Monday, February 11, 2013
THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY
Maison Hits the Mark
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hometextilestoday.com
Raw Materials Outlook a Mixed Bag BY WAYNE MARKS NEW YORK — No one has a crystal ball, but anticipating the cost of production can be the difference between success and failure in any industry. While cotton prices have stabilized, other raw materials important to home textiles production are experiencing upward pressure – for a variety of reasons.
Celery green was the showstopper, mixed with greys and purples.
BY ROBBIE SUMBERG AND JOAN LIEBERMAN
| Vol. 34, No. 5 | $8.00
COTTON Few can forget the unprecedented price spike in 2010/2011 that sent all home textiles raw materials prices decidedly upward. Many fingers were pointed; many villains sought, but cotton now seems to be among the more stable materials used in home textile construction. Jon Devine, senior economist, Cotton Incorporated, told HTT the “best cure for high prices is high prices.”
Price Trends — Polyester Filament Yarn MONTH
16TH-30TH
Source: Fibre2Fashion.com
SEE MATERIALS PAGE 9
PARIS — Maison & Objet doesn’t have a great knack for organizing the throngs of people that crowd the venue, but it well makes up for it with beautiful designs and products. This year’s household textiles sector featured 170 exhibitors (57% from outside France) in over 8,500 net square meters presenting their latest collections of bedroom, bathroom, table and household linens as well as homewear. In terms of style, there are two aspects to the 2013 spring-summer season. The first celebrates the past through vintage geometric patterns, in some cases kinetic, as well as tartan, stripes and checks. This nostalgia is emphasized by washed-out effects and faded colors, as well as a focus on lace, embroidery, pleats and over-stitching. The second movement is more forward-looking, with choices of finishes and glossy and iridescent effects evoking the future. Environmental preservation and sustainable development principles were two of the greatest creative influences on designers. The products they offer are supported by strong ethical values and are part of a comprehensive approach to well-being, encompassing the physical, spiritual, individual and collective. Meanwhile, the most cherished materials, such as mohair, cashmere and alpaca, are the leading choice in the luxury and comfort ranges. A few highlights from Show-Offs more than 500 photos of the January show appear on pages 10 and 11. HTT
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
1ST-15TH
January 2012 February 2012 March 2012 April 2012 May 2012 June 2012 July 2012 August 2012 September 2012 October 2012 November 2012 December 2012 January 2013
And the Winner is... NEW YORK – Pyar & Co. was named
Paula Queen, right, founder of Pyar & Company, with GLM At Home sales manager Danielle Giacopponello, left, and GLM sales coordinator Mary Hennessey, center.
the winner of HTT’s America’s Next Great Home Textiles Company contest during the recent New York International Gift Fair. Founded in 2011 by Paula Queen, who got her start in construction management and then moved into business development, the company specializes in hand-crafted, luxury decorative pillows and ottomans made in India. Six first-time exhibitors at the August NYIGF show took part in the series. Three industry judges evaluated the companies on booth design, product design and marketing. HTT
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Home Textiles Today
February 11, 2013
News ADVERTISEMENT
Comfort Revolution Opens First U.S. Plant BY DAVID PERRY BELMONT, MISS. — Bedding producer Comfort Revolution recently opened its first U.S. manufacturing facility here. The company, which produces high-end mattresses, mattress toppers and pillows, said it expects to create 200 jobs at the plant over the next three years. “I’m thrilled to bring our bedding manufacturing back to the United States,” founder and ceo Michael Fux said at the ribboncutting event. By the end of this year, the majority of Comfort Revolution products will be made in the United States, except for those destined for international distribution, officials said. U.S. production offers many advantages for Comfort Revolution retailers and customers, Fux said. Retailers will benefit from a shorter delivery time for Comfort Revolution products, he said. “By establishing our research and development facility in the plant, it will speed our time to market,” Fux added. “We’ll have more time for innovation and more efficient manufacturing with the latest technologies. That gives retailers more time for test programs and roll outs.” He also said that consumers will enjoy broader product offerings as a result of the move. Products will be developed in the United States to please the tastes of American consumers, he said. The 432,650-square-foot-facility here can
accommodate Comfort Revolution’s current production requirements and proposed expansion in the years to come, as well as its research and development work, officials said. The company said strong demand for its new Mattress Caddy by Comfort Revolution means that product will be one of the first to come off the new assembly line. The Mattress Caddy, which houses a 14-inch memory foam mattress in a plastic container that can be wheeled out of the store, was announced in August and is expected to ship to retailers starting in April. The Mattress Caddy is on display here this week in World Market Center B-808. Its two sides divide in half to provide storage bins that can fit under the bed to stash offseason linens, clothing or other items. The product will be sold under both Sealy and Comfort Revolution brands. Sealy acquired a non-controlling interest in Comfort Revolution last year. Fux, a native of Cuba who immigrated to the United States as a child, said he’s excited about the new manufacturing plant. “I have tremendous belief in the strength and dedication of the American worker and want all of our citizens to share the same dreams of success that I have always had,” he said. “We’re proud that once again we can label our products, ‘Made in America.’” David Fuchs, vp of sales for Comfort Revolution, said some production will remain in China. The company will keep both man-
going fast enough,” he said, citing the 1.5% to 2.0% growth rate of the economy, which L AS VEGAS — Economics and business — he said needed to be at least 3.5% to drive a macro, micro and everything in between — full recovery. He cautioned that the “showdowns” at were the focal points of the first-ever Gift & the national level on the debt ceiling, the fisHome CEO Summit, presented by Internacal cliff and overall government tional Market Centers and Eller Enspending would continue to jeopterprises and held here in early Febardize efforts to return the econoruary. my to full strength. Some 100 executives from the inJon Huntsman Jr., the former dustry, primarily from the gift and decambassador to China who also orative accents segments, heard both served as governor of Utah and ran name-brand national political and for president last year, spent most economic experts as well as insider R OBERT REICH of his keynote address discussing consultants and officials from within China, specifi cally the labor, curthe trade over the course of the day rency and political issues that are impacting and one-half conference. business conditions there. While optimistic Lead-off keynoter Robert Reich, former about the recent change in the leadership in U.S. Secretary of Labor, gave a realistic if the country, he said labor shortages would a little sobering appraisal of the state of the American economy, telling the audience, we continue to drive the cost of production upare “still in the gravitational pull of the Great ward for the foreseeable future. The third national speaker was ABC News Recession. “We’re on the right track, but we’re not correspondent Claire Shipman, whose book
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Comfort Revolution ceo Michael Fux addresses the audience at a ribbon-cutting event in Belmont, Miss.
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ufacturing channels open, but the majority of product will be made in the United States. Comfort Revolution will also continue to source raw materials such as textiles and steel from China, he said. HTT
First IMC Gift & Home Summit Held BY WARREN SHOULBERG
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“Womenomics” was the theme for her presentation on how the changing role of women in the workplace is impacting corporate America. Her speech was especially poignant considering the overwhelmingly male make-up of the audience. There were also several more industryspecific sessions, including a panel discussion on mergers and acquisitions chaired by Randy Eller of Eller Enterprises and featuring Lance Hart of Demdaco, John Toler of Evergreen Enterprises and George Kacic of Giftcraft. Jim Grien, president of TM Capital, an investment bank that specializes in the gift and home trade, presented the perspective of the financial community on M&A activity. The program also featured Christi Tasker, the social media expert; Paul Tashima, speaking on cash management and investment; and Sandow Media presentations on original research from its Home Accents Today and Gifts and Decorative Accessories properties, which are sister publications of HTT. HTT
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Home Textiles Today
February 11, 2013
> hometextilestoday.com
OPINIONTodaY Renaissance?
