Home Textiles Today January 9th Issue by Sandow Media

Monday, January 9, 2012

THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY

Retailers and Vendors THE SURYA EXPERIENCE Warm to Atlanta Market BY CECILE B. CORRAL ATLANTA — By mid December, it had become practically impossible to find an available hotel within a mile of the AmericasMart here for the bi-annual International Area Rug market and the concurring Gift Fair. If the paucity of accommodations is any indication of potential traffi c, both events should be well-attended by buyers and avidly represented by vendors. The rug market takes place Jan. 12-15 and the gift fair Jan. 11-18. Jaipur Rugs in Norcross, Ga., expects traffic to the rug market to be “definitely strong,” said Josh Roberts, vp, sales and marketing. “We are seeing good things from all sales channels and everyone is ready for the New Year.” Also expecting a “strong turn-out … based on current appointments” for the Atlanta shows as well as other similar events this winter is Dalton, Ga.-based Shaw Living, according to brand manager Kim Barta. SEE ATL PAGE 28

LOW-3400

AMERICASMART 6-A-7 JANUARY 11-18, 2012

LAS VEGAS MARKET B-370

Capel has partnered with HGTV celebrity designer Genevieve Gorder for a line of rugs, which includes Uzbeck.

hometextilestoday.com

| Vol. 33, No. 2 | $8.00

Home Source Strategizes for 2012 BY JENNIFER MARKS ATLANTA — Home Source International is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy that involves opening both an Asian sourcing office and a U.S. manufacturing facility, enhancing its distribution and supply chain business and strengthening its support structure for high-end specialty accounts. “In this industry, you’ve got to go out and make some things happen. You can’t stand back,” president/ceo Keith Sorgeloos told HTT. Home Source’s new sourcing office opened Jan. 2 in southern India and will cover the three countries from which it does most of its sourcing: India, China and Pakistan. It will be headed up by the company’s new vp of sourcing, T. Periaswamy, formerly with Sharadha Terry Products Ltd. In addition to working on product development with major accounts, the office will source fabric to cut and sew in the United States at HomeSource’s soon-to-open facility in the Southeast. “It will be a hybrid model that will allow us to develop, search and source finished fabric cloth to be used to man-

ufacture ﬁlled top-of-the-bed product such as comforters, quilts, coverlets, shams, dec pillows, window treatment and more for the hospitality trade as well as retail,” said Sorgeloos.

“In this industry, you’ve got to go out and make some things happen. You can’t stand back.” —KEITH SORGELOOS, Home Source International

The plant will be headed by the company’s new vp of manufacturing, Dennis Rudd, an industry veteran who spent many years running manufacturing operations at WestPoint. Another key objective that is gaining traction is the warehouse, distribution and supply chain initiative Home Source set up a year ago, which recently became fully automated. “We are continuing to solicit worldwide manufacturers, importers and retailers in utilizing our sophisticated supply chain services via housing and shipping product to retail partners and supporting overseas manufacturers who SEE HOME PAGE 48

JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 3, 2012

Brand Matters Widening its Scope N E W YO R K — Three-year-old Brand Matters is widening its scope with its ﬁrst wave of international brand introductions outside the North American market cuing up to launch this spring. Brand Matters owns the Ellen Tracy and Caribbean Joe brands. It also works with Linens ’N Things, Carlos Falchi, Field and Stream, Cloudveil and Design Within Reach on business strategies and licensing activities. It now works with 50 licens-

ees for its own brands and another 50 or so for outside brands in the United States, Canada and Mexico, according to Rick Platt, president. Now Brand Matters is setting its sights on Europe. Recent developments include: • Licensing Welspun/Christy to distribute Caribbean Joe textiles in Europe. Beach products will launch this spring with a major UK retailer. (WestPoint

www.surya.com

SEE BRAND PAGE 48

Ellen Tracy by Alok.

