal policy uncertainty, consumers continue to demon- retail sales report include: • Nonstore retailers’ sales strate an inherent resiliency and increased 0.7% seasonally-adflexibility.” May sales for total retail and justed month-to-month and inW A S H I N G T O N — Consumers

creased 11.5% unadjusted yearover-year. • Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers stores’ sales increased 0.9% seasonally-adjusted and increased 9.3% unadjusted yearover-year. • Clothing and clothing accessories stores’ sales decreased 0.2% seasonally-adjusted monthto-month but increased 4.8% unadjusted year-over-year. • Electronics and appliance stores’ sales decreased 0.4% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and decreased 0.2% unadjusted year-over-year. • General merchandise stores’ sales increased 0.5% seasonallyadjusted month-to-month and increased 2.3% unadjusted yearover-year. • Health and personal care stores’ sales increased 0.2% seasonally-adjusted month-to-month and increased 0.5% unadjusted year-over-year. HTT

Same-store sales

Dear ol’ Dad Kept Comps up in June’s Second Week N EW YORK — Aided by the Father’s Day holi-

seasonal levels in most regions. As a result, sales of hot-weather merchandise, such as summer ap-

day, comps were up 2.9% in the second week of June following a 2.8% gain the prior week, according to Johnson Redbook Index The Johnson Redbook Retail Second week of June, year-over-year % change Sales Index. WEEK ENDED 6/8 6/15 6/22 6/29 7/6 MONTH TARGET Month-to-date, June was Department stores* 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 up 2.9% compared to June of Discounters 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.9 last year, relative to a target Redbook Index 2.8 2.9 2.9 3.3 of 3.3% gain. Month-over*Including chain stores and traditional department stores Source: Johnson Redbook Index month showed a 0.4% drop, compared to a flat target. June is a five-week month on the retail cal- parel, fans and air conditioners, were active. “Business is expected to be steady to slightendar ending on July 6. “Father’s Day promotions were a factor in ly better as we begin to approach the Indepenbringing people into stores, producing positive dence Day holiday,” Levis added. “Retailers will spill over business into other product areas,” face easy comparisons against last year’s Independence Day sales as the holiday falls six days noted Catlin Levis, Redbook analyst. Also helping business were improved temper- earlier than last year on the retail calendar.” atures, which Levis said have finally warmed up to HTT

htt130602_020_022 16

Culp Sales Rise, Profits Climb Sharply in Fiscal 2013 BY JAY MCINTOSH H IGH P OINT, N.C. — Despite mixed results in the fourth quarter, fabric supplier Culp Inc. said its fiscal year ended April 28 was “one of the best years in the company’s history” with sales up 5.6% and net income climbing 37.8%. In the fourth quarter, sales were down 7% to $70.4 million against a strong period a year ago but earnings rose 8.2% to $3.7 million. Mattress fabric sales for the quarter were down 6% to $40.8 million, while upholstery fabric sales declined 8.4% to $29.6 million. For the year, mattress segment sales grew 5.8% to $154 million and upholstery fabric was up 5.4% to $114.8 million.

“(Company Chairman) Rob Culp and I are very pleased to report one of the best years in the company’s history,”president and ceo Frank Saxon said in a statement. He said pretax profits were up 43% to $20.3 million, the highest level since 1998. “Both of our businesses performed well,” he said. Culp also announced it was bumping up its quarterly dividend by one-third, to 4 cents per share for the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Looking ahead, Saxon said he expect sales in the current quarter in the range of 3% lower to 2% higher than a year ago, with pre-tax income expected to be in the $4.9 million to $5.6 million range, compared with $5.4 million a year earlier. HTT

Hudson’s Bay Co. Q1 Sales Improve TORONTO — Hudson’s Bay Company generated a 4.2% gain in total sales in the first quarter with consolidated same-store sales up 4.0%. The Hudson’s Bay division, which includes 69-unit Home Outfitters, boosted comps by 7.6% during the quarter. Comps at Lord & Taylor slipped 1.4%. As is the case for many retailers, ecommerce experienced robust growth, with sales up 32.8% to $31.1 million (Canadian). Total company sales for the quarter were $844.0 million

(Canadian), or approximately $827 million U.S. For the quarter ended May 4, net loss narrowed to $80.7 million (Canadian) from $129.7 million (Canadian) in the yearago quarter. “Our strong sales growth can be attributed to several factors, including improvements in store productivity, increased e-commerce sales, and our partnership with Topshop/Topman,” said Richard Baker, Hudson’s Bay Company’s Governor and ceo. HTT

6/19/2013 5:05:43 PM

81,7,1* )$6+,21 $1' +20( 7 $ % / ( / , 1 ( 1 6 _ ' ( & 2 5 $ 7 , 9 ( 3 , / / 2 : 6 _ : $ / / ) / 2 2 5 & 2 9 ( 5 , 1 * 6 & 8 5 7 $ , 1 6 _ % ( ' ' , 1 * _ * , ) 7 6 + $ 1 ' , & 5 $ ) 7 6 _ 7 5 ( 1 ' 6 _ 6 ( 0 , 1 $ 5 6

