Monday, September 16, 2013
THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY
|
hometextilestoday.com
| Vol. 34, No. 21 | $8.00
American Textile Gets Down to Business BY WARREN SHOULBERG DUQUESNE, PA. — The home textiles industry is one whose history is very much defined by family businesses. And for everyone that has endured into the second or even third generation, there are multiple examples of those that have not been so fortunate. Then there’s American Textile Co., the utility and bedding products company that is solidly in its third generation,
one that has expanded the company’s offerings — not to mention its business — far beyond its humble origins. Just two years shy of its 90th anniversary, ATC has become a major player in the mattress protector and pillow and pad business and has just entered the sheet business. But don’t let that family business label get in the way of understanding ATC. “We run this company as a busiSEE ATC PAGE 42
Make it Work! Tim Gunn Preps for His First Home Market BY JENNIFER MARKS N EW YORK – Fashion consultant and “Project Runway” star Tim Gunn’s entry into the home textiles business came about because when Indecor designer Dawn Rochelle Fields thought about who the company ought to seek out for a licensing partnership, his name kept coming to the top of her list. “My husband and I watch his show. I have his books. I thought this could be a dream,” said Fields, vp of design and product development.
Brothers Lance, left, and Blake Ruttenberg are leading American Textile into its next generation of expansion and growth, far beyond its humble origins as a supplier of mattress and ironing board covers.
Round 1: Booth Display NEW YORK — Last month, Home Textiles Today profiled six companies that were first-time exhibitors at NY Now, formerly known as NYIGF. They are also contestants in HTT’s second annual “America’s Next Great Home Textiles Company” series. In this issue, showroom designer Beth Darragh weighs in with her impressions on the booth designs. “I’m a display snob,” she told HTT after the show. “I A SPECIAL REPORT look for the whole package — beautiful or interesting or impactful environs and then fab product. They just go together, or should, like Oreos and milk or diamonds and, well, more diamonds.” In October, HTT will follow up with an evaluation of the product designs and in November the perspective on each company’s marketing. For more, turn to pages 18 and 19. HTT
America’s Next Great Home Textiles Company
Inside This Issue Global Home Show Returns ................................................ page 2 Don’t Make a Face, Darling ................................................. page 4
TIM GUNN
One Week and Counting ..................................................... page 4 Excell Out to Draw a New Bath .......................................... page 5
One slight hitch: Gunn had no licensing agent — this month’s launch of the Tim Gunn Collection is his first self-branded product line of any sort — and Indecor had no idea how to reach him. In an attempt to contact him, company president Joe Mandil even walked over to the offices of Fifth and Pacific Companies (formerly Liz Claiborne Inc.), where Gunn is chief creative officer. It didn’t work. Although Indecor was embarking on its inaugural licensing deal, its parent company, Bentex Group, has a long history in such arrangements, producing children’s apparel for a slew of heavy hitters, including Disney, Marvel and Mattel. Its head of licensing was ultimately able to put the parties in touch. “It was love at first sight,” Gunn told HTT of his first meeting with the Indecor team. “I came here with no assumptions. I was a blank slate. I thought, ‘Let’s see where this conversation takes us.’”
See page 9 for a special research report on consumer style.
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News ADVERTISEMENT
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Global Home Show Returns Exhibitors to Show at 7W N E W YO R K — HTT’s Global Home Show, which runs in tandem with the New York Home Fashions Market this month, will include 19 companies from India, Pakistan, Portugal and the United States. Product categories represented at the show include bed linens, towels, bath accessories, rugs, and utility bedding. The manufacturers collectively address the gamut of retail channels, from mass market to department store. The show takes place Sept. 22-26 at showroom building 7W at 7 W. 34th St. Returning exhibitors are: • Al Karam Textiles from Pakistan, Suite 1015 • American Green Rug from the United States, Suite 1015 • Bombay Dyeing from India, Suite 1015 • Nance Carpet and Rug from the United States, Suite 1015 • Shamrock Tekstil from Turkey, Suite 1021 • United Weavers from the
United States, Suite 1015 New exhibitors include: • AMR/Portugal Home from Portugal, Suite 600 • Colmaco from Portugal, Suite 600 • Domingos De Sousa & Filhos from Portugal, Suite 600 • Finera from Portugal, Suite 600 • Giestal Home Textiles from Portugal, Suite 600 • Liberty Mills from Pakistan, Suite 600 • Marcella Fine Rugs from the United States, Suite 633 • Malouf Fine Linens from the United States, Suite 635/637 • NMK Textiles from India, Suite 1015 • Pure Care by Fabrictech from the United States, Suite 1015 • Serta International from the United States, Suite 1029 • Skytex from the United States, Suite 635/637 • Sparrowhawk International from the United States, Suite 1021 HTT
Intertextile
Lenzing
Manhattan Properties
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HTT Market Session Will Explore Consumer Habits NEW YORK — NPD Group will present exclusive new research on in-store and online shopping patterns at HTT’s fast-paced Context session during New York Home Fashions Market this month. The “Changing Channels: Changing Behaviors” presentation will be followed by a retail panel discussion. The event will take place Monday, Sept. 23 from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at 295 Fifth Ave. in the Executive Conference Room on the Mezzanine level. Admission is free, but seating is limited and will be available on a first-come/first-served basis. To register, visit hometextilestoday. com/context. HTT
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Surya Rugs
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> hometextilestoday.com
OPINIONTodaY Don’t Make a Face, Darling
I
R EMEMBER M Y FIR ST home textiles heartbreak, a shower curtain from Saturday Knight Ltd. Boldly colored, over-scaled flowers printed on a gorgeous white cotton cloth. Scarlett O’Hara would have yanked it off the rod and had it made into a gown. Several months later, I encountered the piece in the real world — Kohl’s bath department. The scale of the print had been knocked down a bit, the clean cotton swapped for a textured poly with something of a yellowish tint. I was horrified. I was also being educated. Right now, boxes are arriving every day in showrooms on and around Fifth Avenue, brimming with new products that will be EDITOR-IN-CHIEF merchandised more lovingly and thoughtfully than they will ever be treated on the retail floor. To make the journey from showroom to nameplate, many will also find themselves de-speced to some to degree. Often, the best and most forwardlooking designs never travel beyond the supplier’s display space. As has been noted here before, many companies pin their hopes on Bed Bath & Beyond and Macy’s, in that order. But it’s a big world out there, and the rapid expansion of ecommerce makes it even more so. Off-pricers are only now getting into the game, creating huge new venues for product. So it’s best not to get too snotty about it all — a reminder that arose during a recent episode of “Project Runway.” Contestants were challenged to make fashionable work-out wear. After the winner was announced, fashion designer Zac Posen, one of the judges, suggested the top garment might be a good item for a home shopping retailer. The winning contestant’s face bunched into a scowl, her head wagging emphatically. Cue fellow designer Michael Kors, who knows a thing or two about selling to the masses. “Well, don’t make a face, darling,” he admonished. “You want the register to ring? Trust me, it’s a good thing.” Which brings us back to that beautiful shower curtain. I’ll wager Kohl’s knows more about its customers’ preferences than I do, and if the final product was a watered down construct of the original, the shopper is none the wiser. I hope it blew out the door. HTT
Jennifer Marks
One Week and Counting
A
S T HE INDUST RY SCR A MBLES to get showrooms ready, products unpacked and styled for display and people in place for the semi-annual ritual known as New York market week, it will be circumstances far beyond the realm of midtown Manhattan that are likely to have the biggest impact on business next week. These back-stories behind the products tell the real tale of the textiles industry and will ultimately decide how and where business is done over the next year. In conversations around the world and in the build-up to market, a number of issues surfaced that are shaping up as the keys to the business. 1. China’s role in global sourcing: Even though textiles export production continues to play a less important role in the overall Chinese economy, it will continue to be the go-to source for most Western market textiles needs. No other nation can put together the of manufacturing scale, infrastructure and integrated manuWarren combination facturing that China has assembled. 2. The Indian Rupee devaluation: Seemingly out of nowhere, the sudShoulberg den drop in the value of India’s currency has changed the dynamics of the PUBLISHER/ EDITORIAL DIRECTOR global textiles world. Indian exports are now more competitive ,even as the cost of some materials needed in the domestic Indian market will rise. 3. The 2014 Indian election: Another big unknown, who will win the vote and control India, could have profound effects on the global textiles world. Whether the Congress party retains power or a coalition perhaps led by Narendra Modi of the rival BJP party – someone with a decidedly probusiness reputation – wins, we are likely to see changes in quota and export rules as well as government business policies. With India the number two home textiles supplier in the world, this is an election everyone in the business needs to watch closely. 4. The new cotton crop: It will start to come in around the world in the next few weeks and how it looks could impact pricing of this essential raw material. Already there are reports that the Pakistani crop may be below projections due to flooding, but China, India and the U.S. (the three biggest worldwide cotton suppliers) are all expected to bring in crop levels above last year. 5. Manufacturing in the U.S.: There’s a lot of talk about the resurgence of textiles production in America, but right now that’s all it is. The amount of capital investment necessary to bring wide-scale manufacturing back to the U.S. makes it unlikely it will actually happen at any level to impact the global marketplace. 6. Has Europe really bottomed out?: Some people believe the worst is over in the EU, but emerging reports that Greece will need a third bailout (amid suggestions there will even be a fourth one later) are casting a pall on the economic outlook. Watch the elections in Germany next week, they could be a good indicator of things to come. Get those showrooms set and get packed for your trip to New York City, but don’t forget the bigger picture. HTT
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News
> hometextilestoday.com
Excell Out to Draw a New Bath N EW YORK — The typical bath- duce a line that features fashion
room that Americans use everyday has changed in many ways. But the products the bath industry sells for that room — not so much. The Excell bath division of Excell Glenoit Croscill is out to throw some cold water on that idea this market with a major relaunch of its bath accessories line that will feature fresh approaches to both fashion and function. “We did a big research project with NPD and what we concluded is that the consumer is just bored with this category,” said Joe Granger, president of the company, as workers hurried to finish up the new showroom presentation for market week. “We found that there was 5% increase in unit sales but a 27% decrease in average unit sales. That’s bad.” Excell’s new approach is not about higher prices; in fact, price is not a factor, Granger said. Instead, the company is trying to increase the frequency of consumer purchases of bath products through fashion and improved functionality since it is relatively inexpensive room to completely redo compared to bedrooms or living rooms. To that end, Excell will intro-
colors, shapes and materials, but also improved technology. A new collection of shower curtain hooks will allow consumers to attach curtains to rods “in under 20 seconds,” he said. A new shower curtain liner made of fabric is both water-repellent and anti-microbial, another first for Excell, he said. Some of the other introductions are still under wraps, but Granger promised there would be plenty to see, including the company’s first solid-color towel program, a lightweight, quick-dry product aimed at
the $9.99 price point. The line is being targeted to the traditional Excell customer base, which is big box retailers. Granger said if one store made the commitment to the program, they would get it exclusively. Granger, who joined the company last year, said he focused on the Croscill bedding side of the house initially, “but this is the first time we’re working on the ExcellGlenoit side of the business. “We’re really trying to change the behavior of the consumer when it comes to bath products to benefit the overall business.” HTT
Excell is relaunching its bath line this market with an emphasis on both new fashion and technological functionality across the broad accessories category.
the market for gmms as well as planning and allocations people as it works to implement a new merchandising strategy with an eye toward a spring 2014 rollout. New ceo David Campisi, who joined the company in early May, told investors during the company’s recent quarterly conference call that merchandise assortments are inconsistent across the store. The company also devotes too much space to items that are not destination categories. Jewelry and watches, for example, might be better stocked only for certain seasonal events, he said. The mantra going forward: Edit to Amplify. Cut back on categories that are less meaningful to the core customer and reallocate
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Retail Briefs Williams-Sonoma’s Global Reach to Expand
W
illiams-Sonoma’s latest international initiative is a multi-year agreement with Stores Specialists Inc. to open new stores in The Philippines. Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids will be the first to debut and are slated to open in Manila in early 2014 at Bonifacio High Street, the first main street retail concept in the Philippines. The agreement also includes development rights for Williams-Sonoma, PBteen and West Elm. Other plans include the opening of six new stores in company-owned retail locations outside the United States by yearend — five in Australia and one in the United Kingdom. The company’s partnership in The Middle East continues to expand, reaching 25 stores in five countries by the end of the second quarter.