Inside This Issue Pamida Being Absorbed into Shopko....................... page 2 Mack, Beliberti Promoted at Hollander .... page 2 Here We Go ....................... page 4 Dear Asian Suppliers ........ page 4 Atlanta Rug Intros ............ page 24 It Looked a Lot Like Christmas All Around the World .......................... page 30 Shoppers Flocked to Off-Pricers in December ... page 40

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We want to see you! AMERICASMART

6-A-7 JANUARY 11-18, 2012

LAS VEGAS MARKET

B-370 JAN 30 - FEB 3, 2012

Monday, January 9, 2012

THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY

Retailers and Vendors Warm to Atlanta Market BY CECILE B. CORRAL ATLANTA — By mid December, it had become practically impossible to find an available hotel within a mile of the AmericasMart here for the bi-annual International Area Rug market and the concurring Gift Fair. If the paucity of accommodations is any indication of potential traffi c, both events should be well-attended by buyers and avidly represented by vendors. The rug market takes place Jan. 12-15 and the gift fair Jan. 11-18. Jaipur Rugs in Norcross, Ga., expects traffic to the rug market to be “definitely strong,” said Josh Roberts, vp, sales and marketing. “We are seeing good things from all sales channels and everyone is ready for the New Year.” Also expecting a “strong turn-out … based on current appointments” for the Atlanta shows as well as other similar events this winter is Dalton, Ga.-based Shaw Living, according to brand manager Kim Barta. SEE ATL PAGE 28

Capel has partnered with HGTV celebrity designer Genevieve Gorder for a line of rugs, which includes Uzbeck.

hometextilestoday.com

Home Source Strategizes for 2012 BY JENNIFER MARKS ATLANTA — Home Source International is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy that involves opening both an Asian sourcing office and a U.S. manufacturing facility, enhancing its distribution and supply chain business and strengthening its support structure for high-end specialty accounts. “In this industry, you’ve got to go out and make some things happen. You can’t stand back,” president/ceo Keith Sorgeloos told HTT. Home Source’s new sourcing office opened Jan. 2 in southern India and will cover the three countries from which it does most of its sourcing: India, China and Pakistan. It will be headed up by the company’s new vp of sourcing, T. Periaswamy, formerly with Sharadha Terry Products Ltd. In addition to working on product development with major accounts, the office will source fabric to cut and sew in the United States at HomeSource’s soon-to-open facility in the Southeast. “It will be a hybrid model that will allow us to develop, search and source finished fabric cloth to be used to man-

Brand Matters Widening its Scope N E W YO R K — Three-year-old Brand Matters is widening its scope with its first wave of international brand introductions outside the North American market cuing up to launch this spring. Brand Matters owns the Ellen Tracy and Caribbean Joe brands. It also works with Linens ’N Things, Carlos Falchi, Field and Stream, Cloudveil and Design Within Reach on business strategies and licensing activities. It now works with 50 licens-

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| Vol. 33, No. 2 | $8.00

Ellen Tracy by Alok.

ufacture filled top-of-the-bed product such as comforters, quilts, coverlets, shams, dec pillows, window treatment and more for the hospitality trade as well as retail,” said Sorgeloos.

“In this industry, you’ve got to go out and make some things happen. You can’t stand back.” —KEITH SORGELOOS, Home Source International

SEE BRAND PAGE 48

1/6/2012 4:13:16 PM

Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

News

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Pamida Being Absorbed into Shopko G REEN BAY, WIS . AND O MAHA , NEB. — Another nameplate will

disappear from the retail landscape as Shopko Stores merges Pamida into its operations, creating a $3 billion company with nearly 350 locations in 22 states. The fate of Pamida’s buying staff is uncertain. “We don’t have all of the staffing piece figured out at this time,” company spokesperson Tara Powers told HTT. Most of Pamida’s 193 stores will be converted to Shopko’s Hometown format over the next year, a process that will cost about $80 million. The Hometown concept includes a home textiles department stocked with top of bed, sheets, blankets, throws, basic bedding, floor coverings, window treatments, kitchen and table linens, bath

accessories and towels. Pamida operations will no longer be headquartered in Omaha. The company operates stores in 17 states. Shopko president, chairman and ceo W. Paul Jones will oversee the operation. Pamida president and ceo John Harlow will stay on to help with the integration process. In 1999, as a public company Shopko acquired Pamida and ran it as separate division, the latter’s stores located in smaller, more rural Midwestern markets. Shopko was itself acquired by private equity firm Sun Capital Partners in 2005. The Pamida division was spun off from Shopko, but continued to be owned by Sun Capital. “ M e r g i n g Pa mi d a a n d Shopko is a great move for our businesses and our customers given our complementary

strengths, store networks and consumer-centric retail models,” said Jones. “The Shopko Hometown store format, featuring our unique merchandising strategy and improved store design, is an ideal fit for the smaller communities that Pamida serves with its exceptional service and communityminded approach. We intend to be the leader in this category by combining the best of Shopko and Pamida in our aggressive new store growth plans.” Shopko stores will not be impacted by the changes, the company said. Once the Pamida conversions are complete, Shopko intends to ramp up openings of the Shopko Hometown format, which runs from 15,000 to 35,000 sq. ft. That process will begin later this year and extend into 2013. The com-