D
espite the impact of JCPenney’s overhaul, despite the sluggish pace of economic expansion and despite the slow recovery of the job market, a few signs point to the possibility of a fairly decent year for home furnishings sales. Start with the Jan. 17 report from the Commerce Department that found 2012 was the best year for residential construction since the onset of the housing crisis in late 2006/early 2007. The level of building begun in December was the highest it’s been since the summer of 2008. Last week, Home Depot announced it will hire 80,000 temporary workers for the spring season – which for the home center channel is the peak period of the year. That’s 10,000 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF more workers than it took on last year. Citi analyst Deborah Weinswig recently predicted a strong 2013 for home furnishings merchandise. She expects sales volume to climb into the double-digits, with samestore sales rising 3% or better over the course of the year. To which one can only say: Holy Toledo! Is this industry finally poised to experience some real growth? There are, of course, caveats. Although housing starts were up 28.1% in 2012 on a yearover-year basis, it should be noted that starts in 2011 hit a 50year low. The Home Depots hires will be, alas, temporary. And many of those jobs will be part time. Weinswig’s report points to Macy’s home performance, Target’s ongoing Threshold rollout, the potential for dollar stores to become more competitive in the department and…the introduction of Martha Stewart shops at JCPenney. Maybe she missed the part about how much Martha-branded merchandise will actually be allowed on the floor is questionable owing to the Macy’s lawsuit. Still, one must take ones green shoots where one finds them. Here’s hoping…. HTT
Jennifer Marks
The Retail Cliff
A
DD JCP (the retailer formerly known as J.C. Penney, aka The Penney Company) to the ever-growing list of entities teetering on the cliff. No, the company is not going bankrupt, much less out of business, and chances are a retailer known as Penney’s will exist for some time to come. But like our beloved legislators in Washington, D.C., the execuWarren tives for the company at Texas, headquarShoulberg Plano, ters are rapidly approachPUBLISHER/ ing their own special EDITORIAL DIRECTOR cliff. And that journey begins this month. That’s because February is the first anniversary of the great Johnsonian transformation of the company, and this is the month when Ron Jon’s JCP starts to go up against its own very sad, very sorry comp-store sales numbers. It if can’t beat them, the gig could be up. It was a year ago that the retailer dropped its entire promotional calendar and virtually everything about its previous merchandising strategy — save for a few minor details … like all the product being sold in the stores … and all the stores themselves. Over the ensuing 12 months there have been various twists and turns, retractions and infractions of that original strategy and I think it’s fair to say that the confusion in the minds of the company’s customers is only exceeded by that being experienced by its employees and suppliers. Most don’t have a clue what is
actually the plan. None of it mattered all that much as the retailer operated under the guise of being in its Wonder Years, growing into the store it wanted to be. (Again, the fact that the trade thought of wonder in terms of “I wonder what’s going on?” is yet another interpretation.) Just wait, Ron Jon kept saying, just wait until next year, sounding like the eternal Brooklyn Dodger fan. We are going to be amazing starting next spring. Well, February is not quite spring, but it’s the start of the second year for the Great JCP reinvention and it’s when we’re supposed to start seeing Johnsonism really kick in. JCP will of course have to do it, at least in home, largely without the services of one Martha Stewart. Her minions may be behind the scenes developing product and applying birds egg blue tinting to all manner of goods, but the consumer won’t see Miss Martha’s smiling persona on very many products. She remains tangled up in court with Macy’s and even if the ultimate result is favorable for JCP, it may end up being moot in its timing. And as the big roll-out of the rest of home keeps getting pushed back to April and May and whenever, those negative comps could be looming large in the meantime. (Not that we’ll know that instantly: the company wisely stopped reporting monthly comps last year.) But eventually the fat auditor is going to sing and one has got to think lead investor Bill Ackman will hear it before we do. He’ll be the one on the top of the Retail Cliff … pushing or pulling. Either way, we’re getting closer to the edge. HTT
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2/7/2013 11:02:53 AM
> hometextilestoday.com
News
Retail Briefs
CHF Inks Agreement for Ivanka Trump License unique collection for the home,” inforce the Ivanka Trump brand signed an exclusive licensing added Joan Karron, CHF exec- in the home sector Ivanka Trump bedutive vp. “Her agreement with CHF ding and bath targets style has been Industries to create an upper-tier department identified as Ivanka Trump home and specialty stores ‘warm modern” collection for the United with an expected retail a combination States and select internalaunch of spring 2014. of luxury and tional markets. Trump is also in disglamour with a The Ivanka Trump cussions with home furmodern sensihome collection proJOAN KARRON FRANK FOLEY nishing companies to bility — perfect duced by CHF will inCHF CHF launch Ivanka Trump for today’s conclude sheets, duvet covers, dinnerware and glasssumers.” shams, bedding accesso“I’m incredibly excited to be ware, silverware, gift ware and a ries, window treatments, bath acworking with CHF Industries to collection of furniture. cessories, bath towels and rugs In addition to overseeing the “We are thrilled to have the launch my first home collection,” opportunity to work with Ivanka said Ivanka Trump. “They are expansion of the Trump OrgaTrump, who brings a new perspec- the market leaders in this catego- nization’s real estate, Trump is a tive to designing for the home,” ry and I am confident that they principal of Ivanka Trump Fine will execute my vision flawlessly. Jewelry, a luxury diamond compasaid Frank Foley, CHF’s ceo. “As a business woman and We’ll collaborate closely to cap- ny launched in 2007. The Ivanka mother, and grounded in the art ture my design aesthetic as well Trump Brand has since expandof hotel, hospitality and design, as translate my experience across ed into footwear, handbags, outIvanka already has the insight nec- the real estate and hospitality erwear, apparel, fragrance, and essary to build a commercial and business into collections that re- sunglasses. HTT
NEW YORK — Ivanka Trump has
Home Textiles Week Winners Lauded at NYIGF
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Home Textiles Today
February 11, 2013
Dollar General to Ramp Up Store Count In 2013
D
ollar General Corp. is planning to open 635 new units and complete 550 store relocations this year. “Dollar General’s continued growth reflects our customers’ increasing satisfaction with our everyday low prices and convenience,” said Rick Dreiling, chairman and ceo. The company plans to open its 11,000th store before the year’s end and will begin its 75th anniversary in 2014.
Sears Canada to Lay Off 700
W
ith comps down 5.8% during the quarter ended Dec. 29, Sears Canada announced it will lay off 700 employees, mostly at stores and distribution centers. According to reports from several Canadian news organizations, company spokesman Vincent Power said the cuts will occur across the country and are intended to “right-size” the operation — which includes 118 department stores, 48 furniture stores, and a few small specialty stores as well as distribution through 269 locally-owned dealer stores.
Shopko Completes Pamida Conversion
S
hopko said it has completed the remodel of 163 Pamida stores to the Shopko Hometown format, giving it a significant footprint in smaller and rural communities. The merger was announced in January 2012. Shopko invested $70 million in the conversion. The company now operates 176 Shopko Hometown stores compared to 10 a year ago. Shopko Hometown combines pharmacy services apparel, toys, consumer electronics, seasonal, and lawn and garden products in stores ranging from 15,000 to 35,000 square feet.
Target Canada to pick up Berkus, Threshold Lines
W
hen Target begins opening its first Canadian stores this spring, several of its U.S. brands will make the trip north. In soft home, that includes the exclusive Nate Berkus collection as well as the Threshold private label program. “Target is known for its innovative designer partnerships and assortment of exceptional products that deliver on our Expect More. Pay Less. brand promise and we look forward to bringing a number of our more prominent brands to bring the true Target experience to Canadian stores,” said John Morioka, Target Canada senior vp, merchandising.
Macy’s Lundgren to be Honored by National Father’s Day Council
T From left to right, top row: Danielle Giacoponello, At Home Sales Manager and Kristen Hamilton, At Home Sales Representative, with the winter 2013 Home Textiles Market Week winners: Liza Serratore of LuRu Home; Meg Woodhouse of Matouk; Alicia Adams of Alicia Adams Alpaca Inc.; Sally Wallace of Anali Exquisite Needlework; and Anna Barrett of Anali Exquisite Needlework (left to right, bottom row); Annie Graham of Matouk; Claire Russo of LuRu Home; and Liz Rapelye of Sferra.
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he National Father’s Day council has awarded its 2013 “Father of the Year” designation to Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and ceo of Macy’s Inc. He joins former U.S. President Bill Clinton as a fellow honoree. The awards will be presented at the 72nd Annual Father of the Year Awards in New York City on June 11 12:00 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt New York Hotel.
2/6/2013 2:53:42 PM
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Home Textiles Today
February 11, 2013
News
> hometextilestoday.com
FIRST MONDAY:
Kaye Fawcett Delivers Fine Linens & Furnishings in Honolulu BY CECILE B. CORRAL H O N O L U L U — Kaye Fawcett’s customers used to come to her. Now, she comes to them. It’s a different way of running her longtime luxury linens retail business, Fine Linens & Furnishings, here in Hawaii’s capital. But as she explained to HTT, her new concept works — especially for the island state’s highend market. “I love my business now. It gives me the opportunity to spend time with clients and help them put together a look for a room in
a more personal way,” said Fawcett, who marks her 10th anniversary in business this year. “And many times, it leads to other business for me,” she continued. “My client may come to me for help with one room, and then she may want to move onto another room. “There is always an opportunity for other sales when you are in the home. And it is also just a very comfortable and easy way to do business with clients.” 2013 will also represent Fawcett’s 10th year in textiles. “It began as a passion,” she said. “I wanted to break into this Fine Linens & Furnishings works with many major brands and vendors, but the retailer also offers its own high-end bedding line called The Signature collection. Custom made in Hawaii, the collection is made of silk and includes some hand-screen designs such as Plantains seen here.
JAVITS CTR
+ PIER 94
AUG 17-21
Kaye Fawcett offers personalized customer service to her clientele.