Joss & Main Launches Melissa Gorga line
F
lash-sale website Joss & Main has launched a curated line from “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Melissa Gorga. Called Home Italian Style, the line incorporates traditional Italian and modern design esthetics. The line contains 111 pieces, including 38 furniture items, three rugs, 10 bedding and drapery pieces, 10 lighting pieces, 11 pillows and 36 accessories.
Lowe’s Completes Orchard Supply Deal
H
Big Lots Looking For Merchants, Reworking Assortment COLUMBUS, OHIO — Big Lots is in
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Home Textiles Today
September 16, 2013
the space to categories that are. In soft home, that means a shift from in-and-out fashion — especially in bedding — to consistent in-stocks on everyday basics. Campisi also mentioned Big Lots’ kitchen textiles assortment, which he said relies too heavily on closeouts. He wants to improve both the quality and the taste level in the category. Campisi plans to do more cross-merchandising in home, especially involving furniture — a strong category for Big Lots — and frames. Overall, he seemed to indicate a shift toward a more considered approach to buying, one not as driven by chasing opportunistic inventory. “We’re really very lean both in
buyers and planning and allocations,” he said. “We need to get more eyes on the details. There are too many misses that have taken place.” Big Lots is not, he emphasized, abandoning the close-out business. The strategy is being crafted to appeal to “Jennifer,” the company’s core customer. Her average age is 42 and her average household income is $54,000. Among the core shopper group, 56% are married and 51% have children at home. “A lot of the things I’m talking about are happening as we speak,” Campisi told analysts. “We’re [already] making significant changes in how we present merchandise to Jennifer.” HTT
ome improvement retailer Lowe’s has wrapped up its $205 million acquisition of Orchard Supply Hardware, including most of its assets and 72 stores. Although Orchard will continue to operate as a standalone business, ownership expands Lowe’s penetration in California and gives the big-box retailer experience with a small-format, neighborhood-based operation.
New Ikea ceo Targets Sales Growth Over Store Openings
P
eter Agnefjall, the new head of Ikea Group, plans to speed up store expansion from recent years but will drop an earlier roll-out target. According to Reuters, Agnefjall is standing by a target announced a year ago to double sales to $65.9 billion by 2020. He plans to achieve that through “around 5% annual sales growth in existing stores, and another 5% through new store openings,” focusing on actual sales instead of number of stores. His predecessor, Mikael Ohlsson, last year announced plans to increase the store expansion pace to 20-25 stores annually.
Crate & Barrel to Launch Paola Navone home furnishings line
C
rate & Barrel has partnered with Italian designer Paola Navone on an exclusive line of home furnishings, with three planned collections set to feature more than 140 items in categories including seating, dining tables, rugs, lighting, decorative accessories, textiles and tabletop.
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New York Home Textiles Market Week Resource Listing Company
Product
Fiber
Showroom
Contact Name
Contact Information
1888
Kitchen Textiles, Bath Towels & Bedding
TENCEL® Lenzing Modal®
295 Fifth Ave. Suite #1609
Lexi Schladenhauffen Senior VP of Marketing & Design
Phone: 630.925.7957 Lschlade@1888mills.com
Bari
Jersey Sheet Sets & Pillows
Radisson Martinique on Broadway 49 West 32nd St.
Mr. Ather Bari
Phone: 6 46.644.1035 atherbari@aol.com
Bedding Industrial Beguda N.A.
Sheeting, Pillowcases & Infant Sheeting
TENCEL
1140 S ixth A ve., 9th Floor
Kate Nor US Sales & Product Development Mgr.
Phone: 646.380.6640 kate@beddingindustrial.com
Britannica
Sheeting, Toweling & Assorted Basic & Fashion Bedding
TENCEL® Lenzing Modal® TENCEL® C
214 W est 3 9th S t. Suite #1203
Ryan Koflanovich
Phone: 2 12.764.3851 rkoflanovich@bhf-usa.com
DreamFit® & HomTex Mills™
Sheets, Pillows, Mattress Pads, Protectors & Toppers, Top-Of-Bed Collections & Towels
TENCEL® Lenzing Modal®
295 Fifth Ave. Suite #1005
Rod Ghormley
Phone: 256.734.3937 ext. 289 rod.ghormley@homtex.com or sales@homtex.com
Gul Ahmed Textile Mills
Sheeting
TENCEL®
7 West 3 4th S t. Suite #515
Nauman Ahmed Gen. Mgr. Mktg.
Phone: 347.205.7107 Nauman.Ahmed@gulahmed.com
Home Source International
Sheeting, Pillowcases, Shams & Duvet Sets
TENCEL®
230 Fifth Ave. Suite #1910
Nikki Rhodes
Phone: 718.355.6475 nrhodes@homesourceinternational.com
Nishat
Sheetings & Fashion Bedding
TENCEL® Edelweiss Modal
7 West 3 4th S t. Suite #639
Carla Christoff Director of Marketing
Phone: 2 12.564.7298 Cell: 917.692.2865 carla@nishat.net
Protect-A-Bed
Mattress Protectors & Encasements, Pillow & Basic Bedding Protection & Kits
TENCEL®
230 Fifth Ave. Room #916
AlanE isenberg VP of Sales
Phone: 561.793.1674 Cell: 561.906.8343 alan.eisenberg@protectabed.com
Vallabh
Towels
Lenzing Modal®
7 West 34th St. Suite #614
Rohit Jhanji – VP Sales & Marketing
rohit@vtcl.co.in
Zorlu
Sheetings & Towels
TENCEL® Lenzing Modal®
295 Fifth Ave. Suite #503
Filiz O zpicak Vice President
Phone: 212.689.4622 filiz@zorluusa.com
®
Lenzing Modal
®
Nina Nadash • Home Textile Merchandising, Americas • Lenzing Textile Fibers • 530 7th Avenue #808 • 212-944-7898 E-mail: n.nadash@lenzing.com • Web: www.lenzing.com
Lenzing showroom ad_FA13.indd 1
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The fiber brand for the botanic bed TENCEL速 is made from wood and is thus 100 % from Nature. TENCEL速 can be used in lots of different ways in beds, starting with mattresses and mattress overlays, to bed covers and bed linens, through to lingerie. Thus a completely botanic bed becomes a reality. Lenzing Fibers, Inc. 530 Seventh Avenue, Suite 808, New York, NY 10018-3508 Phone: 212 944-7898, E-Mail: n.nadash@lenzing.com
www.lenzing.com/tencel
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Home Textiles Today
September 16, 2013
News
> hometextilestoday.com
Vossen Partners Waverly Gets by With a with Stellar Little Help From its Friends Alliance N E W YO R K — The Waverly home
brand is launching a series of ads featuring the Peanuts gang — a campaign that marries two high-profile Iconix-owned brands. The ads will debut on a billboard in New York’s Times Square in midSeptember and will be featuring in October issues of shelter and lifestyle magazines. The campaign also includes animated creative for digital platforms. Snoopy and other Peanuts characters are being incorporated into the existing “In a Waverly World” theme, which imbues everyday objects with Waverly designs. The upcoming campaign depicts Snoopy, Linus and Sally in a pumpkin patch with Waverly-pattern pumpkins. HTT
Waverly designs find their way into the Peanuts’ pumpkin patch.
Feizy Fetes 40th With New Colors, Constructions for NY Market DALLAS — In tandem with its 40th anniversary this year, Feizy Rugs is launching a spectrum of new rugs in a rainbow of colors across a variety of constructions at the New York Home Fashions Market this month. New products have been designed to coordinate “effortlessly across categories, making buying and decorating simpler than ever,” noted ceo John Feizy. A highlight among the new offerings is the expansion of the Feizy Rugs/Poetic Wanderlust by Tracy Porter partnership with a new line of kitchen, accent
and bath rugs featuring Porter’s signature whimsical yet elegant patterns interpreted on printed PET recycled fiber. This entire new line of smaller printed PET pieces have been designed to coordinates with a selection of Poetic Wanderlust by Feizy Rugs cotton rugs that come in standard sizes. Also new for market is the Strathmore collection of hand hooked 100% wool area through accent rugs. Employing a new construction and dying technique and concept, these rugs feature a tie-dyed effect to create
relaxed spaces. Two new palettes in Feizy’s popular machine-made polypropylene construction are also being introduced, as well as several new multi-texture polypropylene indoor/outdoor creels. Feizy added the new breadth of colors offered across collections “allows buyers to tie bath, accent, pillows, throws, quilts and full size rugs together for an entire home that coordinates rather than ‘matches.’” Feizy Rugs’ New York showroom, located at 230 Fifth Avenue, in suite 904-05. HTT
“Are you aware of the Fact that Polyester Home Textiles are also MADE IN INDIA Here's presenting another source”
N EW YORK — Vossen, the iconic Austrian manufacturer of luxury terry towels and robes, has become the newest member of the Stellar Alliance, which will begin offering Vossen products for the U.S. market. “We have been looking for a U.S. partner who understands both the upscale towel market and the high-end home textiles business in general. We feel that with the many years of experience Stellar Alliance has in this market, they are the right partner for us,” said Bertrand Pichon, Vossen’s international sales manager. Stellar Alliance will import products directly from the Vossen mill in Austria with quick turnaround times for U.S. accounts by taking advantage of Vossen’s ongoing stocking program. Said Ryan Jones of Stellar Alliance: “We are very excited to have Vossen as a new partner. Not only do they make beautiful and unique products, but being an Vienna Austrian comStyle from pany, they fit the Vossen in well with our collection other partners and our business model. Since 1925, sophisticated consumers in Europe and beyond have enjoyed Vossen’s superior quality in outstanding colors and designs. Now they can find it in the states”. The product range includes 100% cotton bath towels, hand towels, wash cloths, wash mitts, guest towels and bath sheets in a variety of weights, sizes and decorations. Coordinating tub mats are available as well as a line of free-standing terry robes and wraps. Many Vossen products are made with the new “AIRpillow” fiber production technique that produces yarns that are soft to the touch but with a firm core that produces “an invigorating feel to the skin,” according to the company. Many products are also made with “SuperSoft” cotton yarns. Stellar Alliance will show the Vossen collection during the New York Home Fashions Market at its showroom at 1350 Broadway, Suite 2102. HTT
%
100
Anand Tex International Pvt. Ltd. For Appointments, please contact: us@anandint.com, sandeep.vashist@anandint.com th Anand Tex International Pvt Ltd – Sparkk Home, 7 West 34 street, Suite 733, New York, NY 10001 Phone: Paras Katyal- +1-610-780-8355, Sandeep Vashist +91-903-403-4635
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a c i r e m
A
L A U S s e o CA G
The 2013 Consumer Style Forecast
Exclusive new research from the editors of
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Home Textiles Today
Special Report
September 16, 2013
> hometextilestoday.com
2013 Consumer Style Forecast
More Than Half of Consumers Describe Style as Casual Overall design of consumer homes Modern or Contemporary
Traditional
16%
25%
Country
8% Casual
51%
Why changing to MODERN or CONTEMPORARY “I like to always keep up-to-date with the latest trends.” 32-year-old from New Jersey “To incorporate better designs and novelty ideas.” 50-year-old from Texas
“We want brighter colors and a sleeker look.” 48-year-old from Michigan
Why changing to TRADITIONAL “I need to upgrade my look - it’s looking too boring and old and I want a classier look.” 36-year-old from Alaska “Because I like changes.” 32-year-old from Colorado “My kids are getting older, so it is almost time to decorate for me.” 45-year-old from Michigan
Why changing to CASUAL “Just to spice it up a little.” 41-year-old from Illinois “Just to upgrade to a different look and slightly more casual and comfortable.” 48-year-old from Florida “To be more colorful.” 49-year-old from California
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BY DANA FRENCH Casual styles win the day. That’s according to a survey of women consumers conducted by Home Textiles Today through The Medelia Monitor, an independent women’s research company based in Hollywood, Fla. Half of the more than 250 women answering the exclusive survey cite casual as their home’s overall design theme. Traditional home styles are chosen by one-fourth of overall consumers, while modern and contemporary is the main design of 16%, and country is the look for 8%. Regionally, traditional styles are more prevalent in the Northeast, while casual is most popular in the South. Modern is most widespread in the West and Midwest. More than half of the responding women plan to make design think it’s important the linens in their home and style refl ect their own perchanges as sonal style and creativity. they continue to decorate their home. One-fourth say they’ll move toward more contemporary and modern styles. A 37-year-old from North Carolina “wants a cleaner look.” And a 50-year-old from New York states she “looks forward to refreshing looks with more white, beige and modern designs.” Twelve percent plan to make the move to more traditional styles in upcoming months. A 48year-old from Florida is looking to both “make the house casual and also more traditional.” More than half of the sample said they’ll next purchase bed linens, while 45% will each buy bath towels and window treatments. More than one-third will next buy an area rug and 20% say they’re planning to purchase say it’s important their table and linens reflect current kitchen linens. HTT style trends.