Chilton Joins Soft-Tex WATERFORD , N.Y. — Industry veteran Jeff Chilton has joined Soft-Tex as senior vp of sales and business development. He was previously president of sales and marketing for Perfect Fit Industries. “I’m really excited to be with an innovative and fast growing

company like Soft-Tex. Their business model has been one to watch, and I’m anxious to begin my role in the organization” said Chilton. Chilton will report to Arthur Perry, President and co-owner.

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Retail Briefs

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JEFF CHILTON Soft-Tex

“We are thrilled to have Jeff join our team. His experience and enthusiasm will bring a lot to Soft-Tex as we expand our business and category offerings” said Perry. “Jeff provides a wealth of knowledge and creative merchandising ideas. His under-

pany did not specify how many Hometown format stores it plans to open. Shopko’s current formats include 134 Shopko stores, 10 Hometown stores and five Shopko Express RX neighborhood drugstores. The combined company will retain the Shopko name and operate in the Midwest, North Central, Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. No financial details were available. Shopko generated approximately $94 millon in home textiles sales in 2010 and was the 35th largest home textiles retailer in the U.S. that year, according to HTT’s annual Retail Giants report. The company does $2 billion in total annual business, according to the merger announcement.

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standing of customers’ needs will ensure we continue the support and value we provide.” Perry continued. Soft-Tex manufactures pillows, bed toppers, memory foam bedding, mattresses, and mattress pads. Brands made by SoftTex include Therapedic, SensorPedic, Natures Rest, Health Guard, and Sona. HTT

Mack, Beliberti Promoted at Hollander Home Fashions BOCA RATON, FLA. — Hollander Home Fashions has promoted Beth Mack to president of sales and merchandising and Bill Beliberti to senior vp – national sales manager. Mack will lead the utility bedding manufacturer’s sales, merchandising and marketing departments. She will report directly to Chris Baker, ceo. “She has played a major role in elevating our merchandising and marketing efforts and expanding our market share,” said Baker. “Beth’s vision and leadership will enhance our ability to develop and effectively market innovative products that will expand sales and profits for our customers.” Mack has served as chief merchandising officer since 2009. In 2002, she was named senior vp

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of merchandising after being promoted to vp of merchandising in 2000. Prior to joining Hollander, she was a sales executive at Dawson and Pillowtex. Deliberti will report to Mack in his new role. He will oversee the majority of the company’s sales force. “Bill’s product knowledge, drive and outstanding sales skills have been an important part of our success,” stated Chris Baker. “Bill will be invaluable to our company as we continue to strategically expand our sales and assist our customers in growing their basic bedding business.” Deliberti joined Hollander in 2000 as a sales executive and in 2008 was promoted to vp of sales. Prior to joining Hollander, Deliberti worked in retail management for Sterns. HTT

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1/6/2012 4:40:00 PM

When It’s Supima You Can Be Sure… ®

Every single bale of luxurious Supima cotton is grown in the western United States of America, and each bale is 100% Extra-Long Staple Cotton…not simply Long Staple Cotton. Retailers and brands who offer the finest quality sheets and towels insist that their products carry the Supima® designation. Supima certifies the entire supply chain to ensure that textile products are made with authentic Supima cotton. This is Supima’s commitment to you.