$ 8 * 8 6 7 Â² _ / $ 6 9 ( * $ 6 & 2 1 9 ( 1 7 , 2 1 & ( 1 7 ( 5 1 2 5 7 + + $ / / 5( *, 6 7( 5 12: D W Z Z Z VRX UFL QJD W PDJ LF FRP

Untitled-3 1

6/18/13 2:33:35 PM

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

News

> hometextilestoday.com

Retailers Remain Cautious On Merchandise Imports W A SH INGTO N — Retailers remain cautiously optimistic about the upcoming back-to-school/ back-to-college season, which explains the expected 1.1% modest increase in June’s import volume at the nation’s major retail container ports over the same month last year. This is according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. “With the economic recovery moving slowly, retailers are

Showtime

SHOWTIME FROM PAGE 1

will withstand tough conditions, whether that means outdoor elements or a messy kitchen. The indoor/outdoor fabric options on display June 2-5 in High Point also included a wide array of colors, patterns and textures, further melding indoor style and outdoor durability. “The outdoors are moving indoors and the indoors are moving out,” said Charles “Chuck” Zaberto, vice president of the Solarium division of Richloom Fabrics Group. “Those lines are completely blurred and we welcome it.” Bella-Dura Executive vp Ari Gasner said the company is promoting its performance fabrics for placemats, tablecloths and other indoor applications in addition to outdoor furniture and accessory uses. In addition to new colors and patterns, Bella-Dura introduced more texture into its line at Showtime with the debut of pleated fabrics. “This is the first dimensional outdoor fabric in the marketplace,” Gasner said. “We’re being very sensitive to the hand of the fabric to give it that luxuriousness.” Home furnishings style harkens back to nature in every single color story, according to Jane Matteson, founder of TrendStrategy and a consultant to Swarowski Elements. She presented style and color trends to audiences during two days at Showtime. Iridescent shades of blue that capture the play of light on water are gaining strength along with watercolor looks and tight organic forms, such as bees and the honeycomb look. Colors are showing

htt130602_020_022 18

being cautious this summer and could hold off on stocking up for the holiday season until fall,” said Jonathan Gold, NRF vp for supply chain and customs policy. “We aren’t expecting significant increases for imports until October, when retailers will have a better idea of what to expect for holiday demand.” Although cargo import numbers do not correlate directly with retail sales, PortTracker uses the import volume as a rough indicator of retailers’ expectations.

Global Port Tracker covers the U.S. ports of Los Angeles/ Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle and Tacoma on the West Coast; New York/New Jersey, Hampton Roads, Charleston, Savannah, Port Everglades and Miami on the East Coast, and Houston on the Gulf Coast. Collectively, these ports handled 1.31 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) in April, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available. That was up 14.6% from an unusually slow March but

up in edgy, strong geometrics but green botanicals are everywhere at homes today, she said. “Clearly, green made a mark this year,” Matteson said. “Emerald has been big for us,” said Natalie Scott, vp of sales and marketing, Outdura. “Pantone’s color of the year has been consistent for us. Lemongrass was a new fiber color for us last year and it’s doing extremely well. It’s almost a neutral because it can go with almost anything. “Gray is still a huge trend,” Scott added. “Novelty yarns and textures are really big. Skins continue to be important. The consumer is comfortable with that look. Our Crazy Horse pattern is selling in lemongrass and white, hibiscus and white and pesto/ jade color combinations. Our customers have been really receptive to the new colors. I think it’s a sign that people are feeling good about their purchases.” Overall, colors and patterns trended softer and subtler than at Showtime’s December outing, where bold, bright colors and sharp geometrics dominated. This time, greens veered more toward earthy, mid-tone hues, blues went darker in shades of navy, cobalt and lapis and understated coral and persimmon replaced vivid red and orange. “We’re doing variations of blue,” said Paula Serna, design manager, Robert Allen Group. “Right now a deep navy is big, and pops of turquoise chambray. It’s more saturated, but muted. It’s almost like a filtered look.” Sharp geometrics still made their mark at the June fabric fair, particularly chevron, but more often geometric patterns trended softer, boasting curved and circular motifs.

“Geometrics are still a big part of what we’re seeing this season,” Serna said. Another common thread among Showtime exhibitors was the idea of making the old new by updating traditional colors, patterns and textures. “We’re seeing a big resurgence in traditional fabrics with a lifestyle, casual feel,” said Wendy Haithcox, director of design, Abercrombie Textiles. “We’re modernizing some patterns by blowing up the scale,” as well as providing textures and pops of color. Sunbrella updated a classic pattern on a neutral canvas by outlining a sophisticated quatrefoil design with bright pops of color such as orange, purple and aqua. The company also infused modern appeal into globalinspired designs by incorporating smaller-scale patterns and combining bright pops of color with neutral earth tones. “We have a handmade artisanal type of look that has been popular,” said Greg Voorhis, decorative fabrics design manager for Glen Raven. “The big things are global and artisanal, that global influence across the board.” Sustainability stories were also prevalent in indoor/outdoor fabrics at Showtime, such as Sunbrella’s Renaissance line crafted from recycled content Abercrombie’s Ecovation line is made of 100% polyester that has at least 60% Repreve postconsumer yarn content and “a green story we can take to the consumer,” Haithcox said. Abercrombie Textile’s American Summer Collection offers five color groups in polyolefin for a good starting price point, she said. “We’ve had great success

down 0.1% from April 2012. One TEU is one 20-foot cargo container or its equivalent. May was estimated at 1.4 million TEU, up 2.2% from a year ago. June is forecast at 1.4 million TEU, up 1.1% from last year; July at 1.44 million TEU, up 1.9%; August at 1.43 million TEU, up 0.5%; September at 1.42 million TEU, up 0.8%; and October at 1.45 million TEU, up 7.9%. The first six months of 2013 are expected to total 7.8 million