NYNOW.COM
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market, and so I just gave it a try.” Fawcett got to work, starting out doing some sourcing of products and “keeping very good notes.” As she explained, “Living in Hawaii, it was the only way to do it. It’s not like I’m living in New York City and I can run on over to the garment district to see new fabrics. I had to learn to source.” A quick study, Fawcett knew she was ready to open shop when a small retail space became
available. “I brought in different things — high end bedding, Egyptian cotton sheets and only first-quality European linens,” she said. “Nothing from China.” Her shop was on the second floor of a small, storefront building located in “an area that was ahead of its time.” No matter. “Little by little the word got out that I was here, and my business started to grow. In Hawaii, there really aren’t fine linens shops,” she said. Encouraged by growing demand for her wares two years into the business, Fawcett set out to find a larger, more central site for her store. She found it at the upscale Gentry Pacific Design Center. A 2,300-square-foot showroom and store for her bedding and bath linens, the shop got traction from an international assortment of designers, decorators and upscale shoppers. “The design center was a very good fit for me,” Fawcett
explained. “And it was an incredible opportunity for me because the people who shopped there were my clients.” But five years into it, Fawcett started considering her options for evolving the business. “My lease ran out and I did not want to open another retail store. Even the design center was changing — they were changing their tenants, and today while there may be a handful still there, the building has new owners,” she said. Aware that her client base is service oriented, Fawcett came up with a new strategy. “I figured I could personalize my business even more if I did it myself,” she said. And that is how Fawcett has been doing it for the past year. “I t alk to my clients on phone, get a feel for what they want, we make an appointment to meet, I come by to assess what she has and likes, I take notes, and then I return with a batch of goods I think she will like,” Fawcett explained. “She decides
2/6/2013 12:21:58 PM
> hometextilestoday.com
on what she wants, I place the order or orders, and when merchandise arrives to my office, I personally deliver it and make the beds for her myself.” In sum: “I’m a one-woman show. And I love it.” That is not to say Fawcett works out of an office in the trunk of her car. Rather, she operates from a spacious and well-appointed home office stocked with samples and products to show to clients, and she works closely with a showroom in town where she often meets with clients to see products and exchange ideas. “My home office is a large room and I have all of my products categorized. I have all of the swatches, merchandise, product samples from which I draw to pull together personalized stories for each of my clients.” Fawcett described her assortment as livable elegance. “Let’s not forget, this is Hawaii.” Her trademark color is sage green, and her design preferences are textural and tonal. The brands she carries include Sferra, Anali, Abyss & Habidecor, Traditions by
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February 11, 2013
Pamela Kline, Anachini, Ann Gish, and others. She also offers what she calls her “Signature” bedding collection, made of silk and custom-made in Hawaii by a seamstress who has partnered with Fawcett for the exclusive program. “The seamstress I work with can make custom sheets and linens,” she noted. “And any custom work my clients need is all made here in Honolulu.” Because she no longer has the overhead from operating a retail store, Fawcett said her prices are reduced. Fawcett’s Signature silk bedding line runs in price from $500 for a pillow through $2,500 for the full ensemble. Egyptian cotton sheets range from 800count to 1,200-count retail for $1,000 to $3,500 Fawcett wraps each item in sage-green tissue and a sage-green ribbon, then tucks it into her own company bag. “Everything that leaves my office is wrapped and has a nice presentation,” she urged. “It’s all about giving your customer the best service, and I always try to do that.” HTT
Home Textiles Today
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Among the many upscale brands and vendors in Fawcett’s repertoire is Anali for bedding like these embroidered linen styles titled Paradise, above, and Orchid, at right.
2/6/2013 12:22:16 PM
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Home Textiles Today
News
February 11, 2013
> hometextilestoday.com
Kitchen Dough Rises in ’12
TABLE AND KITCHEN LINENS
done much to ramp up demand for functional kitchen textiles, an even NEW YORK — While the A N D E L spurred the slowly recovering econAB developomy might have hinment of new dered other home sub-categotextiles categories ries to meet from growing at different and a more desirable IT E emerging needs rate last year, that same CHE IN L N — bar mops, flour sluggishness lifted sales sacks, and dish mats, to for sister segments table linname a few examples. ens and kitchen textiles. Also helpful were leveled off Much in the same way decorative pillows offer an affordable cotton prices, boosting the sales revamping to a cash-strapped of the many terry and other cothome, table linens refresh a din- ton-made products prevalent in ing room or eating nook easily kitchen textiles. Put those trends all together and for little investment – especially during the fourth quarter and what you have is a recipe for success in the form of a decent holiday season. And by extension, the increas- 2.7% sales increase for table lining popularity of at-home enter- ens and an even more robust 4.6% taining and home cooking has sales gain for kitchen textiles over
% of the Home Textiles Universe
$26.10B $25.72B 2012 Home Textiles 2011 Home Textiles Universe Universe
ASE NS
B D ATA K
7.2
%
T
BY CECILE B. CORRAL
Up
1.5%
TABLE LINENS Distribution channels
Merchandise Mix, 2012
2012 total retail sales: $1,050 million up 2.7% from $1,022 million in 2011 2012
Discount department stores $386 Home textiles specialty chains $225 Mid-price chains $221 Off-price chains $84 Direct-to-consumer $39 Department stores $38 Variety/closeout $22 Single unit specialty stores $19 Warehouse clubs $9 Other* $8 Total $1,050
2011
$371 $221 $217 $81 $38 $37 $21 $18 $9 $8 $1,022
% CHANGE
4.0% 1.9% 1.7% 3.0% 2.7% 1.9% 1.8% 1.6% 1.6% 1.5% 2.7%
Napkins
21.5%
Runners
7.2%
Tablecloths
25.3%
Napkin rings Placemats
2.8%
43.2%
*Other includes home improvement centers, military exchanges and gift/home accent stores.
KITCHEN LINENS Source for all tables and charts: Home Textiles Today market research
Distribution channels
Merchandise Mix, 2012
2012 total retail sales: $845 million up 4.6% from $808 million in 2011 Discount department stores Mid-price chains Home textiles specialty chains Off-price chains Variety/closeout Warehouse clubs Department stores Direct-to-consumer Other* Single unit specialty stores Total
2012
2011
$519 $132 $92 $32 $25 $17 $8 $8 $7 $6 $845
$495 $127 $88 $30 $24 $16 $8 $7 $6 $6 $808
% CHANGE
4.8% 4.0% 4.3% 4.9% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6% 4.6%
*Other includes home improvement centers, military exchanges and gift/home accent stores.
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Dishcloths
18.2%
Chair pads
6.7%
Potholders/ mitts
22.0%
Aprons
1.0% Kitchen towels
52.1%
the course of 2012. “We saw higher-end kitchen products selling more at retail, and in more channels,” noted Bryan Siegel, chairman and ceo of Elrene Home Fashions. “And we are seeing beefier products selling. The trends that started around 2010 — lots of bells and whistles and added value like silicone — all that is still very strong. And so we saw some of our growth come from taking those qualities and adding more value and performance to the products.” Utility-type products were also good performers in 2012 for West Conshohocken, Pa.-based The John Ritzenthaler Co. The company responded to the trend by adding more solid color looks in its most popular spectrums – neutrals and spice colors -- as well as more value pack sets, not just in kitchen towels but also in newer categories like bar mops and others. One downtrend in the year was in the novelty area, particularly aprons, further establishing the role of functional products over pure fashion, according to Elissa Vogt, vp of sales and marketing. “In line with utility, we had a very strong core solid-colored apron business,” Vogt explained. Major brands still play an important role for many suppliers, like Bardwil Linens, which works with several licenses. But to appeal a broader income bracket, Bardwil recently developed an extensive decorative printed collection for its house brand that hits a lower retail price than a similar collection for Tommy Bahama. As Mike Scotto, vp of sales and merchandising for Bardwil, explained: “We want to meet the ongoing need in the market for well-priced, functional goods that are well designed and are a little more modern but offer the customer value.” Arlee Home Fashions, a longtime leading player in the decorative pillow category but new to the table linens category as of last year, is building on recent momentum for its offerings with the soon-tocome addition of kitchen textiles to its assortment. The strategy here is a marriage of looks and color stories across the company’s multiple categories, said Stephanie Greco, vp of sales for Arlee’s Table Trends division. HTT
2/6/2013 12:17:16 PM
News
> hometextilestoday.com
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Home Textiles Today
February 11, 2013
Raw Materials Outlook a Mixed Bag MATERIALS FROM PAGE 1
Elaborating, Devine said, “In response to the record prices in the spring of 2011, the world’s cotton farmers planted a record volume of cotton. In addition, order volumes decreased. The combination of higher supply and lower demand lead to a large increase in warehoused supply. This additional supply has pulled world prices much lower. Meanwhile, Chinese prices have been stable at high levels due to the government guarantee.” For the 2012/2013 crop year the USDA’s January 11, 2013 World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) offered this analysis: “This month’s world 2012/13 estimates shows higher production and slightly lower consumption, resulting in ending stocks of 81.7 million bales. Production is raised mainly in China, where recent levels of cotton classings and purchases for the national reserve indicate that the crop is larger than previously estimated.” Blame for the 2010/2011 cotton price spike often turns to China, but Devine noted, “At the same time that the world’s
Average Global Market Prices (Cotton prices in cents per pound, Wool prices are per kg.)