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Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

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OPINIONTodaY Here We Go

V I T ES W EN T OU T L A ST W EEK for JCPenney’s annual presentation to analysts — the event at which new ceo Ron Johnson has promised to lay out his vision for the company. The minimalistic invitation itself signaled a break in style. It featured a powder blue sky dappled with a few cumulus clouds and the words: “in praise of fresh air ... click here.” The click-through leads to the same image and an invitation from Johnson: “Please join me as we unveil our plans to create America’s favorite store.” I suspect “fresh air” may become Johnson’s answer to “Think Different,” the mantra of his forEDITOR-IN-CHIEF mer employer, Apple. And I wouldn’t be surprised if “America’s favorite store” turns up down the road as JCPenney’s new tag line. What’s seemingly at odds with the expectations raised by this forward-thinking, transformational marketing tease is the three exclusive brand initiatives announced in recent months across home and other categories: Royal Velvet, Liz Claiborne and Martha Stewart. One industry player opined that it all sounds very May Company circa 1990. We’ll see. Of course, there’s every possibility Johnson can bring some of the magic dust he used developing Apple’s retail operation to make the Stewart shop-in-shops breathtakingly original and interactive. Royal Velvet at one time was all about color — and Apple certainly knew how to make color cool. As of last week, we now have another potential transformer to watch: Ron Boire, Sears Holding’s new chief merchandising officer and president. His executive path includes major roles at Brookstone, Toys “R” Us and Sony. I’ve been told he’s a good guy who knows his stuff. The question is whether company chairman Eddie Lampert — who has shown himself averse to investing in physical stores — will let him do his stuff. Let’s hope. There are a lot of promising things happening out there. Several suppliers are broadening their scope and many manufacturers are expanding their capacities again. May this be a year that brings good things to them all. HTT

Jennifer Marks

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Dear Asian Suppliers,

INGOISM IS DEFINED as extreme patriotism bordering on the chauvinistic. It’s not something many people would accuse me of and it’s not the card I’m trying to play here: Just wanted to get that out front as a disclaimer. That said, let me say it as simply and clearly as I can: Asian suppliWarren ers who are turning their on the American Shoulberg back market are making a big PUBLISHER/ mistake. Huge. EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Yeah, I know all about the world market and the globalization of the international textiles market. I know the Chinese domestic market is booming and that there are tens of millions — maybe hundreds of millions — of new consumers in China with the spending power to drive business. I know other nations on the Asian continent — and the Indian subcontinent — are coming up fast and will represent huge potential markets for home textiles products. And I know that Europe represents an easier place to do business for many suppliers who are repelled — even disgusted — with the U.S. obsession with price, often at the sacrifice of quality standards of any kind. All of those things are true and they must be factored into any international business strategy for companies looking to develop and grow their businesses. But I know the United States is not going anywhere anytime soon as the prime con-

suming nation on the planet. As tough as our economy is these days, we are bouncing back better and are more grounded than virtually any other Western nation. The scale of our economy and the purchasing power of the American consumer simply cannot be matched anywhere. I also know that Western Europe is in many ways more closed to imports than America. That’s not going to change. And as fast as the middle classes are emerging in China and India and elsewhere, it is going to take generations for them to even approach the levels that exist today in the United States. That will eventually happen but not in our business lifetimes. International suppliers that ignore these facts do so at their own risk. Textiles manufacturing is not going to come back to the United States despite what anybody says or hopes for. The numbers don’t work. So, if Asian companies choose not to do business with the United States, American importers will look elsewhere — to South America, Central America and eventually Africa — for product. Much as many Asian companies learned the business from their American partners, so too will these new players in new places do the same. It’s the way it works. As the worldwide textiles business gathers this week in Frankfurt for Heimtextil, it’s critical for companies on both sides of the buying/selling equation to remember how much they need each other. That’s not jingoism. It’s just good business. HTT