TEU, up 1.9% from the first half of 2012. The total for 2012 was 15.8 million TEU, up 2.9% from 2011. “We are witnessing a period of import trade growth that is running more or less in sync with the U.S. economic expansion. Unfortunately, both are anemic,” said Ben Hackett, founder of Hackett Associates. “The impact of this extremely cautious consumer spending is that we expect import consumption to remain weak for the coming four to six months.” HTT

Outdura finds customers are responding to shades of green, including Emerald and Lemongrass, as well as geometrics and animal prints like its Crazy Horse fabric, shown at far right in Pesto and Jade.

Variations of blue were a major trend at Showtime, particularly darker shades of navy and lapis as exhibited by these Phifer offerings.

with it so far so we’re adding to it with more up-the-roll stripes.” Other key trends at Showtime included animal prints and incorporating animals into patterns. Among Robert Allen’s indoor/outdoor offerings is Modern Bungalow, the fourth collection from Dwell Studio for Robert Allen. The collection’s Jungalow pattern features a large-scale black and white tiger against a lush botanical scene.

Liora Manne showcased both forms of animal influence, including a zebra stripe pattern and an earthy green design featuring birds perched on branches. Matteson advised attendees to look for Liora Manne’s Flower Chair, calling it a “stunning, masterful work.” HTT Cinde W. Ingram is editor-inchief and Alexa Boschini is assistant editor at HTT sister publication Casual Living.

6/19/2013 5:07:21 PM

TE X T I L E S

HTT_Top 50 tab.indd 1

I S

O U R

M I D DL E

NA M E

6/19/13 10:34 AM

Home Textiles Today

Show Preview PREVIEW FROM PAGE 1

July 10-17 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com The Made in America temporary collection returns to the July Market on Floor 2 of Building 3. There will also be two new temporary categories at the show: Gardens Luxe and Tabletop Luxe. Both juried collections of high-end goods will be located in the lobby areas outside the exhibit halls of Building 2. Educational sessions will include a roster celebrity designers, home décor experts, and business leaders. Among the highlights: • Jonathan and Drew Scott of HGTV’s Property Brothers will present “Champagne Dreams on a Beer Budget,” with tips about how to search for the best pricing on products on July 11. • Residential, commercial and landscape architect John Gidding, host of HGTV’s Curb Appeal: The Block, will present “Maximize Curb Appeal in Minimal Space” with suggestions for enhancing the curb appeal of an outdoor space regardless of its size on July 12. • Three of the South’s best-known interior designer and bloggers Haskell Harris, Jamie Meares and Lindsey Coral Harper will present “Styling in the South” on July 12. • Stylist Emily Henderson, winner of HGTV’s Design Star, will present “Make Your Tabletop Pop,” with the latest trends in tabletop accessories on July 13. The annual Icon Honors 2013 will celebrate the professional achievements of industry memebers July 11 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. The event begins with cocktails at 7 p.m., followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 7:30 p.m. Singer/songwriter Peter Frampton will be the headline entertainer. Honors will be presented to home and gift retailers, manufacturers, sales agents and service providers from across the industry. Tickets and tables can be purchased at www.americasmarticonhonors.com.

11-14 Atlanta International Area Rug Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com AmericasMart in July is further integrating its Home and Rug collections in Building 1 so buyers can source a fuller array of home furnishings, home décor and rug options in one center, a project that began during last January’s show. The Oriental Rug Association (ORRA) will hold a series of educational sessions during the show. On July 12, “Knot to be Missed” is part of the certification process and runs from from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Building 1, Floor 4, Room 4-B-1. In addition, ORRA’s new “Appraisers Forum” program is designed for those taking the Certified Rug Appraiser’s exam. It takes place July 12 is takes place from 3:004:00 p.m. in Building 1, Floor 4, Room 4-B-1. On July 13, the organization will present a session on proper rug appraisal techniques at 12:30 in in Building 1, Floor 4, Room 4-B-1. That will be followed by Certified Rug Appraiser’s exam in the same space from 1:00-

htt130602_001_024_025_026 20

June 24, 2013

News

4:00 p.m. After the exam, a “Rug ID Walk Through CRA Re-Certification” session will take place at 4 p.m., also in Building 1, Floor 4, Room 4-B-1. Current CRAs should re-certify every five years, according to the association.