Popular Styles Style preferences by region 82%
18%
Midwest
87%
13%
South
87%
13%
West
100%
<1%
Do consumers plan to make design changes?
Will keep overall design the same
47%
79
36
Formal
Northeast
%
%
Casual
Will change styles
53%
Plan to change to more 24%
12%
11% 6%
Modern or contemporary styles
Traditional styles
Casual styles Country styles
Linens consumers will next buy Bed linens
53%
Bath towels
45%
Window treatments
45%
Area rugs Table and kitchen linens
36% 20%
SOURCE: HOME TEXTILES TODAY 2013 CONSUMER STYLE FORECAST
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Presented by ALOK INTERNATIONAL
7 West 34th Street Suite 607 info@alok.co alok.co
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Special Report
> hometextilestoday.com
2013 Consumer Style Forecast
Neutral And Muted Tones Are Most Popular Overall BY DANA FRENCH
Main colors used to decorate Neutrals
40%
Browns
16%
Blues
10%
Greens
9%
Reds
5%
White
4%
Black
3%
Grays
3%
Purples
3%
Oranges
2%
Yellows
2%
Metallics
2%
Pinks
1%
Blues Reds
are more popular for those living in the South and Northeast.
and greens are most popular in the Western part of the U.S.
Southerners are more likely to decorate with
Black.
Color preferences by region I decorate with bright colors
I prefer muted colors
Northeast
27%
73%
Midwest
38%
62%
South
50%
50%
West
38%
62%
For prints, consumers tend to use designs with Floral and botanical patterns Abstract patterns
think it’s important the linens in their home reflect current color trends.
Master bedroom and master bath?
No
Yes
44%
56%
Master bedroom and guest bedroom?
Yes
33% No
67%
Sources used to influence linen buying decisions Friends and family
44%
Retail store displays
42%
Home decorating TV shows
38%
Retailer catalogs
28%
Magazine and newspaper ads
27%
Retailer websites
23%
Magazine and newspaper stories
22%
22%
Generic online searches
21%
Social media sites
13%
Interior designers
13%
Manufacturer websites
11%
Retail store salespeople
10%
16%
Geometric patterns
14%
Paisleys and scrolls
10%
Stripes and plaids
10%
htt130902_010_016 12
39
%
Do consumers use the same patterns, colors and design themes in the
25%
Scenic patterns, including landscapes
Animal prints
Four out of 10 consumers mainly decorate in neutral colors, and another 16% mostly use browns. Overall, six out of 10 prefer to decorate with muted colors, per the exclusive data. Blues, cited by 10% overall, are most prevalent in the Southern and Northeastern corners of the country. Reds are most often used by younger consumers and those living in the West. As far as prints, one-fourth of all consumers tend to use floral or botanical designs, while 22% prefer abstract patterns. Those living in the West are more likely to prefer abstracts and geometrics, while florals are most popular in the Northeast and South. Nearly seven out of 10 think it’s important their linens are of the same style and color as the other furnishings within the home. Only 39% say it’s crucial linens reflect current color trends. Neutral tones will dominate new linen purchases. Forty-four percent of consumers say they’ll choose neutrals for new window treatments; as will 38% buying new rugs; for table and kitchen linens, 37%; bed linens, 32%; and 28% of new bath towels will be neutral. Consumers between the ages of 35 and 44 and those living in the South are most likely to decorate with bright colors. According to the respondents, friends and family exert the most influence in linen buying decisions, followed by retail store displays and home decorating shows on television.
3%
68
%
say it’s important linens are of the same style and color as other home furnishings at home.
Online blogs
8%
SOURCE: HOME TEXTILES TODAY 2013 CONSUMER STYLE FORECAST
9/10/2013 3:15:28 PM
Bedding that’s anything but basic.
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9/5/13 9:20:38 AM
14
Home Textiles Today
September 16, 2013
Special Report
> hometextilestoday.com
2013 Consumer Style Forecast
Fabric And Fiber Quality is Key to Bed and Bath Buyers BY DANA FRENCH
When buying new linens, the importance of Not important
Premium cotton
Neither
18%
Where product is made
31%
Green or eco-friendly materials Brand of the product
24% 31%
Important
20%
79
%
62% 20%
49%
34%
42%
28%
41%
Will consumers replace existing product with a similar design? Bed linens
Bath towels
No
Yes
No
Yes
42%
58%
36%
64%
About the data
New linen colors, designs and fabrics Main color for new linens Bed linens Bath towels Neutral tones Bright colors Lighter colors Darker colors White
32% 22% 19% 17% 10%
28% 26% 18% 18% 10%
Most important design element for new linens Bed linens Bath towels Fabric and fiber Color Pattern and print Other Tailoring
htt130902_010_016 14
52% 28% 16% 3% 1%
46% 39% 9% 4% 2%
Fabric preference for new linens Bed linens Bath towels All cotton Cotton blended with other materials No preference Micro-fiber polyester Other materials, Tencel, rayon or bamboo
Premium cotton constructions, such as Supima, Egyptian and Pima cotton, is important to 62% of women answering Home Textiles Today’s survey. of consumers think it’s To important their linens are accentuof high quality. ate that finding, another eight out of 10 say it’s critical the linens in their home are of high quality. Affluent buyers are more likely to want premium linens. Seventy-seven percent of highincome households, those earning $100,000 or more, say premium cotton, rather than regular cotton, is key.
For more than half of women purchasing new sheets, fabric and fiber is the most important design element. That’s true also for 46% of those buying new bath linens. With bed linens, 52% prefer all cotton and 29% say they’ll buy cotton blended with other materials. For the bath, 59% want all-cotton towels and 24% prefer cotton blends. In the bathroom, six out of 10 consumers plan to replace existing towels with a similar design. Nearly two-fifths name color as the most important design element when buying bath linens. While the majority, 28%, say they’ll buy neutral colors for the bath, 26% want bright ones. Eighteen percent each prefer lighter and darker tones. Overall, 56% of respondents use the same colors, designs and patterns in both their master bed and bath.
52%
59%
29% 9%
24% 10%
Home Textiles Today fielded an online survey to Medelia Monitor’s proprietary panel of women in May 2013. Questions centered on design and style trends for bed, bath, window, table linens and area rugs. The exclusive survey received responses from 262 women. The research was collected and analyzed by Home Textiles Today’s research department, led by Dana French, director of research.
Respondent profile Age of Respondent Under 35
4%
4%
5%
3%
19%
35-44
24%
45-54
31%
55 and over
26%
Region Northeast
20%
Midwest
20%
South West
38% 22%
SOURCE: HOME TEXTILES TODAY 2013 CONSUMER STYLE FORECAST
9/10/2013 3:15:41 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
16
Home Textiles Today
Special Report
September 16, 2013
> hometextilestoday.com
2013 Consumer Style Forecast
Consumers Find Value And Price Issues Confusing BY DANA FRENCH
When shopping for linens, consumers need more information on Finding the best value for the price
50%
Fabric to buy
33%
Where to buy
26%
Brand to buy
18%
Design and pattern to buy
16%
Color to buy
15%
Finding the best value for the price is the most confusing aspect when shopping for home textiles, named by half of overall survey respondents. Surprisingly, this concern is more predominant with older and more affluent women. Two-thirds of those ages 55 and older and earning $100,000 or more each cite this problem. One-third of women have questions about which type of fabric they should purchase and
Will consumers replace existing product with a similar design? Window treatments
one-fourth wonder where they should buy. Only 18% are concerned with the brand to buy. More than half of those both replacing area rugs and window treatments are branching out, planning to replace with new designs. With rugs, 38% say theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll choose neutral tones and 34% will go for darker colors. Brights will be the choice of 21%. Darker rugs are the No. 1 preference for consumers under age 35 and those living in the Northeast. Neutrals are the top
Most important design element for new linens Window treatments
Area rugs
Table and kitchen linens
Color
41%
38%
51%
Pattern and print
25%
41%
26%
Fabric and fiber
17%
12%
17%
Tailoring
12%
4%
4%
5%
5%
2%
Table and kitchen linens
Area rugs
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
55%
45%
53%
47%
48%
52%
Other
Main color for new linens Window treatments White
Lighter Colors
6%
Table and kitchen linens
Area rugs
Lighter Colors
Lighter Colors
17% Darker Colors
16% Bright
Neutral Tones
44%
Darker Colors
Neutral Tones
34%
38%
Colors
Bright Colors
17%
21%
Window treatments
Area rugs
Table and kitchen linens
No preference
42%
46%
34%
Cotton blended with other materials
24%
15%
29%
All cotton
11%
11%
21%
Other materials, Tencel, rayon or bamboo
14%
15%
6%
9%
13%
10%
3%
<1%
7%
Fabric preference for new linens
White
White
16% Darker
Neutral Tones
Colors
12%
37% Bright Colors
32%
pick for older buyers and the rest of the country. Even though color is named as the most important design element for window and kitchen linens, 44% of women plan to buy neutral tones for window coverings, as do 37% with tabletop linens. The majority of shoppers have no preference when it comes to fabric types for window, rugs and table and kitchen linens. If they do care, cotton blends are cited the most popular type for both products.
Micro-fiber polyester
SOURCE: HOME TEXTILES TODAY 2013 CONSUMER STYLE FORECAST
Generation X, currently between the ages of 33 and 48, are more likely to prefer bright colors.
htt130902_010_016 16
With rugs, half of consumers living in the Midwest and West plan to buy neutral tones, compared with of those in the South and only
36%
19% in the Northeast.