1/6/2012 1:35:00 PM

Retail Briefs

Hitting the Road Again

T IS T H AT T IME of year again fellow tex- glimpse at the Kölner Dom, a cathedral with a tile aficionados. It is the January rush of in- magical façade lit in the evening. Stop by Doctors ternational trade shows! Pack your bags and for its famous drink of the same name. get your passports ready. Get ready to cross the border from GermaIf you are one of the lucky people who ny into France. Having the globhave not had your travel budget slashed, Jennifer al reputation of being the crème de perhaps you are reading this at Heimtextil. crème, Maison & Objet, is still Castoldi laworth Heimtex, as it has come to be known, may a gander, although it isn’t as GUEST not be what it once was, but what is? well curated as it once was. Paris COLUMNIST Changing times call for changing busiDéco Off is definitely a circuit worness models. Is the exhibition now 1) a thy of cutting your visit to Parc des place to find innovative design, 2) a sourcExpositions short by a day in order ing show, 3) a meeting location, 4) a reto peruse the local showrooms and source for “green” fabrics, or 5) a growth retailers. Rest your feet at the remarket for contract goods? Whatever it has nowned Café de Flore for some fancome to mean to you, undeniably Heimtex tastic people watching, or head over is still a key player in the business. to Prescription Cocktail Club to be And if you haven’t checked out its Asian sister one with the ‘in’ crowd and contemplate all you Intertextile Shanghai, which takes place in Au- have seen on your whirlwind tour. gust, you may be in for a surprise. This month there are also exhibitions in the There are other shows to keep on your radar U.K., Sweden, and Belgium, but leave those to as well. my team and me to cover, giving you some time From Frankfurt we journey on up to Han- to breathe. January is a flurry of activity, setting the nover, visiting Domotex to run through the lat- tone for the year to come. May it be a prosperous est offerings in the floor covering business. Take one for you and yours! HTT some allergy pills; the dust can be brutal in certain halls. Jennifer Castoldi the founder of Trendease.com, After that it is on to imm cologne, where the which since 2004 has been providing cutting-edge cross pollination of furniture and fabrics has made and competitive design information in the form of this a platform for textiles names such as Création thousands of product photos and reports to readers Baumann, Kinnasand, and Jab Anstoetz. Have a now spanning over 165 countries.

Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

> hometextilestoday.com

Macy’s Store Count to Remain Roughly the Same

acy’s Inc. announced its store plan for the year, which will result in slightly fewer Bloomingdale’s units and roughly the same number of Macy’s locations. It will also expand its Bloomingdale’s Outlet concept. The Macy’s nameplate will close five stores in early spring. It will open five new stores and one replacement store. After the actions are completed, the company will operate 804 Macy’s units. Bloomingdale’s will close four stores, open one and replace one. The Bloomingdale’s Outlet concept launched in fall 2010 will add five more units, bringing the total outlet count to 12.

Dollar General to Open 625 new Stores

ollar General said it plans to open 625 new stores across its 38-state operating area as well as marking its entry into California and Massachusetts. In addition, the retailer expects to remodel or relocate 550 stores and open a distribution center in California.

Cost Plus boasts sales, comp increases over the holidays

ome furnishings and gourmet food purveyor Cost Plus Inc. cooked up a 6.5% sales increase and a 7.4% comp gain over the nine-week holiday selling period ended Dec. 31. Sales rose 6.5% to $295.5 million.

120% Lino Opens 1st U.S. store

December Results Prompt Guidance Updates N E W YO R K — For richer or

poorer, a handful of retailers revised their fourth quarter and year-end guidance upon reporting their December sales results today. Macy’s Inc. raised its guidance for sales and earnings for the fourth quarter and full year. Same-store sales now are expected to be up 5.3% to 5.5% in the fourth quarter, compared with previous guidance of 4% to 4.5%. Macy’s initial full-year guidance, provided at the beginning of the year, was for samestore sales to increase by approximately 3% in fiscal 2011. Macy’s earnings per share for the full year now are expected to be $2.73 to $2.78, including $1.55 to $1.60 in the fourth quarter. Previously, the retailer expected EPS $1.52 to $1.57 in the fourth quarter and $2.70 to

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$2.75 for the full year. TJX continues to expect fourth quarter EPS of $1.19 to $1.23, but it now expects to take a hit of 3 cents per share from costs related to some store closings in Canada and other onetime items. Following Target’s softerthan-expected holiday season it has lowered fourth quarter expectations to EPS of $1.35 to $1.43. Earlier it had projected EPS of $1.43 to $1.53. Also adjusting after a softer sales performance during the first two months of the quarter, JCPenney now anticipates fourth quarter comps will be down slightly compared to last year. Earnings are expected to be in the range of 65 to 70 cents per share due to lower sales and higher markdowns than it had planned. HTT

Carpenter Co.’s IsoFresh Neutralizes Foam Smell R ICHMOND , VA . — Carpenter Co. has created new chemistry for foam at its Reinhart Technical Center called IsoFresh that mutes the smell in new foam bedding products. IsoFresh changes foam at the molecular level to neutralize odors at their source, the company said. “IsoFresh is the sweet smell of success for the Reinhart Center,” said Dan Schecter, senior vp of consumer products at Carpenter Co. “We look for opportunities to improve how consumers experience bedding products and, based on their feedback, apply the leading scientific and technical resources of the Tech Center to create the best new pillows, mattress pads and mattress toppers available anywhere.” HTT

uxury linens and apparel house 120% Lino has opened its first U.S. store in Miami. It also operates two stores in Italy in Milan and Capri. Previously, 120% Lino sold limited collections in Europe, New York, Japan, Russia, Arabia, Australia, and the Caribbean. Jolanda Marini, who has worked with the brand for 10 years, is the driving force behind the U.S. opening. She plans to expand the brand to California and other warm climate markets in 2012.