COTTON 2010 2011 2012
103.5 154.6 89.2
FINE WOOL 2010 2011 2012
1023.2 1638.2 1345.3
COARSE WOOL 2010 2011 2012
820.1 1209.2 1212.6 Source: International Monetary Fund
cotton harvest was getting successively smaller, the global recession hit. This pulled consumption (mill-use, the consumption that transforms fiber into yarn) lower and prevented prices from increasing sooner than they did.” Devine suggested cotton consumers keep an eye on corn and soybean prices, as recent increases in these commodities may crowd out cotton acreage and put upward pressure on cotton prices generally. The Supima Association of America reported in its January 2013 newsletter that American Pima prices have seen a slight increase over last month while foreign extra long staple and long staple prices have remained stable. “The USDA updated their production estimates for American Pima to be 759,900 bales for the season,” the association reported. POLYESTER While cotton prices impact the cost of production for almost all home textiles, other raw materials may be affected by their own unique influences. In the case of polyester, oil can dictate what home textiles producers will pay for poly products. Alasdair Carmichael, president of the Americas for PCI Fibres, said that while oil is a key driver in the price of synthetic fibers there are a number of other supply/demand influences on the price of polyester. “During Q3 and Q4 of 2012 polyester prices have increased approximately 11% (July to December) while oil was flat. This increase was driven by a tightness in supply of Paraxylene a key raw material ingredient to produce polyester, so this was a petrochemical supply/demand driven increase,” he explained. January 2013 oil prices have
Global Average Quarterly Prices 2012 (Cotton prices in cents per pound,Wool prices are per kg.)
Cotton
2000
Fine Wool
Coarse Wool
1500 1000 500 0
Cotton Fine Wool Coarse Wool
Q1
Q2
Q3
100.5 1534.8 1338.0
90.3 1355.7 1243.2
84.2 1217.9 1138.0
*Provisional
increased by approximately $8 to $10 per barrel, he said, and further price increases were anticipated for February. Going forward, Carmichael expects polyester pricing to stay firm for the first half of 2013. He believes the tightness in Paraxylene will continue. “There is some additional capacity coming into production around the middle of the year, but it is not until late 2013/early 2014 when we will see enough new Paraxylene production starting up to create a significantly easier supply/demand balance,” he said. FEATHER AND DOWN One might attribute higher feather and down prices to some kind of supply disruption, like the severe 2012 drought in the U.S. killing off poultry, but Stephen Palmer, president, American Down and Feather Council tells it differently. “No single weather event in any one country will determine down and feather prices. It’s a global market. Feather and down trade like commodities,” he said.
Q4*
82.1 1273.0 1131.1
Source: International Monetary Fund
What’s currently driving price increases, according to Palmer, is a global boom in outdoor products such as down jackets and sleeping bags. Down is very fashionable in China right now, especially the demand for down jackets, which he described as, “huge.” Palmer also told HTT the cold winter in China as well as a longer selling period for Chinese New Year this year, which is akin to the Christmas holiday selling season, means that prices will likely continue on an upward trend. “Prices have been up in the last 12 to 18 months. Goose down prices have risen 150%, reaching an historical high. Duck down prices are up 100%, a near historical high.” While the market shows no indications of price deflation, Palmer believes the worldwide supply is relatively stable for now. WOOL Increased wool prices spring from both sides of the supply and demand relationship. “Pressure on wool prices
comes not only from low supply currently, but also higher demand, for example in Eastern Europe, where growing incomes are increasing the demand for lamb meat,” according to Bob Christnacht, division manager for home and director of sales for Pendleton Wool. He said that wool prices did not recede to pre-cotton-spike levels and are still up from a few years ago. The supply side problem stems from the fact that international sheep flocks are at a 30year low. “Unlike other commodities, wool can’t just be grown or manufactured,” he noted. The net on sheared wool averages $16 per sheep — “but a lamb for slaughter will net around $100,” he said. Herders’ need for diversification as well as the natural demand to produce more livestock keeps the wool coming, albeit at higher prices, which Christnacht sees no sign of receding – especially with demand side strength in the outdoor category. HTT
CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB htt130103_005_009 9
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Home Textiles Today
February 11, 2013
Maison et Objet
> hometextilestoday.com
Global Journey Ethnic chic in bold tribal ikat patterns was the dominant trend in the world of patterns from far, far away. Tie-dyed patterns were also very beautiful and although once a “hippy� and Donavan trademark, now appears sophisticated and mainstream.
Modern Times Chevrons, geometrics, medallions, bold stripes, dots and plaids. These patterns are making us feel oh-so modern, revitalized, and infused with new oxygen.
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> hometextilestoday.com
February 11, 2013
Home Textiles Today
11
Royal Lux The Downton Abbey and Chateaux extravagances that have been way out of reach for many are for sale at almost affordable pricing. This is not the streamline Hotel Collection offered at every store with a linen department. This is designed for those that think more is more.
Gardener’s Glory Giant watercolor flowers and pansies – supersized. Gigantic flower designs with watery brushstroke painted styles. Very feminine and romantic.
Safari Watch Zebra skin was spotted on all products and was the animal to look for. Lions and elephants were also in the pack. Skin looks won’t go away in home or apparel.
About the authors Robbie Sumberg & Joan Lieberman are the principals of Showoffs, a designed resource founded in 1991 and based in Westport, Conn. Showoffs clients include Target, Macy’s, Martha Stewart, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Bahama, The Limited, The Gap and Williams-Sonoma, among others.
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News
> hometextilestoday.com
Through the Halls of Heimtextil A few things that caught our eye at the big show in Frankfurt.
Last summer’s Olympics in London found the halls brimming with Union Jacks and Big Ben and other British imagery. But Kam International of Pakistan took a look ahead to the next Olympics in Rio.
A kaleidoscope design from D’Decor of India.
Great pillow grouping from Kitan Europe.
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Craftwork meets geometric pattern in this pillow from Natraj Home of India.
2/5/2013 2:56:22 PM
> hometextilestoday.com
News
February 11, 2013
Home Textiles Today
13
Bold design from Soft Home Wear.
Hoo’s who? An owl duvet cover from Wolly & Co of Denmark.
Denim pillow from Condor Soft Furnishings of India
House of Kids from Belguim licensed designs from the UK’s Pet Rocks for a series of dec pillows.
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Whether it’s an homage to the Grateful Dead or the Day of the Dead is in the eye of the beholder. From Okhom of Denmark.
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February 11, 2013
> hometextilestoday.com
PEOPLETodaY Couristan Taps Codella to Head Sales satile and highly skillful sales and importer of area rugs, resi- force” and said he has contribdential broadloom and custom uted to the growth of accounts contract carpeting Couristan on all levels. In his new post, Codella conhas promoted Steve Codella to tinues to oversee all resevp of sales. idential sales and the Codella, who has strategic advancement been in the floorcoverof accounts across North ing industry for more America. than 30 years, joined “Steve has been an Couristan in 2000 as indispensable part of the company’s EastCourist an’s executive ern regional sales manager. He soon STEVE CODELLA management team for over twelve years, conadvanced to svp of Couristan tributing to the growth sales, the position he and development of our held most recently. Couristan credits Codella residential sales division,” said with helping to build a “ver- Ron Couri, president and ceo.