16-18 Home Textiles Sourcing Expo Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York (770) 984-8016 www.HomeTextilesSourcing.com After setting a new record last year, this summer’s show is expected to draw even more exhibitors next month, with 150 companies represented. Running in tandem with the Texword USA and Apparel Sourcing shows, the Home Textiles Sourcing Expo will feature furnishings fabrics as well as finished soft home products. Seminars organized by fiber manufacturer Lenzing will take place in room 1B03. Among the highlights: • “Textiles on the Move: Where the Home Textiles Business is Today and Where it’s Headed.” HTT editor-inchief Jennifer Marks will discuss both design and business trends. July 16 at 10:30 a.m. • “Stylesight Trend.” Jamie Thomas, director of global trend services for Stylesight will present the latest developments in materials for fall/winter 2014. July 16 at 3:00 p.m. and July 17 at 11:00 a.m. • “Oeko-Tex.” Sam Moore, managing director of Hohenstein Institute America, will review newest standard in sustainable textiles production, the International OekoTex Step certification. July 17 at 9:00 a.m. • “Home Pantone – Style & Substance in Home Furnishings for 2014.” Laurie Pressman, vp, Pantone Color Institute, will reveal the colors and color combinations that will be key for home furnishings for 2014. July 17 at 2 p.m. • “West Coast Point of View on Color and Home Trends for Fall 2014.” Fran Sude, vp, Design Options, will discuss design trends particular to the West Coast. July 18 at 10:30 a.m. • “The Future of Global Sourcing: Dreams and Nightmares.” Josh Green, ceo, Panjiva, will lead a discussion on the future of global sourcing. July 18 at noon.

29 – Aug. 2 Las Vegas Market World Market Center, Las Vegas (702) 599-9621 www.lasvegasmarket.com International Market Centers announced recently that it is expanding and realigning its temporary gift and home décor exhibition space onto three floors of Building C during the summer market, and will now house approximately 325 temporary exhibitors in 10 themed product sections, including Gift, Global, Gourmet, Home, Made, Style, Textiles, Trend, Vintage and Carry. Notable temporary exhibitors in the Textiles category on C5 include Amity Home, Cottonbelle, Jiti and Softline Home Fashions; along with a number of first-time exhibitors including 425 South, Jellybean, Pillow Bar, Scents and Feel, Sustainable Threads and Tourance.

The market’s annual Ahead of the Curve live show will feature of group of designers — Alexa Hampton, Ron Woodson and Windsor Smith — in a panel moderated by designer and Today Show contributor Susanna Salk on July 31 at 9 a.m. in Building B’s WorldView Ballroom. Other events of note include: • Rep Appreciation Party, July 28 from noon to 2:00 p.m. in the Grand Plaza; • Market Kick Off Party, July 29 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Grand Plaza; • Up on the Roof: Fundraising Event Benefiting Gift for Life on July 30 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the WorldView on B16. Tickets to the event cost $25 each; anyone purchasing four tickets will get a fifth ticket for free. Tickets can be purchased at http://upontheroofgala.eventbrite. com/, and onsite during Las Vegas Market in the lobbies of both Building A and Building C.

August 18-21 Home Sourcing at Magic Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas www.Magiconline.com Running in tandem with Sourcing at Magic, the home show will feature more than 100 exhibitors from China, India, Pakistan, Turkey and the Americas. Offerings include textiles, décor, accessories, wall coverings, rugs, gifts and handicrafts. There will be seminars focused on the home industry: “WGSN Trend Edit: New Macro Directions for Design & Product Development” will take place Aug. 19 at 9:30 a.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center/North Hall/ Upper Level, Room N257/259. The focus will be macro trends for the autumn/winter 14-15 season both fashion and interiors. “Home Décor Meets the Fashion Market – Powerful Trends to Increase Sales” will take place Aug. 20 at 1:30 p.m. in the Las Vegas Convention Center/North Hall/ Upper Level, Room N257/259. Speakers will be Laurie Pressman, vp of the Pantone Color Institute, and Warren Shoulberg, editorial director of HTT.

17-21 NYNow (Formerly the New York International Gift Fair) Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Pier 94, New York (914) 421-3200 www.nynow.com The long-running New York International Gift Fair unveils a format this summer as it becomes NYNow – The Market for Home & Lifestyle.

6/19/2013 4:37:18 PM

News The show is being reorganized into four major sections: Home, Lifestyle, Handmade and New. NYNow Home will showcase about 1,200 suppliers of home furnishings, home textiles, tabletop and gourmet housewares. It will also feature the juried Accent on Design, an exhibition of contemporary design in the home and lifestyle industry. Three broad categories of merchandise will be presented under the Home umbrella: Home Furnishings + Textiles, Tabletop + Gourmet Housewares, and Accent on Design. Home Furnishings + Textiles will group exhibitors by aesthetic – such as traditional or contemporary – as well as price point. Notable exhibitors include Ann Gish, Authentic Models, Barreveld International, Cisco Brothers, Design Legacy by Kelly O’Neal, DK Living, Dransfield & Ross, Gold Leaf Design Group, Jamie Young Company, John Robshaw Textiles, Lazy Susan, Made Goods, Matouk, Natural Curiosities, Peacock Alley, Pine Cone Hill, SDH Enterprises, Sferra, Trowbridge, V Rugs & Home and others. The 62nd annual Retailer Excellence Awards sponsored by HTT sister publication Gifts & Decorative Accessories will take place Aug. 18 from 6:45-10:00 p.m. at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. Benefiting Gift for Life, the event will include the presentation of the 2013 Industry Achievement Award to Gregg Corzine and David Klass of Archipelago. For information, visit www.giftforlife.org. Tickets $185 each, including cocktails and dinner, are available through www.giftsanddec.com. For the second year in a row, One Kings Lane is teaming with HTT and its sister publications Home Accents Today and Gifts & Decorative Accessories to present the Open House display, a curated collection of trend-forward products from the show’s exhibitors. Warren Shoulberg, editorial director for HTT and GDA, will conduct a seminar on key trends for home products Aug. 18 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the Javits Center room 1A02-03. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. For information, contacts contact Rachel@CathySteelAssociates.com. A full roster of NYNow’s seminars and events is available on the show’s web site.