Macy’s, Clinton Bring Back “Million Dollar Makeover”

acy’s has paired up yet again with celebrity makeover specialist Clinton Kelly to this week launch the “Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover.” The inaugural contest last year awarded a Wenatchee, Wash. teacher a makeover for her entire family. This year, the competition is focused in three areas: food, fashion and home. The winner will receive $1 million. “I’m thrilled to be back hosting Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover,” said Kelly, who is the co-host of TLC’s “What Not to Wear” and ABC’s “The Chew.” “Last year’s ‘Macy’s Million Dollar Makeover with Clinton Kelly’ generated more than 19,000 entries, and we’re excited that we will again have the opportunity to help make a deserving individual’s dreams a reality,” said Martine Reardon, Macy’s evp of marketing for Macy’s.

1/6/2012 1:37:13 PM

Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

News

> hometextilestoday.com

IFDA to Present Color Session at NYIGF N EW YORK — The New York

Chapter of The International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA) will host “Color: From Theory to Selection” at the New York International Gift Fair and Home Textiles Market at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Jan. 30.

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The session opens at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast followed by presentations from 9 to 10:30 a.m. John Turner, director of architecture and design at Benjamin Moore, will discuss his company’s “Color Pulse 2013” forecast and review the intersection of

directional colors and emerging trends that influence design. That program is IDCEC approved for 0.1 CEU credit and AIA & CES approved for 1.0 credit. Christine Pittel, senior editor for House Beautiful’s Signature Color column, will also speak, focusing on how consum-

ers use color in their homes. The event will take place in Room 1A02-03 at the JavitsCenter (36th Street and 11th Avenue). Reserve online at http:// conta.cc/tZhVt9 or call (212) 686-6020 to learn more about fees and early bird registration discounts. HTT

FTC Extends Deadline for Comments on Textile Act NEW YORK — The Federal Trade

Commission is seeking industry input on potential changes to the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act and has extended the deadline to Feb. 2, according to an advisory bulletin by HFPA counsel Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury. The act currently requires textiles products covered under the regulation to carry a label identifying the generic names and percentage of the item’s constituent fibers, the name under which the manufacturer or other responsible company does business (or its RN number) and the name of the country in which the product was processed or manufactured. The FTC is seeking input on 23 questions, including whether to: • Modify the provision addressing generic fiber names so that the reference to the international standard for manufactured fibers reflects the updated standard; Clarify the provisions addressing textile products containing elastic material and “trimmings;” • Address the use of multiple languages in making required disclosures; • Clarify disclosure requirements applicable to written advertising, including Internet advertising; • Clarify or revise the list of exclusions from the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act; • Add or clarify definitions of terms set forth in the Rules; • Modify its consumer and business education materials and continue printing paper copies of those materials. “The FTC also seeks comment on: (1) the benefits and costs of the requirement of the Textile Act that, under certain circumstances, businesses use identification issued by the FTC; and (2) the extent to which retailers obtain guarantees and continuing guarantees for textile products and whether the extent or manner of importation indicates that the guarantee provisions of the Act and Rules should be modified,” according to attorney Robert Leo. Visit www.ftc.gov/ os/publiccomments.shtm.for comments. HTT

1/6/2012 4:46:17 PM

Lenzing AG, A-4860 Lenzing, Austria

isit and vt e m o a C kfurt ooth our b textil Fran Heim ll 8.0! in Ha

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12/9/2011 9:40:22 AM

Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

News

MSLO Appoints Business Development Execs N E W YO R K — Martha Stew-

art Living Omnimedia Inc. (MSLO) has appointed three new business development executives as well as a new finance and operations executive for its publishing and digital unit. MSLO said these new hires “bring experience from leading brands and media companies,” including NBCUniversal, Marvel Entertainment, Iconix Brand Group and DreamWorks SKG. The appointments are effective immediately. Russell Brown, named svp, consumer products licensing, is responsible for developing and negotiating new merchandising opportunities for all