FORT LEE, N.J. — Manufacturer
“As executive vice president of sales, we are confident that he will continue to showcase his leadership to bring our division to new heights and help achieve our sales objectives.” Added Codella: “I am thrilled about the new opportunity the Couri family has offered me. My goals are to continue strengthening our residential sales organization, maximizing our sales opportunities across the country and providing unparalleled customer service to our customers. I look forward to taking on the challenges this new role will present me with.” HTT
Tuesday Morning Names Rossler coo DALLAS — Closeout retail home
furnishings chain Tuesday Morning Corporation has appointed John Rossler evp, coo, effective immediately. Rossler has been serving as an executive advisor to Tuesday Morning since October 2012, and his focus has been primarily on operational efficiencies, including
overall cost control, supply chain and real estate. Prior to joining Tuesday Morning, Rossler served from 2004 to 2012 as a principal in Pivotal Strategies LLC, providing consulting services to small and midsize businesses. From 2002 to 2004, he served as president and ceo of DSW Inc. and Retail Ven-
tures Inc. Before that, from 1982 to 2002, he held various executive positions with Shonac Corporation and DSW Inc., including president, ceo, cfo, and coo. “John Rossler is precisely the operational expert we need to help execute Tuesday Morning’s revitalization,” said Brady Churches, president and ceo. HTT
GLM Adds to Senior Management Team W HITE P LAINS , N.Y. — Trade s h ow o r g a ni z e r G L M h a s appointed Craig Dooley to senior vp and group show director for the IR Events Group, which it acquired in November. Working from GLM’s downtown Chicago office, Dooley will report to ceo Charles McCurdy. In the newly created role, Dooley will oversee the strategy, operations, and expansion – including conference devel-
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opment, sales, marketing, financial management, operations and total show administration – of the Internet Retailer Conference & Exhibition, Internet Retailer Mobile Marketing & Commerce Forum and the Internet Retailer Web Design & Usability Conference. He will also lead the expansion of the IR Events Group through co-locations with GLM shows, including the recently announced Internet Retailer event at Surf Expo, as well as
anticipated freestanding IRCEstyle events in North America, Asia and Europe. Dooley’s 20 years of experience includes both the technology and events industries, having served in senior level marketing and strategy roles for MMPI – owner and operator of integrated showroom and office buildings and trade show facilities – and Inforte Corporation, a technology consulting and systems integration firm, among other organizations. HTT
Additional Duties for Macy’s Inc. Execs C I N C I N N AT I — Macy’s, Inc. tion to his existing role managannounced changes to its senior ing the development of strateexecutive leadership team as gies to integrate the company’s chief administrative officer stores, online and mobile activities, Harrison will Thomas Cole retires after assume responsibil41 years with Macy’s and ity for systems and its predecessor compatechnology, logistics nies. and related operating Peter Sachse, Macy’s functions. chief stores officer, will Karen M. Hoguet, also t ake responsibilMacy’s, Inc. chief ity for store planning, financial officer, will design and construction. PETER SACHSE assume additional Macy’s stores, as well as Macy’s responsibility for the regional, district and credit and customer central stores organization and visual merchandising services, real estate, non-merchandise purchasing and suscontinue to report to Sachse. Robert Harrison, previ- tainability. William Allen has joined ously Macy’s executive vp for omnichannel strategy, is assum- Macy’s as chief human resources ing the newly created role of officer. He previously served chief omnichannel officer, as senior vice president of AP reporting to chairman, presi- Moller-Maersk A/S, a Denmarkdent and ceo Terry Lundgren. based company active primarily He also will join the company’s in the marine transportation secexecutive committee. In addi- tor. HTT
Rizzy Moves up Welch to National Sales Manager post, Adds Territory Reps C ALHOUN , G A . — Handmade rugs and textiles manufacturer Rizzy Home has promoted Kevin Welch to national sales manager. Welch originally joined the company in October 2012 as regional sales and national accounts manager, overseeing Rizzy’s sales team as well as handling certain key accounts. He is based in Dallas. Earlier in his career he held various sales and management positions at Karastan and Ori-
ental Weavers. Rizzy has also hired two new territory sales representatives to its team. Rich Schaefer, a 25-year veteran of the flooring industry, is charged with covering Connecticut’s flooring and furniture store as well as design customers. And Elizabeth Keegan, based in Los Angeles, is assigned to cover South Central California. She will focus on key retail, design and hospitality accounts. HTT
2/5/2013 2:55:10 PM
> hometextilestoday.com
Bacova Realigns Leadership, Outlines New Business Strategy C OVINGTON , VA . — Longtime rug and bath coordinates supplier The Bacova Guild Ltd. is realigning its business, establishing a new operating structure steered by newly assigned senior leadership team. Charlie Bowers, who has served as Bacova’s president for the past 23 years, is stepping down from his post at the end of this month. He will be replaced by Phillip Essig, who currently serves as ceo of Ronile Inc., the parent company of Bacova. In tandem with this shift of command, the company is being reorganized so that it now operates under two major businesses — Bacova Bath and Bacova Floor. Bacova’s new business model concentrates on design-focused imported models to meet trends. Manufacturing operations at its facility will cease, other than heat transfer printing to add design and trend value to sourced products. The company said its “expertise in supply chain management and fulfillment” enables it to service its national customer base effectively and efficiently from its state-of-the-art distribution facility. Bacova Bath will sell matching bath accessories, including but not limited to toothbrush holders, soap dishes, tumblers, tissue cubes, lotion dispens-
ers, shower curtains, shower curtain hooks, wastebaskets, embellished towels, and fashion cotton bath rugs under the Bacova and private-label brands. And Bacova Floor will sell accent rugs and floor mats under the Bacova and privatelabel brands. “Our new streamlined business model is the right operational structure as we seek to leverage our core competencies and grow our market posi-
“Our new streamlined business model is the right operational structure as we seek to leverage our core competencies and grow our market position.” —PHILLIP ESSIG, Bacova tion,” said Essig. “I look forward to working directly with our new leadership to meet the demands of today’s marketplace with the high-quality, designforward products that Bacova is known for.” Kathy Fowlkes is leading Bacova Bath as director of design and marketing. She has more than 32 years of experience in the fashion/design and home accessories indus-
tries, including nine years with Bacova as design director and business manager - bath accessories and, previously, management positions with Burlington Industries and JCPenney. “Her experience in product design and development, effective product sourcing, and maintaining and developing new customer accounts will serve Bacova Bath well as she leads the business segment to source and develop products that ensure retailers’ offerings are trend-right, competitive and meet margin goals,” the company said. Dave Woods is heading Bacova Floor as director of design and marketing. His career spans 28 year of experience in the home furnishings industry, including 17 years as the general manager of Bacova and, previously, in management positions with Burlington Industries and ConAgra. Rick Lewis now serves as national sales manager for both Bacova Bath and Bacova Floor. He has worked for more than 37 years in the home textiles industry, including nine years as national sales manager with Bacova and, previously, as a division vp with Fieldcrest Cannon and as national sales manager for Hillcrest and East Asia Textile Ltd. He also has owned his own product sourcing company. HTT
Springs Creative Names Kim Hall New vp Sales ROCK HILL, S.C. — Springs Cre-
ative Products Group has hired Kim Hall as vp of sales for the company’s Specialty Products Group, overseeing technical and custom fabric sales. Previously, Hall worked in sales for Asahi Kasei Spandex America and marketing and sales for Globe/RadiciSpandex Corp. Prior to that, Hall also held positions at Cramerton Auto motive Products, Rhyne Mills, Inc. and Collins & Aik-
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man Corp. “Springs Creative is pleased with the addition of Kim to the Specialty Product Group’s team,” said Scott Frisch, president of Springs Creative’s Specialty Products Group. “With Kim’s vast sales experi ence, we are looking forward to her knowledge and leadership helping grow the specialty division’s product offerings and sales in 2013.” Springs Creative Products
Group is a supplier of fabrics and chemical offerings to the mattress industry including Firegard flame barrier fabrics. Springs Creative is also a supplier of retail fabrics, packaged craft kits and home products in a variety of de signs including licensed options by Disney, Nickelodeon, M&M/ Mars ®, Hasbro and Marvel to major retailers and manufacturers throughout the United States and Canada. HTT