25-27 Surtex Asia Kerry Hotel, Pudong Shanghai (914) 421-3297 www.surtexasia.com Surtex Asia will make its debut this summer as a B-to-B environment for proprietary surface design for product development. Approximately 1,500 textile manufacturers are expected to attend from China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The event will feature more than 50 textile design studios from Great Britain, Europe, North America, South America and Japan. The show will draw manufacturers from a broad range of markets, including decorative fabrics, home textiles, wall coverings, curtains, upholstery fabrics, floor coverings, contract textiles, apparel textiles, and related home products. Among the studios confirmed to participate are Artwork Design (United Kingdom), AVA CAD/CAM Group Ltd. (United Kingdom), Crea Concepts (Germany), Diane Harrison Designs Ltd. (United Kingdom), Jerome Thilly (France), and TrendArt (Italy/United Kingdom). Textile manufacturers confirmed to attend include Beautiful Day Craft & Painting Factory, Changzhou Yierman Bedding, Chaozhou Fengxi Spyker Ceramic Factory, Dalian East Technology Textiles, Dongguan City Ming-

htt130602_001_024_025_026 21

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

shang Homeware, Fujian Changle City Changyuan Textile, Guangzhou WeiLa Garment, Hangzhou Meike Fashion Textile, Hubei F&M Textile Corp., Jiangsu Lansiyu Home Textile, Nanjing Herun Textile, Ningbo Sunny Textile, Shanghai Blue Rose Trading, Shanghai Tulip Carpet Manufacturing, Shaoxing Kino Home Textile Products, Wujiang YunJie Textile, and hundreds more. Off the show floor, a conference program interpreted for the Asian community will introduce manufacturers to the latest surface design trends including color, style and pattern. Speakers will include design and home textiles industry experts, including HTT editorial director Warren Shoulberg. Presentations will have simulcast interpretation for the primarily Chinese audience. The full schedule will be announced in a few weeks.

27-29 Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Fall Edition Shanghai New International Expo Centre Shanghai, China +852 2238 9983 www.messefrankfurt.com/hk The international presence on the show floor gets a big boost this year from Intertextile Shanghai’s alliance with Proposte, the Italian trade show for fine European fabric and window coverings. The new Proposte China Pavilion@Intertextile will include approximately 25 Euro.pean exhibitors interested in doing business with Asian retailers. In addition, there will be pavilions from Belgium, Greece, Korea, India, Italy, Taiwan and Turkey. Overall, the event is expected to draw 1,400 exhibitors from 29 counties and 42,000 visitors from around the world. To reflect the growth areas in the Chinese home textiles and furnishings market, the fair is being arranged in five distinct areas: Branded Bedding and Towelling Zone, the Interior Decoration Zone, the Wall Coverings

Zone, the Carpets Zone and the interactive Intertextile Design Boutique, which features designer studio displays, booths, workshops and a resource sharing lounge. Intertextile International Lifestyle Trend Forum in Hall W1 is being expanded this year. Assembled by a new committee of seven global design experts, the forum will provide insights on lifestyle trends in the Chinese interior decorations market. The panel was headed by French trend forecaster Nelly Rodi, who has spearheaded Messe Frankfurt’s trend hall for the annual Heimtextile show each January in Germany. Intertextile Design Boutique, returning for the second time, will include designer studio displays, booths, workshops and a design-related resource sharing lounge.

September 6-10 Maison & Objet Parc des Expositions, Paris-Nord Villepinte (888) 522-5001 www.maison-objet.com The overall theme for the fall show is Energies, and Maison will spotlight Designer of the Year Odile Decq, Designer of the year for the now! Design à vivre section Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, and the creator of the scènes d’intérieur Joseph Dirand. Maison will present forward-looking curated exhibits by style consultant Elizabeth Leriche, trend tracker Vincent Grégoire and stylist François Bernard. The show will overlap with Paris Design Week, which takes place from September 9-15. The Neighborhood by Night Comes Alive program will take place in St. Germain des Pres on Sept. 9; Le Marais, Sept. 10; The Champs Elysées, Sept. 11; and Saint Ouen on Sept. 13. On Sept. 12, Design Week will celebrate NOW! Le Off to the Docks City of Fashion & Design, a platform for more than 80 emerging young artists. Revelations, the first international Biennial of SEE PREVIEW PAGE 22

6/19/2013 4:37:30 PM

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

Show Preview PREVIEW FROM PAGE 21 art and creation, will also take place from Sept. 1115 at the Grand Palais with nearly 300 exhibitors.