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18
Home Textiles Today
America’s Next Great Home Textiles Company
September 16, 2013
News
Round 1: Booth Display Criteria: Display, proportion, effective brand communication, overall experience
A SPECIAL REPORT
Vestiges Display Proportion Communication Experience
★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★★
I liked Vestiges’ approach to the booth. It was spot on. Bold in color — loved the grey and orange. The product and merchandising complemented one another. The matching director’s chairs and desk were brilliant. It was cohesive. It was fun. It was easy to shop. It was effective from top to bottom.
Courtney Collection Display ★ Proportion ★ Communication ★ Experience ★ Although I love the art behind the line and get the concept, the booth looked a bit flea market to me, and it was sorely missing impact. Lots of scattered product groups and repeated visuals made me confused as to what I was really looking at and why. I actually walked right past the booth twice, looking for it.
Henry Handiwork Display ★ ★ ★ ★ Proportion ★ ★ ★ ★ Communication ★ ★ ★ ★ Experience ★ ★ ★ ★ Henry Handiwork got the equation almost right — bowl ’em over with what we can do ... and from the looks of the booth, they can do anything in this category. The sheer assortment of designs alone was impressive. The simple tension based fixturing system was sublime; it added a bit of unexpected hip and cool to a rather traditional product line. The merchandising by motif was clever, as it made me, at least, look for a fave. May I suggest Scottish terriers? Anyhoo, easily shopable, understood and inviting.
htt130902_018_019.indd 18
9/5/2013 4:50:35 PM
News
September 16, 2013
Judge: Beth Darragh Darragh is a designer and owner of Lowell-Darragh Productions, an event and full service production company located in New York. Her portfolio represents appreciable design, eclectic and moving interiors that establish the space as a whole — something to participate in and experience.
Home Textiles Today
19
America’s Next Great Home Textiles Company A SPECIAL REPORT
Simple Things Display ★ ★ Proportion ★ ★ Communication ★ ★ Experience ★ ★ Well, great product! Great back story! Signage graphic and informative, good! Merchandising and display were lackluster. Lots of hanging rods and folds and knots and what one would typically expect, but it didn’t feel well laid out and visually, it just wasn’t exciting.
La Cozi Display Proportion Communication Experience
★ ★ ★ ★
Floating shelves and a yellow painted wall aside, it was just like vanilla ice cream ... kinda yummy, but looking for some sprinkles. This booth needed sprinkles... meaning ambiance, meaning a mood, meaning a point of view. It was product placed on shelves.
Silk Story Display Proportion Communication Experience
★★ ★★ ★★ ★★
Silk Story had the most innovative, interesting product of the lot — high end, tactile, beautifully made and they have a real passion for their line – that came shining through. The booth itself, though, was not as well executed as the product. The product and the booth should be more sympatico. Keep it streamlined, no messy drapes as the back drop. Let the beautiful product tell the story — and wow with the wall color.
htt130902_018_019.indd 19
9/5/2013 4:52:11 PM
20
Home Textiles Today
September 16, 2013
News
> hometextilestoday.com
Keeco Brings NY Botanical Garden into Home N E W YO RK — The New York Botanical Garden has signed with multi-category home textiles producer Keeco to develop a licensed line of bedding and bath products that will debut at the upcoming New York Home Fashions Market. For the initial launch, the
collection will include a full assortment bedding, including quilts, duvets, and comforter sets with coordinating decorative pillows inspired by The New York Botanical Garden’s collection of original botanical artwork. The line targets the department store and specialty retailer channels
and is scheduled for a spring 2014 rollout. “We’re thrilled to be launching The New York Botanical Garden Collection and have created an assortment that appeals to a wide customer base ranging from traditional to contemporary,” said Mariam Shari-
ati, Keeco’s vp design & product development. “The New York Botanical Garden’s archives inspired us to develop a collection with rich and authentic colors that are derived from nature.” The New York Bot anical Garden’s Richaqrd Pickett, vp
HIGH POINT MARKET OCTOBER 19 -24, 2013
SHOWROOMS INCLUDE: Phillips Collection, The
Lighting, Inc.
Paragon/ Propac Images
CODARUS
Wendover Art Group
Dash & Albert Rug Company
Fine Art Lamps
Lili Alessandra
Cyan Design
Peacock Alley
Elk-Sterling
Pine Cone Hill
A & B Home
Howard Elliott Collection, The
Moe’s Home Collection Uttermost Palecek Artisan House
Roberta Schilling Collection Leftbank Art Arteriors Home
Global Views, L.P.
Three Hands Corporation
jdouglas
Emissary
Loloi Rugs
Napa Home
Legacy Home
Rosenbaum Fine Art, Inc
Company C, Inc Classic Home Interlude Home, Inc Bradburn Gallery NDI - Natural Decorations, Inc
Shaw Gears Up For New Carpet Tile Plant In Adairsville MORE DÉCOR IN ONE LOCATION IHFC ACCESSORY FLOORS 2,3,4 Floors 2, 3 and 4 of the IHFC offer a broad selection of leading home décor lines across multiple categories providing a destination to find all of the finishing touches for any store or room in the home. More than 200 showrooms offer insight into the latest trends and must-see products for the upcoming season. From rugs to wall art to lighting and decorative accessories, you will find it all.
Robert Abbey UMA Enterprises, Inc. IMAX Worldwide Home Stein World
JLA Home Pacific Coast
JOIN US FOR Afternoon Receptions Saturday – Wednesday
NEW! JOIN THE CONVERSATION:
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for retail and business development, called the line “a stunning, high-quality collection of bedding that will make a beautiful statement in any bedroom.” Licensing proceeds will support the Garden’s horticulture, plant research and conservation, and educational initiatives. The partnership was brokered by Jewel Branding & Licensing, the licensing agency for The New York Botanical Garden. Keeco’s New York showroom is located at 295 Fifth Ave., Suite 1602. HTT
4-6 pm
D ALTON , G A . — Shaw Industries Group Inc. will build a new facility in Adairsville, located in Gerogia’s Bartow County, where the company will produce modular carpet tiles. The company will make an $85 million investment on the facility and expects to create 500 new jobs. Vance Bell, Shaw chairman and ceo, explained the company has “expanded our existing Cartersville carpet tile facility to its maximum so the Adairsville plant will allow for continued long-term growth in this important product segment.” Shaw will also soon open a new carpet tile plant in China to service the Asian market, he added. In Adairsville, the plan calls for building and equipping 600,000 to 700,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. The plant will be constructed on 117.6 acres located near the intersection of Highway 140 and Hall Station Road. Construction will begin in 2014. As Bartow County’s largest employer, Shaw currently operates six facilities in the county, including another carpet tile manufacturing facility located in Cartersville. HTT
W W W. I M C H I G H P O I N T M A R K E T. C O M
htt130902_020 20
9/10/2013 3:22:21 PM
> hometextilestoday.com
New York Buyer’s Handbook
1
2013 Buyer’s Handbook
where to eat
buyersguide2013#2.indd 1
| where to shop
9/6/13 10:52 AM
2
New York Buyer’s Handbook
> hometextilestoday.com
New York, New York
M
an does not live by textiles alone. So when the workday is done and it’s time for your time, it’s time for New York City And what a time you’ll have with what you have in your hands now, The New York City Buyer’s Handbook, sponsored by Northwest Industries. Researched, prepared and written by the people who live here, the Guide is organized by the way you shop New York City. As a retailer, these are all stores you will want to see for ideas and merchandising tips you
can use. As a supplier, it’s important to know the state of retailing art today. And since you’ve got to eat, we’ve included some of our favorite choices for lunch or dinner in each neighborhood. Finally, when the lights go down and you’re ready for more, we’ve also provided a list of clubs and nightspots to dance the night away. As a visitor to the greatest city on the planet, you’ll just need to have a little fun away from work too. Enjoy.
Contents: Near The Market: ............................................................................. Page 2 The Chain Gang ................................................................................ Page 3 Soho & Downtown: .......................................................................... Page 4 Uptown: ........................................................................................... Page 5 Away From Home: ............................................................................ Page 6 Later that Night................................................................................ Page 7
buyersguide2013#2.indd 2
1. Near the Market What used to be a retail wasteland is rapidly turning into one of the hotter parts of Manhattan with an ever-growing mix of retail and restaurants. Here are a few of our favorites. ABC Carpet & Home
Canvas
888 Broadway (19th St.)
123 W. 17th St. (6th Ave.)
Cause-related retailing has a new poster child in Canvas, which also has a Soho branch. You’ll find textiles, but also furniture and home accessories here, shops – plus all kinds of all with a social consciousfurniture, rugs and home ness. décor. There is only one Eately ABC. Perhaps the most iconic home store in New York, this multi-story retailing wonderland contains an entire floor of textiles – many of them leased
200 Fifth Ave. (23rd St.)
Ann Gish 4 W. 20th St.
One of the leading ladies of better bedding opened her own branded store a few years back and while it serves as a showcase for her own merchandise there’s also a delightful mix of decorative accessories, furniture and accents in a perfect little gem of home retailing.
More food market than retail store, Eately needs to be experienced first hand to see merchandising at its most creative. There are some home goods mixed in with all the goodies, but if you go for the textiles, you’ll stay for lunch.
9/6/13 10:53 AM
New York Buyer’s Handbook
> hometextilestoday.com
Fishs Eddy
Muji
889 Broadway (19th St.)
16 W. 19th St. (6th Ave.)
It’s mostly retro-repro china and glass tabletop at this delightful store but you’ll find a growing offering of kitchen textiles, blended perfectly for a customer who can’t get enough of the look.
By this time, you probably know Muji, the Japanesebred mash-up of Ikea, Conran, Zen’R’Us and the Whole Earth Catalog. This is one of three Manhattan locations and any will do to get the Muji magic.
Lillian August 12 W. 20th St. (6th Ave.)
Opening Ceremony
If you remember the name from her classic textiles line of a generation ago, you’ll be wildly surprised by this store which goes way beyond that starting point to include inspired furniture, home décor and one-of-a-kind finds. Pack a lunch, you’ll be there for a while.
1190 Broadway (29th St.)
Marimekko 200 Fifth Ave. (23rd St.)
The famed Finnish textiles company is back in the retail business and they’ve done it quite nicely with this store and its uptown Third Avenue sister. If you like the Marimekko look, you’ll think you’ve died and gone to Finland.
buyersguide2013#2.indd 3
The uptown branch of a downtown legend, this cozy store in the Ace Hotel practically defines the state of the art of eclectic merchandising with jewelry, fashion, magazines and toothbrushes joining a modest home offering.
And to eat… ABC Cocina 35 E. 18th St. (Broadway)
The new sister restaurant to ABC Kitchen, the spot still combines the mastery of world-class chef JeanGeorge Vongerichten with farm-to-table cuisine and the distinctly unique design voice of ABC Home. And everything is for sale too, not just the food. Hanjan 36 W. 26th St.
On a street that is rapidly becoming trendy restaurant central, Hanjan is a stand-out, from its raw wood exterior to its new age Korean menu and lively communal tables inRestoration Hardware side. This place has nothing 935 Broadway (22nd St.) This is the only New York to do with Gangham style City location for Resto but everything to do with and it’s a beauty. It’s cer- good food and good times. tainly taking the merchandising lead for the chain, Maysville which has embarked on 17 W. 26th St. an upscale vintage modern Don’t let the lack of a sign merchandising strategy outside scare you off from that is perhaps the most one of the new delights in influential retailer in home the market neighborhood right now. where the food has a decidedly Southern earthy
bent but the real attraction is the selection of bourbons…more than enough to get you through any New York market week.