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Lowe’s Names New Chief Merchant, Supply Chain Exec dising offering for Lowe’s stores Jones has joined Lowe’s as chief and Lowes.com as well as all global sourcing activmerchandising officer, ities. He will report to and Stephen Szilagyi has chief customer officer been promoted to supply Gregory Bridgeford. chain executive. Szilagyi has more Jones most recently than 25 years of supwas executive vp and ply chain experience, president of Husqvarna including leadership North and Latin America, the world’s largest MICHAEL JONES roles prior to Lowe’s Lowe’s in wholesale distribumanufacturer of chain tion and retail/consaws, lawn mowers and sumer products supgas powered trimmers ply chain consulting and blowers. Prior to services. He began that, he spent 15 years his career at Lowe’s with General Electric, began in 2001 as eventually becoming regional director of chief commercial officer distribution and he — Europe for GE Consumer and Industrial STEPHEN SZILAGYI was named vp of disLowe’s tribution in 2002 and and general manager of senior vp in 2006. cooking products He will report to As chief merchandising officer, Jones will be chief operating officer Rick responsible for the merchan- Damron. HTT
MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Michael
John Horan joins Veratex team PANORAMA CITY, C ALIF. — Multi-category home textiles manufacturer Veratex has hired John Horan as vp of sales in the Northeast. Horan spent 15 1/2 years at Croscill Home, where he held positions such as vice president of sales as well as vice president of merchandising. “John has wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit both Veratex and his customers. JOHN HORAN We are very happy John is a member of the VeraVeratex tex team,” said Veratex president Avi Cohen. Veratex’s cut & sew plant in Van Nuys, Calif., employs 120 people producing products made in the USA. HTT
Kravet Hires Robert Duban NEW YORK — Home furnishings fabrics supplier Kravet has named Robert Duban as its new executive vp of contract sales. Duban is charged with overseeing all contract sales and marketing and new business development for the company, and will focus on expanding market share for Kravet Contract, which sells to hotels and other businesses. He was most recently executive vp of sales for Covington Fabric and Design, and prior to that served as senior vp of residential, commercial and contract sales for the Robert Allen Group. Earlier, he was a territory manager for F. Schumacher & Co. “Robert is energetic and a dedicated team leader. He will add tremendous value to our organization and fit in very well with our company’s culture,” said Cary Kravet, president. HTT
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February 11, 2013
BUSINESS TodaY Tentative Contract Averts East Coast, Gulf Coast Port Strike BY LARRY THOMAS W A S H I N G T O N — East Coast and Gulf Coast port operators reached a tentative contract agreement with unionized dock workers over the weekend of Feb. 2, averting a strike that could have shut down the ports on Feb. 6. According to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, which had been overseeing contract talks since September, the two sides reached agreement on a master contract, but several local issues must be resolved at individual ports. “Those local negotiations are
ongoing and will continue without interruption to any port operations,” said FMCA director George Cohen. “I am extremely pleased that the parties have reached a tentative agreement for a comprehensive successor Master Agreement.” The agreement must still be ratified by members of the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents port operators, and the International Longshoremen’s Assn., which represents about 14,000 dock workers. Details of the tentative agreement were not released, but the FMCS said in December that an “agreement in principle” was
reached on the contentious issue of container royalty payments, which are supplemental wages based on the weight of the cargo the number of hours a union member works during a specified period. In a statement posted on its website, the ILA said the new master contract includes “landmark agreements on automation, protection of chassis work and powerful jurisdiction language.” The union’s original six-year contract expired Sept. 30, but has been extended twice while the two sides continued negotiations. HTT
Ikea’s U.S. Sales Rose 11% in Latest Fiscal Year BY CLINT ENGEL CONSHOHOCKEN , PA. — Ikea reported that its U.S. sales for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31 grew 11% from the previous year, and same-store sales were up 8%. Worldwide, Ikea Group’s sales were up 7.1% to 27.6 billion euros (about $36.8 billion at today’s exchange rates) and same-store sales increased 4.6%, the company said. It did
not provide sales totals and said group percentages were adjusted for currency impact. Without the adjustment, total group sales were up 9.5%. Net profit for the giant Sweden-based home furnishings retailer grew 9% to 3.1 billion euros ($4.2 billion), the company said. While the company didn’t disclose U.S. sales in dollars, an official said they accounted
for 12% of global sales, which would be around $4.4 billion. In its past fiscal year, “We managed to grow in most markets,” said Mikael Ohlsson, Ikea Group president and ceo. “The markets where we grew the most were China, Russia and Poland, closely followed by the United States and Germany. We opened 11 new stores and welcomed 8,000 more coworkers,” he said. HTT
Same-store sales
Comps up Slightly, Still Clearance-Oriented Looking ahead, February is a four-week N EW YORK — The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 1.5% in the fifth and final month on the retail calendar, ending on March week of January following a 1.6% gain the pri- 2, and is the start of the fiscal year for most reor week. Month-to-date, JanJohnson Redbook Index Fifth week of January, year-over-year % change uary was up 1.8% compared to January of WEEK DED EN 1/5 1/12 1/19 1/26 2/2 MONTH TARGET last year, missing RedDepartment stores* 1.0 0.8 0.3 0.0 -0.7 0.3 1.3 book’s target of a 2.3% Discounters 2.6 2.5 2.5 2.3 2.6 2.5 2.9 gain. Month-over-month Redbook Index 2.1 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.5 1.8 2.3 showed a 0.6% drop, rel*Including chain stores and traditional department stores Source: Johnson Redbook Index ative to a target of a flat reading. Redbook analyst Catlin Levis noted clear- tailers. The month contains two major selling ance should continue to dominate sales activi- events: Valentine’s Day and President’s Day. ty for several more weeks as old merchandise is Redbook’s preliminary February target is yearmoved out and fresh early spring goods arrive. for over same-store store growth of 2.2%. That Food and Super Bowl-related merchandise would generate a month-over-month change of 0.9%. HTT sales got a lift during the week.
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NRF Expects Retail Sales to Grow This Year, But Less Than 2012 WA SHINGTON — The Nation-
al Retail Federation released its 2013 economic forecast last week, projecting retail industry sales will increase 3.4%, a notch down from the preliminary 4.2% growth seen in 2012. Excluding automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants, this sales projection offers “a subdued forecast” that comes, NRF noted, “on the heels of a holiday season that went head-tohead with Washington’s political wrangling over fiscal concerns, shifting consumers’ spending plans downward.” In the end, holiday sales in 2012 grew 3.0% Shop.org, NRF’s digital division, expects online sales in 2013 to grow between 9.0% and 12.0%. By comparison, online sales in 2012 during the months of November and December last year grew 11.1%. “What we witnessed during the holiday season is an indication of what we are likely to see in 2013. Consumers read troubling economic headlines every day and look at their bottom lines at the end of the month, and they don’t like what they see,” said Matthew Shay, NRF president and ceo. “Pushing fiscal policy decisions down the road will lead to even greater uncertainty, and will continue to impact consumers’ desire and ability to spend on discretionary items. The administration and congress need to pursue and enact policies that lead to growth and economic expansion, or it could be another challenging year for retailers and consumers alike.” Shay added that retailers are expected to compensate for the drag on household spending this year by managing inventories and focusing on providing value for their shoppers through unique promotions in stores and online and exclusive product lines. A number of factors contributed to NRF’s 2013 economic
forecast, including: • Employment: The labor market continues its modest recovery but 2013 is not expected to result in meaningful acceleration in growth. As of December 2012, the unemployment rate has held steady for the last two months at 7.9%. Retailers on average employed 150,000 more workers in 2012, and the industry remains one of the biggest employers in the world. • Income growth: Consumers are constrained by modest growth in income, and recent legislation passed in January increased payroll taxes for millions of workers, further limiting and Americans spending decisions. • Housing: NRF expects the housing sector to continue to improve and the fundamentals for growth to see continued gains in 2013. • Inflation: Price pressures continue to be contained. NRF expects the Consumer Price Index to increase 1.9% in 2013, below the 2.1% increase in 2012. • Consumer confidence: Current consumer attitudes are likely weighed down because of the handling of the fiscal cliff and the increase in payroll taxes. We expect confidence to improve as the pace of the recovery accelerates in the second half of 2013. “While it’s too early to know the full effect of higher payroll taxes, there’s no question that many consumers will feel some kind of impact from the change in their paychecks,” said NRF chief economist Jack Kleinhenz. “That said, consumers have in the past shown a resiliency in the face of uncertainty, and we expect those impacted to adjust to smaller budgets by trading down or simply cutting back on certain items. Overall we foresee some improvements in the second half of the year should the outlook for job creation and income growth improve.” HTT
2/6/2013 2:21:05 PM
March 17-21, 2013 Spring NY Home Fashions Market Week Major Showroom Buildings Throughout Market