23-26 New York Home Fashions Market Home Fashions Product Association (212) 297-2131 (Kellen Co.) www.homefashionproducts.com The showroom-based market for volume retailers and suppliers is likely to have more new showroom locations than usual. With 7W New York owner MMPI consolidating showrooms on a consecutive series of floors to make way for office space, three will relocations within the building as well as new tenants in other showroom buildings The week will get stated with HTT’s semi-annual Kickoff Party on Sept. 22 from 5:30-7:30 at the 230 Club at 230 Fifth Ave, 20th floor.

October 19-24 High Point Market

News

> hometextilestoday.com

International Home Furnishings Center, Other locations High Point, NC (336) 869-1000 www.highpointmarket.org Registration opens July 9 for the fall market. Details about special events and educational sessions will be announced later this month. Exhibitors can get pre- and post-show exposure by uploading product images to the High Point Market Residential Library on http://TODL.com. The lead-enabled product brochure for the trade is accessible to all market registrants, exhibitors, media and TODL’s 70,000 trade members. A video review of the leading trends to emerge during the spring market is available on the High Point web site.

November 9-12 International Hotel/Motel +Restaurant Show Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York (212) 754-7920 www.ihmrs.com The Hospitality Leadership Forum will precede the show on Nov. 9. Details will be announced closer to the event.

The 33rd Annual gold Key Award for Excellence in Hospitality Design will take place Nov. 10 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Finalists and winners in 14 categories will be announced at the gala and will receive feature coverage from event sponsors Boutique Design Magazine and Hotels Magazine. Deadline for entry is July 1. For more information, visit the ihmrs web site.

December 8-11 Showtime Market Square, Textile Tower High Point, NC (336) 885-6842 www.itma-showtime.com The largest decorative fabrics event in the Western Hemisphere concluded its summer show earlier this month. Events for the winter show will be announced closer to the show date. Showtime hosts more than 800 buying companies and offers an online appointment format to help attendees schedule their visits. The International Textile Market Association, producers of Showtime, has announced a date shift for December 2015 event. The original dates of Dec. 13-16, 2015 have been changed to Dec. 6-9, 2015. HTT

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

THEY’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

DESIGNER – HOME FURNISHINGS Home furnishings manufacturer seeks head designer for product creation and development. Must be knowledgeable of all bedding products, printing processes, CAD artwork and Adobe Illustrator. Manage a staff of 4 in our design studio located in Woodside Queens. Shop fabrics from mills and convertors. Minimum 10 yrs. experience required. Full-time with full beneﬁts. Good opportunity for the right person to work in a great company that has been in business for 60 years. Send resume and salary history to: response.2008@yahoo.com

LINES OFFERED Established Home Textile Manufacturer with permanent showroom in New York seeks experienced Sales Reps with established key accounts in Tufted Chenille Bedspreads, Braided Rugs and Braided Novelties, Bath Rugs and Indoor/Outdoor Rugs. Kindly email us at: nitish@bettertrends.com

Capture their attention by advertising in

THIS COULD BE SPENCER WHITTLE:

YOUR AD

KAREN HANCOCK: khancock@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1047 fax 336.605.1143

SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS

TO REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET

START ADVERTISING TODAY!

ADVERTISE T O D AY

SPENCER WHITTLE: swhittle@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1027 fax 336.605.1143

KAREN HANCOCK: khancock@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1047 fax 336.605.1143

htt130602_001_020_021_022 22

ﬁ ds

swhittle@sandowmedia.com ph 336.605.1027 fax 336.605.1143

classiﬁed Lines Offered (Reps) Help Wanted Retail Recruitment Real Estate Showroom Space

For Sale/Lease Factoring Services Announcements Legal Notices Parts

Delivered via eMail - to your Inbox Only $169.97 for the Digital Edition Subscribe Today! 866-456-0405 U.S.

HOME TEXTILES TODAY CLASSIFIEDS

Now offering custom borders! Ask how we can make your ad stand out from the rest!

515-247-2984 outside

6/19/2013 5:36:06 PM

O WIND

D AT

T R E AT M E N

E S A AB 3 2 01

Windows Hang Tough Suppliers Grapple with JCPenney Sales Disruption and Changing Demographics A Special Report Sponsored by

htt130602_009 9

6/19/2013 12:05:32 PM

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

Makers Optimistic Through Window Woes BY JILL ROWEN

DOW

BA D ATA T

NEW YORK — A peek at soft window in HTT’s latest research shows the category only slightly down for the year. The category was down 0.4% to $2.68 billion. Suppliers are reporting a slew of macro-economic issues as well as a changing demographic that is looking at soft window very differently from their mothers and grandmothers. Function is still trending with energy efficiency and blackout styles. But styling has evolved from solid basics to offerings with more color, texture and prints.

TME

department reset will help, but it will not necessarily drive window business, according to some. Some suppliers note that many customers walked into BBB with their 20% coupons in hand. And others contend that e-commerce sites got a boost.