3
Wolfgang’s Steakhouse 4 Park Avenue (33rd St.)
A lot of regulars make the case it’s the best steak joint in the city and it’s NoMad Hotel hard to argue. It has all Restaurant the classics, from Porter1170 Broadway (28th St.) house to creamed spinThe area’s poster child du ach to quintessential New jour for trendiness, it may York waiters. It’s also one also finally supply a name of the noisiest rooms in for a neighborhood in town so go to one of the search of one. other locations in the city A tough ticket to get a if you really care what your reservation for, it’s got an tablemates are saying. inventive menu, an eclectic space and you never know who will be at the table next to you.
2. The Chain Gang Manhattan has a surprisingly few number of the big national retail operations represented, but we’ve selected a few that are flagship quality and worth a visit. Bed Bath & Beyond 620 Sixth Ave. (18th St.)
This is not just any BBB, it’s the biggest one in the world and if you want to see the state of big box home furnishings retailing these days, there’s no
better place to check out where your company fits into the bigger industry picture. This is where the company tests new products, new categories and who-knows-what-else.
9/6/13 10:53 AM
4
New York Buyer’s Handbook
Bloomingdale’s 1000 Third Ave. (59th St.)
don’t know them. Billed as the world’s largest store, who are we to argue? Home textiles sprawls over the ninth floor in one of the largest departments of its kind anywhere. It ranks as a virtual report card for department store retailing in America today.
You can find a Bloomies in most major cities today but this is where it all started and very often where the next thing starts too. The sixth floor home textiles department has undergone a major redo over the past few years so if you haven’t seen it lately, you haven’t seen it at all. And to eat… And done forget that as wonderful as the Soho Barbes store is, it does not carry 21 E. 36th St. (5th Ave.) any home. If you’re shopping the midtown stores, a good JCPenney meal is always a challenge Manhattan Mall/901 Sixth Ave. so we suggest this out-of(33rd St.) the-way French-MorocIf you’re not visiting a Pen- can place, a cozy-sized resney store every few weeks taurant with choices you it’s hard to keep track of won’t see all around town. the constantly evolving A good place to hide out if merchandising strategy. that’s your mission. Not as typical as a suburban location, this is still Da Umberto a high-profile unit that 107 W 17th St. corporate pays a lot of at- A classic white tablecloth tention to – and so should Italian restaurant that has you. stood the test of time… and with good reason. Macy’s The food is superb, only 151 W. 34th St. (Broadway) matched by the service, We suppose people have which is old world with visited Manhattan and not the old attitude. Just down shopped at Macy’s but we the block from BBB.
buyersguide2013#2.indd 4
> hometextilestoday.com
Keens Steakhouse 72 W. 36th St. (5th Ave.)
This is in fact your father’s Keens and that’s a good thing if you want a classic steakhouse, a clubhouse setting and all the trim-
mings. After languishing for years, Keens is packed every night now so do make reservations. A good choice in the Macy’s neighborhood.
first store, mixing an eclectic assortment of home furnishings products in a statement-setting environment that replicates the online experience. CB2 451 Broadway (Grand St.)
3. Soho & Dowtown Still the heart of the hip home retailing world, the area below 14th Street represents a mix of local specialty stores and national chains. Aero 419 Broome St. (Lafayette St.)
Before there was Thomas O’Brien of Target, there was downtown Thomas O’Brien and Aero is his home base, a fascinating mix of his merchandise, one-of-a-kinds and hardto-finds.
of Green for a veritable specialty home mall.
CB2 stores are still relatively rare on the retail circuit so make sure you see this one if you haven’t. The store is leading the Millennial generation charge with a design attitude that is sure to permeate more and more of the overall marketplace. Century 21
Anthropologie
22 Cortlandt St. (Broadway)
75 9th Ave. (15th St.)
Forget about TJX and Ross and all the rest: This is the best off-pricer in the business and they have the street cred to show it. There are now other locations around town, but go to the original and experience this one up-close and personal.
Yes, you can find this player in many malls around the country, but check out this location in the Chelsea Market. First, because it’s a wonderfully merAlessi chandised example of the 130 Green St. (Houston St.) chain and secondly, beThere’s another branch cause the Chelsea Market uptown but this is the one is just downright delicious. C. Wonder you want to shop: Nicely 72 Spring St. (Broadway) remodeled and chock Best Made HQ He probably doesn’t care full of the Italian com- 36 White St. pany’s wildly eclectic mix Proving there’s more than for the Mr. Tori Burch of home décor, gifts and one way to retail, this on- moniker but Christopher housewares. Walk the rest line seller has opened its Bruch is out to out-do his
9/6/13 10:54 AM
New York Buyer’s Handbook
> hometextilestoday.com
ex with a rapidly expanding mini-chain of emporiums that live up to the wonder billing over the front door. Great item merchandising too.
China and its neighbors.
recognize instantly. It’s big, it’s glitzy and it’s delicious. Save Haven And you can just take the stairs down to your next 317 Lafayette (E. Houston St.) The home version of stop of the evening. trendy fashion retailer Save Khaki takes the same STK Steakhouse Dwell Studio bent with a stylized mix 26 Little W 12th St. 77 Wooster St. (Spring St.) of home goods blending What would the MeatThe first retail store for utility and fashion. You’ll packing District be withthis trend-setting direct pay for that blend but you out meat and if that’s on brand, known for its bold, won’t find it at too many your menu, you’ve come contemporary textiles of- places. to the right place at STK. ferings, as well as furniture Yes, there’s a club here too and home décor. The dusty but come for dinner first blue exterior will catch and you’ll find a carnivore’s And to eat… your eye. Beauty & Essex Harris Levy 146 Essex St. 98 Forsyth St. (Grand St.)
The last of the Lower East Side domestics store, still alive and very much kicking. A throwback to the good old days, but you’ll be surprised what very modern merchandise you’ll find displayed…displayed being a very loose term. Pearl River Mart
Yes, there’s a real pawn shop at that address, but go in and work your way to the hidden restaurant inside in this Lower East Side hot spot with an eclectic menu, a duplex layout with gorgeous décor and free-flowing champagne in the ladies room. Beautiful indeed.
477 Broadway (Grand St.)
The General
This is the place where Made in Asia is the defining merchandising standard, not a defacto costcutting strategy. It’s huge and has just about anything and everything from
199 Bowery
buyersguide2013#2.indd 5
Downstairs is the hot club Finale, but upstairs you’ll find moderately priced traditional Chinese food courtesy of Hung Huynh who Top Chef fans will
paradise in a paradise-like setting. There’s another STK in Midtown too if you’re not in the mood. Waverly Inn 16 Bank St.
We wouldn’t have sent you here two years ago – because you wouldn’t stand a chance of getting in – but if the buzz has subsided a bit for this celebrity-spotting spot, the food and ambience are every bit as worth it.
4. Uptown More a state-of-mind than a precise geographic location, we’ve defined it here as anything north of 34th Street. Armani Casa 979 Third Ave., 14th Fl. (59th St.)
Now moved uptown from Soho, this showroom is still pure Armani from the luxurious fabrics to the monochromatic color schemes across the broad home merchandising line.
5
Barney’s 660 Madison Ave. (61st St.)
You may need to be a size minus-zero to fit into most of the clothing but upstairs at the top floor Chelsea Passage you’ll find a fascinating, if often uneven mix of home wares with some familiar brands and many you won’t find anyplace else. Bergdorf Goodman 754 Fifth Ave. (57th St.)
A little gem of a home department on the top floor of this fashion icon, you’ll find an assortment that ranges from the classic to the unexpected but you’ll always be surprised. Calvin Klein 654 Madison Ave. (60th St.)
Don’t be tempted by the fashion, make a left inside the front door and takes 525 Seventh Ave., 2nd Fl. the stairs down to the very (38th St.) definition of Calvinism Yes, the Garment Dishome, a sleek contempotrict still does exist and rary temple to minimalism yes there are still amazin every aspect except the ing stores like B&J sellprices. ing fabrics that would take you a lengthy world tour to locate. It’s not exactly shopper-friendly but it’s worth the effort.
B&J Fabrics
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the state of modern design today and serve as benchAnother classic from an- marks for the very best in other era, Frette continues contemporary home furto produce and sell some of nishings. And much of it the finest Italian bed and is available wholesale to bath textiles in the world. other businesses. You’ll pay for the privilege Pottery Barn but looking is still free. 1965 Broadway (67th St.) Frette
799 Madison Ave. (67th St.)
Gracious Home 1992 Broadway (67th St.)
New York’s hometown home store, Gracious Home has several locations uptown, east and west, but note the 25th Street store is now closed. It’s a bit of Bed Bath mixed in with a little more style attitude. Laytner’s Linen & Home 2270 Broadway (82d St.)
Another local creation, Laytner’s is a family affair for home textiles, furniture and who-knows-whatelse. There’s another location on the East Side, so which ever one seems closer, check it out to see that specialty linen stores do actually still exist. MOMA Design Store 11 W. 53rd St.
We’re sending you uptown to this branch of the national chain not because we’re getting a kickback from cabbies but because this is considered one of the PB flagships and this oversized store often gets merchandise you won’t find at mall-based locations. Ralph Lauren 888 Madison Ave. (72nd St.)
You haven’t seen Ralph Lauren Home if you haven’t seen the flagship and if you haven’t seen it in a few years, you haven’t seen the new flagship across the street from the original Mansion. They don’t charge admission… though they could. Schweitzer Linen 1053 Lexington (74th St.)
One of three uptown Twin stores across the locations for this New street from each other offer
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> hometextilestoday.com
York City perennial, the name says it all. Individually merchandised with a luxury bent, there are also bargains to be found if you search hard enough.
Fred’s At Barneys
Taboon
660 Madison (60th St.)
773 10th Ave. (52nd St.)
After you’ve worn out your credit cards at the store head upstairs to the ninth floor for Fred’s, where the original Barney’s founder Yves Delorme Fred Pressman probably 985 Madison (76th St.) couldn’t get a table. You One more of the uptown can…if you reserve it or linen specialists, this one book it before you start brings a touch of Paris to shopping. its offerings where the display furniture is also for sale. You know this line but chances are you haven’t seen it presented in full as it is here.
Way west side, but way worth it for a Middle Eastern meets Hells Kitchen vibe in a place that has a great neighborhood joint feel to it. Make sure you order the bread from the namesake oven but good choices abound throughout the menu.
5. Away From Home
And to eat… Arlington Club 1032 Lexington Ave.
From the folks who brought you Tao comes this new steakhouse in collaboration with Laurent Tourondel of BLT fame. The location is uptown but the vibe is very much downtown in a vintage two-level setting that has sophistication written all over it.
Finally, we present a couple of choices from outside the home space, retailers that capture the cutting edge of the art and science of separating shoppers and their disposable incomes. Apple Store
Comme des Garcons
Grand Central Terminal (42nd St.)
520 W. 22nd St. (10th Ave.)
Any Apple store is a great example of retailing at its best – other locations in town on 59th Street and in Soho certainly fit that bill. But this newer store on the balcony of the famous train station outdoes them all and that’s saying something considering the staircase is stone not glass.
If you ever wondered what a retailer from Mars would look like, check out this fashion legend at a store that’s hard to describe and even harder to forget. The merchandise matches the surroundings…if that’s possible.