For exhibition space, please contact: Joe Carena, Show Manager, jvcarena@gmail.com (203) 329-9553 Warren Shoulberg, Publisher, Home Textiles Today wshoulberg@hometextilestoday.com (646) 805-0226 Ms. Kaushal Shah, Manager, HTT India, kaushal@kaushals.com 91-22 6663 4597
Exhibitor Space Now Open! Reserve Your Space Today! Lenzing_Ad_Jan7th.indd 1
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Calendar February
Miami, Florida +852 8199-7308 www. visit@chinasourcingfair.com
12 - 14 Expofil Parc des Expositions, Paris-Nord Villepinte, France +33 (0) 4 72 60 65 00 www.expofil.com
26 - 29 & July 3 – 6 New Designers Business Design Centre, London 020 7288 6738 www.newdesigners.com
12 – 15 Texworld Paris Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, Paris, France +33 155 268 989 www.texworld.messefrankfurt.com
July 10 – 17 The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com
15 – 19 Ambiente Frankfurt Fair & Exhibition Center, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (770) 984-8016 www.ambiente.messefrankfurt. com/frankfurt
11 - 14 The Atlanta International Area Rug Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com
March 10 – 14 CMC Gift & Home Market California Market Center Los Angeles californiamarketcenter.com/markets/ lagifthome.php
17 HTT’s New York Market Kickoff Party 230 Fifth Avenue Rooftop Lounge (646) 805-0226 www.hometextilestoday.com
18 – 21 New York Home Fashions Market Home Fashion Products Association (212) 297-2122 (Kellen Co.) www.homefashionproducts.com
17 – 20 ASD Las Vegas Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, (310) 481-7300 www.asdonline.com
+39 02 8807711 www.lineapelle-fair.it
15 – 18 Home Expo India India Expo Centre and Mart 91-11-26135256 www.epch.in/homeexpo
19 – 23 Vision13: International Window Coverings EXPO New Orleans Convention Center, New Orleans (651) 293-1544 www.wf-vision.com
Furniture Fair (ICFF) Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York (914) 421-3200 www.icff.com
15 – 17 Hospitality & Design Show Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas (508) 743-8502 www.hdexpo.com
Evteks CNR Expo, Istanbul, Turkey +90 212 465 74 75 http://www.cnrevteks.com/
19 – 21 Surtex Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York (914) 421-3200 www.surtex.com
21 – 24 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas Market Center, Dallas (800) 325-6587 www.dallasmarketcenter.com
26 – 28 Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR Shanghai New International Convention Center, Shanghai, China +86 21 6247 7668 www.domotexasiachinafloor.com
April
20 – 25 High Point Market International Home Furnishings Center, Other locations, High Point, N.C. (336) 869-1000 www.highpointmarket.org
May 7–9
June 2–5
Proposte Villa Erba in Cernobbio, Como, Italy +39 02 6434054 www.propostefair.it
Showtime Fabric Fair Market Square, Textile Tower, High Point, N.C. (336) 885-6842 www.itma-showtime.com
18 – 21
5–7
International Contemporary
Interior Lifestyle (Ambiente/
3–5 Lineapelle Fair District, Bologna, Italy
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16 –18 Texworld USA Jacob K. Javits Center, New York (770) 984-8016 ext. 401 http://www.texworldusa.com
16 - 18 10 – 12 NeoCon World’s Trade Fair The Merchandise Mart, Chicago (800) 677-6278 www.merchandisemart.com/neocon
15 – 19
20 – 23 HKTDC Hong Kong International Home Textiles Fair 2013 Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Hong Kong (852) 1830 668 www.hktdc.com/en-buyer/
Heimtextil/HomeDesign) Japan International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight), Tokyo, Japan +81 3 3262 8453 www.interior-lifestyle.com
Home Textiles Sourcing Jacob K. Javits Center, New York (770) 984 8016 www.HomeTextilesSourcing.com
29 – August 2 18 – 20 Licensing International Expo Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas (212) 951-6612 www.licensingexpo.com
Las Vegas Market World Market Center, Las Vegas (702) 599-9621 www.lasvegasmarket.com
August 4–7
19 - 25 Dallas Holiday & Home Expo Dallas Market Center, Dallas (800) 325-6587 www.dallasmarketcenter.com
ASD/AMD Las Vegas Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas (310) 481-7300 www.asdonline.com
19 – 23
16 – 22
Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas Market Center, Dallas (800) 325-6587 www.dallasmarketcenter.com
New York Home Textiles Market Week At Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 17-21 At 7W Aug. 16-22 At 230 Fifth Ave. Aug. 17-21 (800) 272-7469 www.nyhometextilesmarketweek. com
19 - 23 F!NDS Dallas Temp Show World Trade Center, Market Hall, Dallas (214) 655-6116 www.dallasmarketcenter.com
25 - 27 Global Sources China Sourcing Fair Miami Beach Convention Center,
17 – 21 New York International Gift Fair Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Pier 94, New York (914) 421-3200 www.nyigf.com
2/6/2013 5:27:45 PM
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Home Textiles Today
February 11, 2013
News
Shopko Chief Merchant Named President G REEN B AY, W IS . — Shopko has promoted Jill Soltau to president and chief merchandising officer. Soltau was named executive vp and chief merchandising officer in 2009. She joined Shopko in 2007 as senior vp a gmm for apparel and accessories. Prior to that, held several senior level positions in merchandising, planning and private brand at Sears and Kohl’s department stores. She started her career with Carson Pirie Scott. Soltau will continue to oversee merchandising and product
“Jill has led the creation of Shopko’s highly successful main store merchandising strategy.” —MIKE BETTIGA, Shopko development. In addition, she will now oversee marketing, ecommerce, inventory management and supply chain across all of its formats — Shopko, Shopko Hometown and Shopko.com.
Branding and marketing strategy for all three will be united under her direction. “Since joining Shopko, Jill has led the creation of Shopko’s highly successful main store merchandising strategy and has been instrumental in the development of the company’s growth vehicle, Shopko Hometown,” said Mike Bettiga , Shopko interim ceo, and chief operating officer. Shopko, which is owned by affiliates of private investment firm Sun Capital Partners, operates almost 350 stores in 22 states. HTT
> hometextilestoday.com
Talbert Joins JS Fiber Company STATESVILLE, N.C. — JS Fiber Co., Inc. has hired industry veteran Michael Talbert as director of sales for the retail division. He will focus on the Fossfill 2 licensed products, specifically the expansion of bedding pillows and comforters lines. “We are excited to welcome Michael to our team at JS Fiber,” said Morris Long, ceo and president of JS Fiber Co. “His expertise in the retail arena will be an invaluable resource as we look to expand the FossFill 2 brand.” Talbert’s more than 30 years of experience includes positions at Croscill Home, DownTown Company and HFI/ADF (Westgate). MICHAEL TALBERT Talbert will be responsible for all retail JS Fiber sales and marketing for JS Fiber. He will report directly to Long. HTT
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Home Textiles Today
February 11, 2013
Business
> hometextilestoday.com
Extra Week Plumps January Sales BY CECILE B. CORRAL N EW YORK — What a differ-
ence a week makes — 168 little hours. Last month’s five-week calendar, compared to a four-week 10.0%
seasonal categories within the home and hardlines divisions, with expanded freezer and cooler product offerings also lifting sales. “However, consumer spending was subdued amid uncertainty on the future of the
4.7%
8.5%
2012 year-over-year
7.0% 5.5% 4.0%
JANUARY SALES FOR KEY RETAILERS Five Weeks Ended February 2, 2013 (dollar amounts in millions) a 2013 SALES
Alco Stores Bon-Ton Stores Inc. Costco Wholesale Corp. b Fred’s Inc. Kohl’s Corp. Macy’s Inc. Ross Stores Inc. Stein Mart Inc. Target Corp. The TJX Companies Inc.
2.5%
-2.0%
January Same-Store Sales Johnson Redbook Index
-3.5% -5.0% JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN Source: Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Average, a unit of Instinet, a Reuters company.
span in January 2012, resulted in strong sales growth for many retailers. Fred’s Inc., which has taken some hits recently, racked up the highest comp benefit, posting 28.6% jump, including the fifth week. By comparison, an even four-week comparison resulted in flat comps. Bruce Efird, Fred’s ceo, credited the addition of tobacco as well as programs to drive higher ticket amounts and continued increases in pharmacy script growth. “Discretionary sales at the end of the month were pressured to some extent by delays in finalizing tax forms for 2012 that prevented our customers from receiving early tax refunds,” he said. In 2013, the regional retailer is expanding its specialty pharmacy and clinical services, and accelerating its pharmacy acquisitions, expanding new auto and hardware product initiatives, and rolling out new concepts such as the smaller drug and dollar stores. Another unexpected twist in January came from regional retailer Alco Stores, which enjoyed the month’s second highest comp increase for five weeks — 21.4%. Still, Rich Wilson, president and ceo, described January sales as “somewhat soft.” Cooler temperatures in January drove Alco’s business in
htt130201_022 22
27.6 $174.4 $8,740.0 $132.4 $844.0 $1,337.0 $483.0 $60.1 $4,608.0 $1,400.0
TOTAL % CHG.
26.0 15.2 7.0 31.0 34.1 34.6 39.0 31.3 29.6 35.7
SAME-STORE % CHG.
21.4 (0.4) 3.0 28.6 13.3 11.7 4.0 4.6 3.1 3.0
53 WEEKS
1.0% -0.5%
$34.8 $200.8 $9,350.0 $173.6 $1,132.0 $1,799.0 $672.0 $78.9 $5,973.0 $1,900.0
2012 SALES
economy with the fiscal cliff, payroll tax increase, and other issues in the period,” he said.
Alco Stores Bon-Ton Stores Inc. Costco Wholesale Corp. Fred’s Inc. Kohl’s Corp. Macy’s Inc. Ross Stores Inc. Stein Mart Inc. Target Corp. The TJX Companies Inc.
2013 SALES
2012 SALES
$485.7 $2,919.4 $102,610.0 $1,956.0 $19,280.0 $27,686.0 $9,721.0 $1,213.9 $71,960.0 $25,900.0
$468.8 $2,884.7 $91,880.0 $1,879.0 $18,804.0 $26,405.0 $8,608.0 $1,160.4 $68,466.0 $23,200.0
TOTAL % CHG.
SAME-STORE % CHG.
3.6 1.2 12.0 4.0 2.5 4.9 13.0 4.6 5.1 12.0
0.3 0.5 NA 1.1 0.3 3.7 6.0 2.7 2.7 7.0
WINNERS AND LOSERS Same-store sales % change
WINNERS Fred’s Inc Alco Stores Kohl’s Corp. Macy’s Inc. Stein Mart Ross Stores Target Corp. Costco Wholesales Corp. TJX Cos.