WINDOW TREATMENTS

of the Home Textiles Universe

$26.10B $25.72B 2012 Home Textiles 2011 Home Textiles Universe Universe

Looming large over the fortunes of the window category is the sharp decline in sales at JCPenney during its ill-fated year of transition. At its peak, Penney claimed to own third of the country’s window business (including custom). That changed a few years ago, as it drastically pared down its custom window departments, followed by the well-reported JCP woes of the last year. The question remains: Where did all that window business go? Suppliers are hopeful that the newly unveiled JCPenney home

htt130602_024_025 24

1.5%

“JCP was a big destination,” said Debra Mednick, executive director and home industry analyst, NPD Group. “But nobody has really taken that on. Retailers such as Home Depot and Lowe’s have some business, but do better in hardware and blinds

than in soft window. It’s an opportunity.” “I think a lot of business went to e-commerce sites,” offered Barry Goodman, vp, Commonwealth Home Fashions. “Though each site may be taking a small piece of the pie, it can add up.” “We definitely see e-commerce growing through our customer’s sites, but it’s additional business, we don’t see it replacing business,” said Scott Goldstein, president, S. Lichtenberg & Co. Budd Goldman, ceo, Ellery Homestyles, agreed. “The business scattered over a few retailers. And we’re doing tremendous business online through our customer sites,” he said. “Overall business is status quo, but it’s trending up.” Rex Dyer, president, Lorraine Home Fashions, has also seen sales increase in a surprising area: catalogs. “It seems counter-intuitive, but print catalogs are doing better. What we surmise is that there’s still an older Penney customer out there that still wants to flip through a paper catalog; and many have financing options that make it an attractive way to shop,” he said. According to Dyer, Amazon is one of the companies poised to capture a bigger part of the e-commerce slice for windows, but the key for doing well online is managing the web business well. “The sites doing well have deep customer service and manage returns well. Some even have informational videos,” he said. Lorraine has seen resurgence in lace and layered ruffled looks. The company has also expanded into shower curtains, and will soon be intro-

“I think a lot of business went to e-commerce sites. Though each site may be taking a small piece of the pie, it can add up.” —BARRY GOODMAN, vp, Commonwealth Home Fashions

6/20/2013 11:48:43 AM

Home Textiles Today

June 24, 2013

WINDOW TREATMENTS Distribution channels Source for all tables and charts: Home Textiles Today market research

2012 total retail sales: $2,685 million down 0.4% from $2,695 million in 2011 2012

Mid-price chains Discount department stores Home textiles specialty chains Direct-to-consumer Home improvement centers Off-price chains Variety/closeout Department stores Single-unit specialty stores Other Total

$1,181 $901 $311 $129 $47 $28 $26 $21 $20 $20 $2,685

2011

% CHANGE

$1,211 $890 $305 $127 $47 $28 $26 $21 $20 $20 $2,695

-2.5% 1.3% 2.1% 2.0% -0.4% -0.4% -0.4% 0.9% -0.4% -0.4% -0.4%

*Other includes warehouse clubs and military exchanges. Figures have been rounded.

ducing product that coordinates with its curtains. “We had to change the scale on some of the designs, but it’s a great new category for us,” said Dyer Though far being the largest players on the scene, some of the websites suppliers named most often included bedbathstore.com, swagsgalore.com and hayneedle.com. They were mentioned for their functionality, customer service and, the equivalent of retail 101, having the right inventory at the right time. As the retail portion is sorted out, there are lingering economic issues that may be keeping consumers from spending money in stores or online. “The category has been down for first part of the year, with the payroll tax one of the things impacting income,” said Goldstein. “But I’m optimistic for the second half; it will pick up.” According to Goldstein, energy-efficient products are still important, but now that category has added fashion features for greater appeal. Lichtenberg is offering energy products with more texture, brighter, upbeat colors and prints. “Prints continue to grow,” he noted. What haven’t grown are price points, which have remained stable. “Customers have had a honeymoon with low priced goods and a sometimes distorted expectation of price,” noted Dyer. “Pricing is holding and the margin squeeze is continuing. It’s steady as she goes,” said

htt130602_024_025 25

Goldman. Another macro issue impacting this category: housing. “The housing market has somewhat stabilized, but lending requirements are still strict,” noted Louis Hornick II, ceo, Louis Hornick & Co. “Millennials are going to be renting longer than their parents did.” Hornick is doing well with

dows.” According to the company, its shades have also been a growing category for the company. “We were one of the first to do grommets, which is one way we’re attracting a younger customer,” said Goodman. “They are looking at framing a window, and more decorative hardware and lighter weight goods.”

“Customers have had a honeymoon with low priced goods and a sometimes distorted expectation of price.” —REX DYER, president, Lorraine Home Fashions

its Firefend product, a US-manufactured product that he is proud of. “The future is ‘made in America,’ he said. In fact, Millenials and the changing customer are top of mind for many suppliers, who acknowledge that younger shoppers look at window coverings in a totally different way. “There is a younger guest that just doesn’t believe they need to cover their windows in the same way,” said Sean Frankel, evp, Arlee Home Fashion. “We all have to find a way to talk to that customer.” For Arlee, successes have included its range of offerings, including linen-like poly blends. According to Frankel, blackouts continue to be a strong and are now offered with more fashion and design elements. “Blackouts don’t have to be drab,” he noted. “Functionality is an important part of win-

For Commonwealth, it is still about function. “We’re doing great with our outdoor/indoor selections. People are really into the ‘fifth’ room in their yard,” he said. “You don’t see opulent, embellished swags and layers,” said Goldman. “Grommets are the trend du jour. Everything is cleaner, simpler and more modern looking.” For Ellery, its Eclipse energy efficiency products continue to do well. “Our opening price point is very strong; and on the other side, our higher end options are doing nicely,” he said. Ellery is also growing its bedding business. “I think we’ll be talking more about our bedding next year as well, not just because we’re in the category, but because we’ll have good penetration for our products,” he said. HTT

6/20/2013 11:49:13 AM

Innovation lives here...