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New York Buyer’s Handbook
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wildly merchandised, exuberant and just a whole lot How many times do you of fun. If you don’t get exget to shop in a rock-and- cited, get out of this line of roll legendary landmark? work. The answer is one and it’s at this location, once home to CBGB where punk rock And to eat… was pretty much invented. Enough of the original bits Oyster Bar and pieces are still around Grand Central Terminal (42nd St.) to remember back when… On the lower level of this assuming you can. legendary landmark, the restaurant is equally as Monacle famous for its huge menu 535 Hudson St. (10th St.) of seafood. Our recomIt may be the coolest, mendations: The simpler smallest store in the city, the better when ordering this tiny representation of and try to sit in the Saloon Monacle magazine, cre- where it’s a little quieter ated by Tyler Brule, who and certainly less cafetealso started the original ria-like. Wallpaper magazine. If any of those proper names Katz’s Delicatessen are buzzwords for you, you 205 E. Houston St. (Ludlow St.) won’t be disappointed. If We tried to resist, but you never heard of any of when you need a pastrami them, don’t make the spe- sandwich with extra muscial trip here. tard nothing else will do. Get some steroid-fries, a Uniqlo few full sour pickles and a 666 5th Ave. (52nd St.) Dr. Browns Cream Soda. This may be the single And when you order at the most exciting store in counter, don’t forget to tip American retailing right the guy on the other side, now, so don’t settle for one it will be the best dollar of the other units in town, investment you ever made. see this monster which is John Varvatos 315 Bowery (1st St.)
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6. Later That Night
7
1 Oak 453 W. 17th St.
The Way West Side is the home for one of the hottest clubs of the moment and they have the velvet ropes to prove it. If you make the cut, you won’t be disappointed with the frequent celeb sightings Lafayette though the bottle service 380 Lafayette St. tab will set you back more Probably the most an- than your parents made in ticipated new restaurant a month. in town this year, Lafayette may still be sorting Provocateur out things…at least that’s 18 Ninth Ave. what some critics are say- Atop the Gansevoort ing. But the space is grand, Hotel in the heart of the the menu French and the Meatpacking District, this prices, well what’s that old spot has all the hip attitude saying about if you have to you’d ever want, divided ask…? into a rooftop lounge and a dark and mysterious inLAVO doors. Bring your good 39 E. 58th St. looks and credit cards. Another restaurant cum nightclub, this uptown SL spot has a downtown vibe, 409 W. 14th St. which means expensive bottle service, a tough en- Yet another Meatpacking try policy and all the glit- haunt, this one is inconter and glam that comes veniently located underwith that. Recent nights ground beneath Abe & have featured Tiesto, Ben- Arthur’s. Once you get ny Benassi and Pierce Ful- below sea level, it’s all seeton. If those names mean level with assorted funsomething to you, this is house sights and sounds. Don’t miss the bone Xwhere you want to be. rays…we think.
If you’ve got the energy – and the disposable income – the night is young, so here are some choices to take you well into the next day. FYI: Market starts at 9am. Catch 21 Ninth Ave.
It’s ostensibly a seafood restaurant incongruously located in the Meatpacking District, but Catch is also very much a scene. Zagat says keep your eye out for the random Kardashian…which should provide you all the information you need in deciding whether to catch Catch. Finale 199 Bowery
Beautiful people, beautiful place, beautiful prices. Well, two out of three isn’t bad at this downtown club on the Lower East Side hidden deep within a complex. Once inside you’ll find a padded vault theme, which could come in handy as the night wears on. It’s the latest venture from the EMM Group.
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A D V E RT I S E M E N T
Portugal: the textiles ChoiCe for fashion and PriCe and showing at the new York Market in sePteMber For the first four months of 2013, imports to the U.S. from Portugal of home textiles products were up nearly 25 percent For the first time ever, a Portuguese National Pavilion, representing six of the best textiles suppliers from Portugal, will be showing together during New York Market Week this month. The Pavilion will be at the 7West Building, in Suite 600, running as part of the Global Home Show. An additional 25 home textiles suppliers from Portugal will be also showing at hotel locations around Manhattan during the New York market week. Portugal has emerged over the past few years as the best resource choice for American home textiles retailers and importers looking for a fashion-forward, reliable and costeffective alternative to suppliers from elsewhere in the world. The country’s long heritage of textiles craftsmanship and quality is combined with a cost structure that makes it an excellent choice for companies looking for the best of both worlds. And the numbers prove it, too. For the first four months of 2013, imports to the U.S. from Portugal of home textiles products were up nearly 25 percent. And America represents the largest market for Portuguese textiles products outside of the European Common Market countries. Portugal has long been a key resource for home textiles products – particularly bedding and bath products – with a long history of supplying goods both to American retailers directly and to importers and distributors. With the decline of textiles industries in other European countries, Portugal has emerged as the best resource for quality products.
Portugal has emerged over the past few years as the best resource choice for American home textiles retailers and importers looking for a fashion-forward, reliable and costeffective alternative to suppliers from elsewhere in the world. Portuguese suppliers are well known for producing both branded goods and products sold under private labels. The Portuguese Show will allow American buyers to see and meet with six companies at the same time and location, a first for the New York Market. The Pavilion, organized and with the support of Associação Home from Portugal, will include these companies: AMR/Portugal Home, Carvalho, Colmaco, Domingos de Sousa & Filhos Co., Finera and Giestal Home Textiles. They will be showing from Monday, Sept. 23 through Thursday, Sept. 26 by appointment or walk-in.
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News
> hometextilestoday.com
Himatsinka America On the Move Divatex Relocates, DWI Branches Out NEW YORK — Himatsinka Amer-
ica, the parent company of private label and proprietary bedding specialist Divatex and upmarket brand house DWI, has a lot on its plate, including a new showroom, brand extensions and a new consolidated distribution center. Divatex has relocated to 261 Fifth Ave. on the 5th floor, now in the same building as DWI, which is on the 14th floor. In another significant shift, Divatex — one of the leading suppliers of sheets in the industry — is aiming to take a more significant role in fashion
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bedding — albeit sticking to its posture as a developer of retailowned brands. “We’re really starting to up our game,” said David Greenstein, ceo of the U.S. operation. DWI is also expanding its brief and has become the master licensee for Barbara Barry soft home, having produced fashion bedding for the interior and commercial designer’s brand since 2006. At the upcoming New York Home Fashions Market, DWI will debut Barbara Barry bath, to be following during the spring
Barry utility bedding. “Where we can’t play a role as a vendor, “As far as the we will be finding suittop line is able sub-contractors for concerned, the brand,” said Greenthe brand stein. continues to DAVID Calvin Klein GREENSTEIN grow.” Home, also produced Himatsinka by DWI, “continues America to be very strong brand 2014 market with the introduc- for us,” he said. “As far as the top tion of the brand in stand-alone line is concerned, the brand consheet sets. tinues to grow.” In addition, DWI has licensed In spring 2014, DWI will with Springs to produce Barbara launch Beekman 1802, keying
off the Upstate New York partnership that has grown into a television program, merchandise operations and tourism business. The design direction will be traditional with a modern twist. “The license goes beyond bedding,” said Greenstein. “It’s going to be very exciting.” In the immediate term, Himatsinka America earlier this month opened a 227,000square-foot distribution center in Spartanburg, S.C. that will handle both Divatex and DWI deliveries. HTT
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Anand Tex Bullish on Poly PANIPAT, INDIA — While India is well-known for all things cot-
” ” e
ton, bedding manufacturer Anand Tex International is staking its claim in polyester constructions. “When we talk about polyester home textiles made in India, it’s kind of an unbelievable thing for the customer, what [used to come] from the Far East is now available from India,” said Rakesh Garg, managing director. Founded 1995, the company manufactures 100% polyester warp-knitted home textile products for the international market. Product categories include sheets, blankets, memory foam bath mats and kitchen rugs. Anand Tex’s major market is the United States, where it deals with big-box accounts and high-end retail. It also does business in the UK and Europe. In addition, it is a large supplier of blankets to UNHCR relief agencies and the International Red Cross Society. For the upcoming New York Home Fashions Market, Anand Tex will introduce performance sheet bedding, a new technical fabric that is anti-microbial, wicks moisture and is UV-proof; soft blankets and throws with an anti-microbial finish that provide a better hand at a sharper price point; and blankets and novelty throws with single repeat prints and photo prints as the USP from India. The company’s mantra is “same retail, better margins for the retailer and better product for the end user — that’s the main goal,” said Garg. He said the scope of the business in the U.S. has been growing over the past four years as the market emerges out of the recession. “I think [buyers] are more confident that the business is coming back,” he added. The company’s showroom is located at 7 West 34th St., Suite 733. HTT
From left to right: Rakesh Garg, Director International Marketing, Suresh Garg, chairman and MD, Komal Garg, Director – Marketing (Domestic).
Nourison To Feature Natural Products, Strong Brand Presence At New York Market SADDLE B ROOK , N.J. — Nourison will feature a
wide selection of natural accent rugs, home accessories and area rugs, as well as its offerings from its Kathy Ireland Home by Nourison and Waverly collections this month during the New York Home Fashions Market. “We are very pleased with the exciting product assortment we have put together for the New York Market,” said Steven Peykar, principal at Nourison. “This is the first time we are presenting our Kathy Ireland Home by Nourison brand in New York. Our Waverly portfolio has also been refreshed and expanded considerably.” Nourison’s line of natural products for the market include home accent and area rugs made of eco-friendly material such as jute, cotton and sisal in solids, stripes and patterns. “We will have a sizable selection of renewable and sustainable home accent products along with our conventional holiday and seasonal offerings,” said Peykar. HTT
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Nourison accent rugs made of natural fiber
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Caldeira USA’s New NYC Home NEW YORK — Home accessories house Caldeira USA has outgrown its first home here and is moving into a new and larger space in time for the upcoming New York Home Fashions Market this month. Located in 230 Fifth Avenue in suite 300, the new space
measures 3,500 square feet. The company, owned by British parent Caldeira, was previously at 261 Fifth Avenue, where it spent the past six years since establishing the Caldeira USA American division. Tony Caldeira, managing director, said the expanded
space has become a necessity to keep up with the company’s growth. “We are very excited about the new location and the commitment to the U.S. market,” he continued. “We have doubled the amount of product we can show and this creates many
new opportunities for Caldeira USA.” Caldeira USA manufactures and supplies decorative pillows, throws, window panels and other home accessories. Added Carolyn Winderbaum, Caldeira USA’s product development manager: “The
new space will allow us to create a more pleasant shopping experience for our customers and with our new versatile display fixtures we can reconfigure easily adding to the flexibility of the light, bright new space.” HTT
Alok Receives Social Responsibility Award DALLAS — Home textiles manufacturer Alok has been recognized for outstanding Corporate Social Responsibility works in the field of development of infrastructure and improvement in the living conditions of the people of Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli in India.