28.6% 21.4% 13.3% 11.7% 4.6% 4.0% 3.1% 3.0% 3.0%
LOSER The Bon-Ton Stores
(0.4)%)
Posting the third highest comp for January was Kohl’s, which has had its share of troubles in recent months. All lines of business, except footwear, achieved double-digit comparable store sales increases. Footwear had a highsingle digit comp gain, according to Kevin Mansell, chairman, president and ceo. January at Macy’s Inc. was “simply put … an outstanding month,” said Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and ceo. The consolidated comp gain of 11.7% was driven by the company’s strategy to flow-in more fresh fashion goods in December to serve post-holiday shoppers seeking new merchandise, he continued. “This exceptional January
a. This January’s retail calendar contained an extra week compared to 2012, creating a 53-week fiscal year. Most retailers in this survey are listing sales for the five weeks, but comparing comps against four weeks from last year. b. Costco’s January comp results are for the U.S. division and do not include the slightly negative impact of changes in gasoline prices and from stronger foreign currencies. Including those impacts, comps for the month were up 4.0% for the U.S. division, 3.0% for the international division, and 4.0% for the total company.
performance capped our company’s third consecutive year of topline sales growth of more than $1 billion, which began in 2009 when we restructured Macy’s into a national retailer with a local focus,” Lundgren said. Online sales for macys.com and bloomingdales.com combined jumped 48.9% for the month. Among retailers with comp gains in the low single digits. Stein Mart posted the best — up 4.6%, thanks largely to strong sales in linens and men’s furnishings. Target’s 3.1% comp increase was in line with the retailer’s expectations, according to chairman, president and ceo Gregg Steinhafel. Shoppers responded to clearance prices, but “continue to shop with discipline in the face of a slow economic recovery and new pressures, including recent payroll tax increases.” Ross Stores reported a betterthan-expected 4.0% comp improvment; and TJX Cos. came
in with 3.0% — “which was above our plan and achieved over 7% growth last year,” noted Carol Meyrowitz, ceo. “Customer traffic once again drove this month’s comp increases across the board.” The Bon-Ton Stores reported a slight decline of 0.4%. Brendan Hoffman, president
and ceo, said throughout January and the fourth quarter, the company managed inventory to drive more profitable sales and reduce the level of clearance inventory. The approach “should benefit our fourth quarter gross margin. We will continue with this strategy as we enter the new fiscal year.” HTT
Ross, TJX Raise Outlooks N EW YORK — Coming off the January reporting period, offprice chains Ross Stores and TJX Cos. have both offered revised guidance. For 52-week year ending Feb. 1, 2014, Ross is forecasting same store sales to grow 1% to 2% on top of robust 6% and 5% increases in the prior two years, respectively. And fiscal 2013 earnings per share are projected to be $3.65 to $3.80. Excluding the estimated 10 cents per share from the 53rd week in fiscal 2012, this guidance repre-
sents forecasted earnings per share growth of 6% to 11% on top of an estimated 20% increase in 2012 and a 24% gain in 2011. TJX Companies raised its outlook for fourth quarter earnings per share to be approximately 80 to 81 cents, a 29% to 31% increase over last year.” For the full year, TJX is boosted its guidance for earnings per share to be approximately $2.53 to $2.54, which would represent growth of more than 25% year-over-year. HTT
2/7/2013 1:09:08 PM
News
> hometextilestoday.com
February 11, 2013
NYIGF to Change Name, Layout this Summer NEW YORK — The New York International Gift Fair this summer will become NY Now as part of a three-year reorganization of the event. The tagline for NY Now, which will take place Aug. 17-21 at the Javits Center and Pier 94 in New York City, is “The Market for Home + Lifestyle.” The show is being divided into four key segments: Home, Handmade, Lifestyle and New. Home goods — including textiles — will relocate to Level 3 in the Javits Center. Along with textiles, that level will house tabletop, gourmet housewares, home furnishings and Accent on Design. Lifestyle — gifts, stationery, Baby + Child, personal care/wellness and personal accessories — will be locat-
23
Home Textiles Today
360 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10010 Tel: (646) 805-0227; Fax: (646) 365-2307 www.hometextilestoday.com www.facebook.com/httmag EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jennifer Marks 10 Ocean Blvd #8B Atlantic Highlands, N.J. 07716 (732) 204-2012 | jnegley@hometextilestoday.com PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Warren Shoulberg (646) 805-0226 | wshoulberg@hometextilestoday.com SENIOR EDITOR Cecile B. Corral 428 Bianca Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33146 (305) 661-7493 | cbcorral@aol.com MANAGING EDITOR Julie Murphy (646) 805-0224 | jmurphy@hometextilestoday.com CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC ARTIST Desiree Nunez (646) 805-0233 | dnunez@giftsanddec.com
ed at the Javits on Level 1. Handmade/Global Design will be sited on Level 4, while Handmade/ Designer Maker will be on Level 2. The New York’s Newest artisan resource will occupy Pier 94. The changes “not only will rein-
force the depth and breadth of resources in the New York market, but also will better reflect the way retailers are shopping and sourcing today,” said Christian Falkenberg, NYIGF director and vp of show organizer GLM. HTT
Protect-A-Bed Donation Assists Jakarta Flood Victims C HICAGO — Protect-A-Bed and Massindo Group have donated 60 foam mattresses and mattress encasements to victims of a massive flood that is immobilizing Jakarta. The Special Command Forces in the area, Kopassus, helped Massindo Group employees distribute the mattresses, food, flashlights, bottled water and medication to flood victims. To distribute the mattresses, Massindo Group’s team covered the mattresses with Protect-A-Bed waterproof mattress encasements and placed the boxed supplies on top. Because roads are impassable due to high water, the protected mattresses were floated to recipients. HTT
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 (646) 805-0227 | mmcloughlin@hometextilestoday.com CLASSIFIED AD SALES Spencer Whittle (336) 605-1027 swhittle@sandowmedia.com Karen Hancock (336) 605-1047 khancock@sandowmedia.com MANAGER, EUROPE Mirek Kraczkowski Tel: 48 22 401 70 01; Fax: 48 22 401 70 16 | kraczko@aol.com MANAGER, INDIA Kaushal Shah Cell: 91-9821715431; Tel: 91 22 2305 9305/6/7 Kaushal@kaushals.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Rich Lamb Tel: (336) 605-1074; Fax: (336) 605-1143 | rlamb@sandowmedia.com DIRECTOR, WEB OPERATIONS Chris Schultz | (336) 605-1076 | cschultz@sandowmedia.com MANAGER, CLIENT SERVICES, WEB ADVERTISING Dan Sage | (336) 605-1080 | dsage@sandowmedia.com E-MEDIA PROJECT MANAGER Missy Axe | (336) 605-1005 | maxe@sandowmedia.com DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE MARKETING Allison Ternes (704) 573-9007 | aternes@sandowmedia.com PRESIDENT, FURNITURE TODAY GROUP Kevin Castellani (336) 605-1034 | kcastellani@sandowmedia.com FOUNDING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carole Sloan 1979-2011
Encased mattresses were floated to flood victims.
SANDOW MEDIA PRESIDENT AND CEO Adam I. Sandow CFO/COO Christopher Fabian
More than 40 Mills to Show at This Month’s Toronto Fabric Fair BY CINDY W. HODNETT TORONTO — More than 40 mills are expected to participate in the winter edition of the Toronto Fabric Fair, set for Feb. 26-28 in the Paradise Banquet & Convention Centre here. Organizers said the Toronto fair, now in its eighth year, is sometime referred to as “Showtime North.” It is hosted by the sales representatives of the textile companies active in Canada that also participate in the High Point
htt130201_001_020.indd 23
Showtime fabric show twice a year. Mills scheduled to attend the Toronto Fair include: Global Textile Alliance, Diversitex, Wearbest SilTex Mills, Bartson, Duro, Golding, King, Para, Portfolio, Mitchell, Outdura, American Decorative Fabrics, American Textile Group, Magnolia Home Fashions, Tahoe, Culp Contract, Paragon, Global, Se7en, Direct Textiles, LaFrance Inds., Regal Fabrics, Covington, Microtex, American Century Home, Zenda Leather, Culp, Cone Decorative Fabrics,
Abercrombie Textiles, Sunbury Textiles, Sunbrella Fabrics, Master Fabrics, Valdese Weavers, Dicey Fabrics, JB Martin, David Rothschild Fabrics, Barrow Inds., Barrow Fabrics, Merrimac Textiles, Liana Montagnese, Vision Fabrics, Gum Tree Fabrics, Annabel of America, Lady Fabric Corp. and Robert Allen. The hours for the fair are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. all three days. For more information, contact Mike Katroscik at mikekatroscik@yahoo. com. HTT
VP CREATIVE AND EDITORIAL Yolanda E. Yoh EVP, GROUP PUBLISHER James N. Dimonekas SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. (866) 456-0405 All other countries: (515) 247-2984 HTTcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com FAX SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1-866-310-7181 THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY® 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010 Telephone: (646) 805-0227 Fax: (646) 365-2307 USPS 497-490 HOME TEXTILES TODAY (USPS 497-490) (ISSN 0195-3184) is published 29 times a year except for the weeks of 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, 360 Park Avenue South, 17th fl., New York, NY, 10010 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. and Canada $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 5879, Harlan, IA 51593-1379. Phone: (866) 456-0405. HOME TEXTILES TODAY and THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY are registered trademarks of Sandow Media LLC, used under license. Sandow Media LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause whatsoever. (Posted under Canadian International Publication Agreement No.40624074. Sandow Media/CDS (Mint Hill) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HOME TEXTILES TODAY, P.O. Box 5879, Harlan, IA, 51593-1379 Email: HTTcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RCS International; APC; PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Rich Hill, ON L4B 4R6
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