HTT_Ellery tab spec.indd 1

6/20/13 10:15 AM

> hometextilestoday.com

1271 Avenue of the Americas, 17th floor New York, NY 10020 Tel: (917) 934-2852; 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 (917) 934-2876 | 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 (917) 934-2858 | jmurphy@hometextilestoday.com CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC ARTIST Desiree Nunez (917) 934-2862 | dnunez@giftsanddec.com DIRECTOR OF MARKET RESEARCH Dana French (336) 605-1091 | dfrench@sandowmedia.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, ACCOUNT MANAGER SOUTH/EAST/CHINA Jeff Reeves (336) 605-1009 | jreeves@hometextilestoday.com ACCOUNT MANAGER NORTHEAST/MIDWEST/ WEST COAST/CANADA Mary McLoughlin (917) 934-2852 | 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

News

June 24, 2013

Lepore PEKING FROM PAGE 1

The collection for volume retailers will debut in September during the New York Home Fashions Market. “There are a lot of cut and sew details,” said Carol Antone, PKH’s vp of creative. “It’s just every kind of apparel finish you can think of. This has a much more master bedroom feel to it.” For the launch, Peking is offering a core jacquard sheeting set program in three colors: white, fucsia and cobalt. Also in layering pieces, the coverlet program features Lepore’s signature peacock motif. “It’s a theme that runs through a lot of my collections,” she said. An alternative Tack coverlet “is kind of more Hollywood glamour,” said Antone. The collection includes three freestanding Euro sham options: velvet ribbon trim, logo and a peacock feature jacquard with hemstitch.

For a color multiplier story, Peking is showing a 300-count cotton jacquard duvet cover set that will probably retail in the $249 range. Fashion bedding ensembles pour

Home Textiles Today

on the color with prints and constructions culled from Lepore’s apparel collections. “As you can see,” said Antone, “it’s ripped from the runway.” HTT The Peacock feather is a signature motif in Lepore’s designs.

MANAGER, INDIA Kaushal Shah Cell: 91-9821715431; Tel: 91 22 2305 9305/6/7 Kaushal@kaushals.com

Paisley Medallion is a wide repeat rotary print.

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

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: (818) 487-2036 subscriptions@hometextilestoday.com FAX SUBSCRIPTIONS: (818) 487-4550 THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY® 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10020 Telephone: (917) 934-2852 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 2/4, 2/18, 3/4, 3/25, 4/8, 4/22, 5/6, 5/20, 6/3, 6/17, 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/12, 8/26, 9/9, 9/30, 10/14, 10/28, 11/11, 11/25, 12/9 and 12/23 by Furniture/Today Media Group, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10020, a subsidiary of Sandow Media LLC, 3651 FAU Boulevard, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. HOME TEXTILES TODAY copyright ©2013 by Sandow Media LLC. Annual subscription rates: U.S. Canada and Mexico $189.97; 1 year, other countries $345.97 for surface mail . All payments must be made in U.S. currency. Subscription inquiries: HOME TEXTILES TODAY, PO Box 16659 North Hollywood, CA 91615. Phone: (866) 456-0405 (Outside the US - (818) 487-2036). Subscription requests may also be made via email to subscriptions@hometextilestoday.com or to update/manage your print subscription, visit www.hometextilestoday.com/subscriptionservices. 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. ) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HOME TEXTILES TODAY, PO Box 16659 North Hollywood, CA 91615. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RCS International; APC; PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Rich Hill, ON L4B 4R6

htt130602_001_020_021_022 27

Loloi Releases Spring Catalog DALLAS — Loloi Rugs’ 2013 spring catalog is now available online or in print. In addition to full descriptions and photographs, the annual catalog includes tips for purchasing rugs; a guide on how to select the correct rug size for living rooms, bedrooms and dining rooms; cleaning and maintenance advice; a sample rack and color blanket rack; and behind-the-scenes

manufacturing photos. “Our catalog is a showcase of our collections and also highlights the unique qualities of our company, such as our new school design philosophy,” said Cyrus Loloi, principal of Loloi Rugs. “More importantly, we have always tried to provide our customers with information that allows them to make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing

and decorating with rugs. Our 2013 spring catalog is designed to be such a resource.” The catalog includes descriptions and photographs all of its collections divided into traditional, transitional, contemporary, shags, and indoor/outdoor categories. To view the catalog in full online, visit http://issuu.com/loloi/docs/loloi_ -_2013_catalog_screen. HTT

6/20/2013 2:57:01 PM

We didn’t sell 100,000,000 pillows to retailers last year, but…….

Suppliers did buy 100,000,000 of our pillow shells

The (not-so) secret to supplier sourcing success San Francisco

Charlotte

Shanghai

Beijing

New Delhi

Lancashire, UK

Contact: Russ Holbrook, EVP 704-840-7305 • www.standardfiber.com