Alok’s state-of-theart spinning and weaving operations in Silvassa constitute the single largest weaving shed under one roof in the world. The award was given by the Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli (UT), Silvassa. Alok’s state-of-the-art spinning and weaving operations in Silvassa constitute the single largest weaving shed under one roof in the world, according to the company. The multi-category manufacturer’s sustainability programs include interventions in to prevent environmental degradation, the promotion of energy conservation and efforts to encourage on community development. Alok has also started a public school with the CBSE Board in Silvassa that trains and employs tribal women on weaving looms and garment/made up stitching machines. Alok has a Private Public Partnership with Silvassa Administration for converting the government owned Industrial Training Institute into a center of excellence. HTT
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PEOPLETodaY Anna’s Adds to Senior Staff C OSTA M ESA , C ALIF. — Anna’s the company. “Rick will be a key Linens continues to build out driver as we continue to invest in its team, naming Richard Tor- our non-textile expansion stratres senior buyer for home décor egy. His extensive sourcing expertise will position us for and Harrison Kang as vp an accelerated growth information technology. trajectory in these cateTorres most recently gories.” was a merchandise buyer Kang, who has more for Ballard Designs in than 25 years of experiAtlanta, where he manence managing informaaged multiple categories across all channels RICHARD TORRES tion technology in the retail, manufacturing of retailing. His six years Anna’s and distribution indusat Ballard included a tries, will lead the ongoposting as merchandise buyer for bedding and bath. ing support of Anna’s key systems, Prior to that, he was a buyer at processing and delivery infrastrucOrganized Living, based in Kan- ture and networking. Over the past year, Anna’s has sas City; Williams Sonoma (Pottery Barn and Hold Everything) revamped its e-commerce site, in San Francisco; and Business- introduced a new mobile-optimized version of that site, and land Inc. in San Jose. “I’m so happy that Rick is implemented new merchandisjoining the Anna’s team of mer- ing planning and replenishment chants,” said Carie Doll, evp and systems, as well as a new warechief merchandising officer of house management system. In
his new position, Kang will consult across the organization, from strategic decision making down to the team management and structure. “I’m honored to add Harrison to our executive team, and am confident his vast experience working in retail and comparable industries will serve us well as we continue to expand our IT and digital endeavors,” said Anns’s president Scott Gladstone. Kang most recently was vp of retail solutions at ZTNet Solutions in Irvine, Calif., a management consulting organization. Prior to that, he was a he was senior IT consultant at IPS Corporation in Compton, Calif., and, before that, at Logic Information Systems in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. He also served as the head of IT at the specialty apparel retailer Anchor Blue Ret ail Group from 2004-2007. HTT
Hollander Hits The Bluegrass State
Hollander ceo Chris Baker, right, greets Bill Dieruf, the mayor of Jeffersontown, Ken. Mayor Dieruf expressed his appreciation to Hollander Sleep Products for maintaining the manufacturing plant and offices in Jeffersontown it attained when it acquired Louisville Bedding. The plant has employed generations in the area since 1889. Hollander’s annual summit in Louisville, Ky. this year included a tour of the plant in Jeffersontown as well as the plant in Munfordville, Ky.
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Eric Besner Joins Authentic Comfort N EW YORK — Authentic Comfort has hired Eric Besner as executive vp, sales and marketing. Besner recently held the same position at Louisville Bedding. Prior to that, he was national accounts manager at Pacific Coast Feather Company. “Eric’s extensive experience in comfort-related sleep products is the perfect skill set to
help us continue to grow. Look for great things in the future as we continue to provide real comfort for the consumer and her family,” the company said in a statement. Authentic Comfort will debut its new branding in its showroom at the upcoming New York Home Fashions Market, including its growing line of Made in the USA comfort products. HTT
SSA Elects New Officers FRIANT, C ALIF. — The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA), a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness of the specialty sleep category, recently elected a new slate of officers at its meeting in Las Vegas. Todd Youngblood is the association’s new chairperson. He is the president and co-founder of T2 International and Chili Technology of Mooresville, N.C. Angela Owen, president and owner of Suite Sleep, Boulder, Colo., was named vice chairperson and Roger Coffey, president of Latexco West of Buena Park, Calif. , was elected secretary treasurer. Dale Read, president/ceo of The Marketing Arm Group,
Annapolis, Md., and Tambra Jones were reappointed to serve as president and executive director of the SSA, respectively. Youngblood said the association’s role “must be to serve sleep innovators, both manufacturing and retail, by promoting members, product transparency, and education.” SS A ’s i m m e di a t e g o a l s include simplifying and expanding the four year-old SSA Environmental & Safety Program for “green” claims; launching the association’s new www.BEDFAX.org Program for consumer disclosure and transparency; and re-structuring licensing fees to encourage membership and participation. HTT
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Climb Every Mountain
Those faces behind all that covering are Welspun’s Barry Leonard, left, and his son Matthew, who last month climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and made it all the way to the summit. The climb was a fundraising effort on behalf of The Kilimanjaro Education Foundation, a nonprofit volunteer organization with a mission to provide African children the same educational opportunities as children in developed countries. KEF works to improve education and build school facilities for underprivileged children in Tanzania and other countries bordering Kilimanjaro. Visit www. kef4kids.com and click on ‘Donate’ to make a donation on behalf the Leonards’ climb. HTT
Join us in celebrating our New Showroom. Suite 814 Aspen New York Showroom: 295 5th Avenue, Suite 814, New York, NY 10016. 212-545-0949, Fax: 212-689-3879. info@balticlinen.com www.balticlinen.com
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BUSINESS TodaY August Sales Results Steady N EW YORK — Among the few retailers that continue to report monthly sales results, August was a generally positive monthly, if not spectacularly so.
2.5%
3.8% to $695.6 million, and comps grew 3.6% Aside from linens, the strongest sales for the month were posted by ladies’ boutique, gifts and dresses. Most challenged were ladies’ casual sportswear, ladies’ special sizes, men’s sportswear and jewelry. Geographically, August sales were strongest in Florida and the Southeast while the Midwest and California performed lower than the chain. The company closed two stores in Florida — in Gainesville and Tequesta — during the month.
1.0%
Fred’s
Stein Mart Linens continued to be a leader in sales among the mer-
chandise categories at Stein Mart, which posted sales and comp increases during the month of August. The 260unit off-price department store chain reported a 3.7% increase in total sales to $83.3 million and a comp gain of 3.8% Year to date, sales were up
10.0% 8.5%
3.7%
7.0%
2013 year-over-year
5.5% 4.0%
-0.5%
August Same-Store Sales
-2.0%
Johnson Redbook Index
-3.5% -5.0% AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Source: Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Average, a unit of Instinet, a Reuters company.
As expected, Fred’s Inc. reported essentially flat total sales of $140 million in August compared to last year’s $139.9 million, in line with the regional chain’s guidance. Comps sales were also flat
Same-store sales
BTS Shopping Hits Peak on Labor Day Weekend, Acing Comps
for the four weeks versus a decline of 2.8% in the same period last year. Fred’s total sales for the yearto-date period increased 1% to $1.124 billion compared with $1.111 billion in 2012, and comps increased a modest 0.5% compared to a 0.8% decline last year. Bruce Efird, ceo, explained sales were “adversely affected by an unfavorable calendar shift, with no first of the month in fiscal August.” Nevertheless, he added, several departments performed well in August, “most notably pharmacy along with hometown auto & hardware, pet, l aw n & g a r d e n , a n d m o s t consumable product departments.”
Costco Costco Wholesale Corporation’s August sales jumped 7%
to $7.95 billion. For the month, changes in gasoline prices and foreign exchange rates had a negative impact on comparable sales. Excluding these effects, comps were up 5% in the U.S., 8% internationally, and 6% for the total company. Totals sales inched up 1% to $31.8 billion during the company’s fourth quarter, but grew a more robust 6% to $102.9 billion for the full 2012 fiscal year, ended Sept. 2. For the 16-week and 52week periods, changes in foreign exchange rates had a negative impact. Excluding these effects, comparable sales for the quarter were up 5% in the U.S., 7% internationally and 5% for the total company, and for the full year rose evenly by 6% in the United States, internationally and the total company. HTT
Quarterly Performances Vary N EW YORK — The second quarter brought another strong performance for Williams-Sonoma Inc. Meanwhile, retailers serving more down-market consumers had a more difficult time.
NEW YORK — The back-to-school season was
Big Lots
at its height over the long Labor Day weekend, helping drive up comps 4.6% in September’s first week, according to the Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index. Month-to-date, September was up 4.6% com-
The bottom line: The company plans to revamp its merchandising and marketing to appeal to a core customer it calls “Jennifer.” Income from continuing operations: down 18.1% to $18.1 million. Sales: up 0.6% to $1.2 billion. Sales for U.S. operations increased 0.4% to $1,187.7 million, and Sales for the company’s Canadian stores rose 8.2% to $37.9 million. Comps: down 1.9%, slightly outpacing Big Lots’ guidance for a decrease of 2% to 4%. Comp for U.S. stores fell 2.2%. Comp in Canada rose 8.3%.
big shopping days as this year’s back-to-school season reached its peak,” noted Catlin Levis, Redbook analyst. “Thereafter, business tailed off sharply in the middle of the week only to build up again into the weekend.” Overall, same-store sales came in slightly ahead of plan, she said. In the disJohnson Redbook Index count channel, the First week of September, year-over-year % change strong performWEEK ENDED 9/7 9/14 9/21 9/28 10/5 MONTH TARGET ers were children Department stores* 2.2 2.2 2.2 clothing, shoes Discounters 5.9 5.9 5.3 and lower marRedbook Index 4.6 4.6 4.2 gin back-to-school *Including chain stores and traditional department stores Source: Johnson Redbook Index supplies and food. There was no clear pared to September of last year, relative to a re- trend line in the department store sector, she vised target of a 4.2% gain. Month-over-month said. Levis added sales results for the week also showed a 0.3% gain, relative to a flat target. September is a five-week month on the re- benefited from year-over-year comparisons as this year’s Labor Day fell a week earlier than tail calendar ending on October 5th. “Both Sunday and Monday turned out to be last year. HTT
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Fred’s The bottom line: As Fred’s focuses on traffic-driving pharmacies and consumables, sales from soft goods continue to shrink as part of the overall revenue stream. During the second quarter, sales of apparel and linens accounted for 5.7% of sales compared to 6.2% of sales in the year-ago period. Net income: down 45% to $3.3 million. Sales: up 2% to $482.2 million. Comps: up 2.2%. SEE PERFORMANCE PAGE 40
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ConText
P R E S E N T
CHANGING CHANNELS
CHANGING BEHAVIORS WHAT: Exclusive new research from NPD Group on in-store and online shopping patterns, presented in a fast-paced session on the opening morning of NY Market, followed by a retail panel discussion.
WHEN: Monday, Sept. 23, 7:30 - 9:00 am
WHERE: 295 5th Avenue Executive Conference Room Mezzanine Level
HOW TO REGISTER: Registration is FREE but seating is limited on a first-come/first-served basis. Register online at hometextilestoday.com/context
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Calendar September 22 Home Textiles Today Market Kickoff Party 230 Fifth Avenue (917) 934-2852 www.hometextilestoday.com
23 - 26 New York Home Fashions Market Home Fashion Products Association (212) 297-2122 www.homefashionproducts.com
24 – 25
24 – 27
HD Boutique Exposition & Conference Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, Fla. (770) 291-5400 www.hdboutique.com
10-11
25 – 27
Boutique Design New York Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY (914) 421-3200 /www.boutiquedesignnewyork.com/
New York Home Fashions Market Home Fashion Products Association (212) 297-2122 www.homefashionproducts.com
December
April 2014
8 - 11
5 – 10
Heimtextil Russia IEC Crocus Expo Exhibition Center, Moscow, Russia +7 (495) 721 1058 www.messefrankfurt.ru
Showtime Fabric Fair Market Square, Textile Tower, High Point, N.C. (336) 885-6842 www.itma-showtime.com
October
High Point Market International Home Furnishings Center, Other locations, High Point, N.C. (336) 869-1000 www.highpointmarket.org
8 – 11
15 – 18
January 2014
June 2014
ABC Kids Expo Las Vegas (210) 691-4848 www.theabcshow.com
Heimtextil Messe Frankfurt Frankfurt, Germany +49 69 75 75 – 0 heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com
19 – 24
February 2014
High Point Market International Home Furnishings Center , Other locations, High Point, N.C. (336) 869-1000 www.highpointmarket.org
1–6
September 2014
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14
November
March 2014
15 – 18
9 – 12
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International Hotel /Motel & Restaurant Show Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York, NY (914) 421-3200 www.ihmrs.com
Home Textiles Today Market Kickoff Party (917) 934-2852 www.hometextilestoday.com
New York Home Fashions Market Home Fashion Products Association (212) 297-2122 www.homefashionproducts.com
Quarter PERFORMANCE FROM PAGE 38
Gordmans The bottom line: Gordmans is searching for new home leadership and is diversifying the department with new products, brands and price points in time for the holiday selling season. Net income: down 74% to $0.9 million. Sales: up 6.7% to $136.8 million. Comps: down 2.6.
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Restoration Hardware The bottom line: Due to the scope of its digital and electronic marketing reach, RH is scaling back catalog distribution of its Source Books to once a year. It is cancelling the fall 2013 mailing and will mail an annual edition of its books each spring. Net income: up 62% to $19.8 million on an adjusted basis. On a GAAP basis, net loss was $17.8 million compared to net income of $17.6 million for the year-ago period. Sales: up 30% to $ 382 million. Direct
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revenue grew 33%. Comps: up 26% on top of 31% growth for the same period last year.
Williams-Sonoma The bottom line: Textiles put in a strong performance, and ecommerce generated 49% of total sales in the quarter, compared to 47% last year. Net earnings: up 4.7% to $88 million. Total revenues: up 12.3% to $982 million. Total comp: up 8.4%. HTT
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42
Home Textiles Today
September 16, 2013
News
Sinomax USA, HoMedics Join Forces HOUSTON — Memory foam bedding manufacturer Sinomax USA has signed a licensing agreement with holistic lifestyle brand HoMedics to introduce a line of HoMedics memory foam products at the New York Home Fashions Market this month. In creating the therapeutic memory foam line, Sinomax tapped HoMedic’s creative expertise, particularly in motorized massage products. The
collection will incorporate massaging elements in both bedding and travel designs crafted in neutral tones. “We feel this brand is a homerun for Sinomax and its retail partners. Not only does it carry weight with our consumers thanks to superior merchandising efforts at HoMedics but it also builds upon our foundation of comfort living and takes it to the next level,” said Lonnie Scheps, Sinomax senior
vp of sales. “We are very excited to have Sinomax on board as our latest licensee, said Alon Kaufman, ceo of HoMedics. “Their product vision and category leadership makes Sinomax a great partner to promote the HoMedics brand through product innovation and line expansion.” Sinomax’s New York showroom is located at 295 Fifth Ave., Ste. 708. HTT
HoMedics Comfort Edge Premium Memory Foam Pillow
American ATC FROM PAGE 1
ness, not for the family,” said Blake Ruttenberg, evp. Along with his brother, Lance, who is president and coo, the two run what has become a very large company with offices and production facilities around the world. While the company doesn’t disclose overall sales, Blake Ruttenberg said it has experienced compounded annual growth of 12% over the past five years. The company’s core product remains pillow and mattress protectors, but in 2006 it branched out into sleep pillows, mattress pads and comforters and this year moved into sheeting. It’s a long way from ATC’s origins in 1925 in the steel country of Pittsburgh. Founded by the brothers’ grandfather and uncle, the company’s first product was indeed a mattress cover, but it really came into its own
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10 years later with Charles Ruttenberg’s invention of the fitted ironing board cover. As the years progressed and the brothers’ father Reid took the reins of the company, American Textile branched out into all sorts of products, from gas mask components in World War II to American flags when the state count went to 50 with Alaska and Hawaii entering into the Union. It was during the 1990s that the ATC the industry knows today really began to crystalize. Jack Ouelette had come on board to run the company, and Lance and Blake became more involved in operations and sales and marketing. In the early part of the decade came the introduction of its Aller-Ease brand, marking the first popularly priced allergen barrier cover in the industry. Aller-Ease would grow to an entire family of products and become the backbone of ATC.
In 1995, ATC moved into the pillow business, its first order coming from Linens’n Things. Mattress pads and comforters followed over the years and then most recently it introduced the EvenTemp line of temperature regulating sheets and other products. Also this year, ATC moved into its first line of licensed products, picking up the Sealy brand for utility bedding and white goods. Blake Ruttenberg said the company was looking at additional licensed brands but that nothing was ready to be announced yet. The third leg of the ATC branding strategy remains private label and store brands, which still account for the largest share of the company’s sales. In the meantime the company’s physical presence was growing as well. It moved into its current corporate headquarters, which also includes manu-
> hometextilestoday.com
Mill Vet Mines On-Shoring Niche C HARLOTTE , N.C. — Integrated Global Services, which acts as the U.S. back-end operation for off-shore manufacturers, is seeing retailers asking for more rapid replenishment as well as dropshipping for internet orders. “We’ve been seeing in the last 18 to 24 months, but we probably seeing more this year,” said president Charles Metzler, who spent many years of his career at Springs Industries working in a variety of capacities including financial, planning and scheduling. The stepped up replenishment expectations tend to involve solid color basics or specialized goods such as California king-sized bedding for West Coast stores, he said. “We say a box is a box. The retailers want to have their shelves full. They want a shorter lead time and they’re always putting more pressure on the suppliers,” he added. For off-shore manufacturers doing direct-to-retail business, “we’re their US operation.
Some of our clients have no employees in the United States. They have sales reps.” In addition to fulfillment, logistics and warehousing, IGS also provides financial and administra-
facturing and distribution, here in 2003. The 200,000-squarefoot facility is located on the grounds of a former steel mill on the outskirts of Pittsburgh. In 2007 it opened facilities in Salt Lake City and Dallas and later another plant in Tifton, Ga., plus an office in Davidson, N.C., outside of Charlotte. There was international expansion, too. In 1994, ATC began making products in El Salvador and in 2011 it opened an office in Shanghai that is now staffed with eight people. All in all, ATC has 400 employees and has opened some 750,000 square feet of facilities over the past decade. The Ruttenberg brothers, joined by their father Reid, who continues as chairman emeritus, and Ouelette, now executive chairman, said the growth for ATC is far from over. Blake Ruttenberg noted, “Every one of our categories will grow in
2013.” ATC will build on all categories at the New York Home Fashions Market this month. While the company didn’t want to disclose many specifics, it did say its market introductions will reflect the results of a major research study it completed earlier this year with several thousand consumers. In addition, its Aller-Ease and EvenTemp lines will be expanded with new offerings and constructions. And all of this comes as the company works to remain true to its core corporate principles. “We are committed to remaining pioneers in the industry,” ATC says on its website, “and our philosophy of building great teams focused on superior execution and innovation will continue to drive our success.” That success may be built on a family foundation, but it’s all still very much about business at American Textile. HTT
“The retailers want to have their shelves full. They want a shorter lead time and they’re always putting more pressure on the suppliers.” —CHARLES METZLER, Integrated Global Services
tive services, including U.S. incorporation, assistance with banking and factoring arrangements, and accounts receivable and payable. “If you’re a foreign supplier, there are so many things you have to deal with. You really have two run a pretty efficient operation to make money. We try to take cost out of their supply chain,” said Metzler. HTT
9/11/2013 11:08:48 AM
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Home Textiles Today
September 16, 2013
News
> 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 | jmarks@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 | ccorral@hometextilestoday.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@progressivebusinessmedia.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@progressivebusinessmedia.com Karen Hancock (336) 605-1047 khancock@progressivebusinessmedia.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@progressivebusinessmedia.com DIRECTOR, WEB OPERATIONS Chris Schultz | (336) 605-1076 | cschultz@@progressivebusinessmedia.com MANAGER, CLIENT SERVICES, WEB ADVERTISING Dan Sage | (336) 605-1080 | dsage@progressivebusinessmedia.com E-MEDIA PROJECT MANAGER Missy Axe | (336) 605-1005 | maxe@progressivebusinessmedia.com VP, AUDIENCE MARKETING Eric Rutter erutter@progressivebusinessmedia.com AUDIENCE MARKETING MANAGER Angela Tanner atanner@progressivebusinessmedia.com FOUNDING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carole Sloan 1979-2011
PRESIDENT, Kevin Castellani VP, MARKETING Connie Lineberry 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
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Klear Vu Corporation to Relocate Headquarters, Launches Website FALL RIVER, MASS. — Chair pad and seat cushion domestic manufacturer Klear Vu Corp. has found two new homes — a new state-of-the-art facility for its headquarters and a newly launched website. The new 170,000-square-foot corporate headquarters and manufacturing operation is located on a 15.5-acre property here at 600 Airport Road. “Although we will miss the charm and history of our current location, we are looking forward to transferring our operations to a state-of-the-art facility,” said Bob Cooper, president. Klear Vu Corporation has been located in the Flint section of Fall River since the 1960s. In the beginning, Klear Vu produced garment bags and has continued to adapt to shifts in the market to evolve the company into what it is today — a manufacturer of chair pads, rocking chair cushions and other seat covers. “As the retail climate continues to change, so must we. As manufacturers, we need to be nimble to stay successful. Flexibility will enable us to better serve our customers. Our new factory offers efficiencies that will streamline our manufacturing and prepare Klear Vu for the future,” Cooper explained. “The new location will improve Klear Vu’s capacity therefore, more products will continue to be made in the USA.”
Also helping Klear Vu adapt to shifts in the business is the company’s new website — www.klearvu.com. “It has a fresh, contemporary look, reflecting Klear Vu’s dedication to innovation, focus on product design and rich history,” the company said. HTT
Trend Lab LLC Introduces Changing Pad Covers MINNEAPOLIS — Trend Lab LLC has added fashionable changing pad covers to its product line in several patterns to coordinate with its line of crib bedding and nursery decor. Trend Lab described its new changing pad covers as “both stylish and comfortable. Soft changing pad covers are
fully elasticized offering a sleek tailored fit to contoured changing pads, bringing comfort to your baby while protecting your changing pad and furniture.” Each cover fits a standard-size changing pad. A highlight in the program are the company’s licensed Dr. Seuss
designs, which have been added to match Trend Lab’s existing bedding collections for a more complete nursery décor collection. Solid colored, soft, coral fleece changing pad covers are also available in hot pink, paradise pink, sky blue, pacific blue, sage green, and gray. HTT
InDecor and Tim Gunn
new Tim Gunn Collection: sophistication. Gunn and Indecor aren’t tiptoeing into the business, either. The launch collection includes multiple beds, bath towels, bath rugs, bath accessories, dec pillows, throws and window. Constructions include 300- and 400count cotton bedding as well as blends and microfiber. For Indecor, which specializes in bath and window, the collaboration has opened a host of possibilities. The team is already contemplating brand extensions into other categories, in-
cluding pet. “We’re taking a thoughtful approach about how people live,” said Gunn. “We’re giving them a lot of options. We know we have a quality product.” Gunn will spend two days in Indecor’s New York showroom participating in meetings with what he described as “a diverse array of entities.” Now Indecor awaits reaction from retailers. “We’re open to options,” said Gunn. “We’re eager to listen, participate, and in the course of conversation, assimilate.” HTT
GUNN FROM PAGE 1
What he liked was the Indecor team’s commitment to style, quality and affordability, he said. “At the high end, there’s a lot of very beautiful bedding. It’s also very expensive. At the lower end, I feel as though that customer in a way has been treated disrespectfully. ‘Let’s give that customer dumb stuff,’” Gunn explained. Hence, the through-line for the
9/11/2013 9:26:53 AM
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