MSLO brands. He has previously worked for brand licensing companies such as Marvel Entertainment Inc. and Iconix Brand Group Inc. Additionally, the company has appointed Charlie Tiersch as vp, business development, and Colleen Nowers as avp, business development. Both come from NBCUniversal. Tiersch is charged with expanding MSLO’s presence in the digital space and seeking international growth opportunities; Nowers will focus on forging new affiliations for the company’s portfolio of media properties and brands. Claudio Goldbarg has been

named svp, publishing and digital media operations, overseeing all financial operations for MSLO’s publishing business, including budgets, forecasting and reporting, as well as identifying areas of incremental revenue potential and new business opportunities. He previously held financial positions at various media companies, including DreamWorks SKG. “ We a r e p l e a s e d t o b e expanding our team with these new hires as we seek to further extend the breadth and reach of our family of brands and create new growth opportunities for our business,” said Lisa Gersh, MSLO president and coo. HTT

AICO to Show Top of Bed, Accent Furniture at Atlanta Market ATLANTA — AICO announced that it is showing a line of top of bed products and accent furniture in a new permanent showroom here at the Jan. 1118 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. The showroom is in space 9E5 in Building 1. It will feature top of bed products sold in complete sets that include euro shams and feather-filled decora-

tive pillows. “We initially entered the top of bed category to offer our furniture store customers a way to make their beds look better,” said Chuck Reilly, AICO senior vice president of sales and marketing. “However, dealer interest has gone beyond furniture retailers to specialty stores and the design trade. Having a focused presentation in Atlanta will help us pene-

trate these distribution channels.” In addition to top of bed, the showroom will feature a number of occasional tables, storage chests, consoles, entry tables and trunks available in the new Discoveries, Accents by Michael Amini line. This accent collection offers designs and mixed media elements inspired by AICO ceo Amini’s travels around the world. HTT

Charlotte Moss Collection to Debut at Calico Corners KENNETT SQUARE, PA. — Interior

designer Charlotte Moss has created a collection of 92 decorative fabrics and 75 color-coordinated trims for Calico Corners – Calico Home stores and www.calicocorners.com. “I approached this collection almost as if it were a wardrobe for rooms,” said Moss. “I feel fabrics should be instantly appeal-

ing, elegant and comfortable, and adaptable to different rooms and uses.” Some fabrics in the program are inspired by antique textile documents and vintage. Others feature patterns drawn from nature or adapted from motifs she uses in her residential design work. The line includes prints and wovens. “For the customer who loves

traditional design, there are classic patterns, paisleys and vining florals rendered in fresh, updated colors. There is even a design with a printed passementerie border that appears to be a braided trim,” said Lori Cropp, merchandise manager for the Calico Corners – Calico Home stores, which operates more than 90 stores. HTT

CHECK US OUT ON THE WEB

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> hometextilestoday.com

Family Dollar Posts Solid 1Q M ATTHEWS , N.C. — Consum-

ables drove the business during Family Dollar Stores Inc.’s first quarter, which ended as the holiday selling season was ready to begin. Sales of home products made up a smaller slice of the merchandise mix during the quarter ended Nov. 26, accounting for 11.5% of total sales versus 12.7% in the year-ago quarter. Consumables generated 70.3% of total sales in the quarter. Howard Levine, chairman and ceo, said Family Dollar will expand its consumables assortment at the expense of more discretionary categories going forward and will add up to 300 new food items in the second quarter. First quarter net income rose 8.1% to $80.4 million, or 68

cents per share. Sales increased 7.6% to $2.1 billion, with comps up 4.1%. And comparable store sales were up 4.1% — a gain the retailer attributed to a higher average customer transaction value and increased customer traffic, as measured by the number of register transactions. The numbers got a boost from Family Dollar’s opening of 101 new stores, nearly 20% more than in the first quarter last year, including its market entry into California. Levine noted that “the environment continues to be challenging for our customers.” Looking ahead, the company said it anticipates “that many of the trends that occurred in the first quarter will continue in the second quarter.” HTT

HFPA Publishes Standard for Terry Towel Manufacturers NEW YORK — The Home Fash-

ion Products Association (HFPA) has published a standard for the makers of quality residential terry bath towels that is aimed at aiding them to ensure that their customers receive the highest quality products. Gretchen Dale, who serves on the HFPA’s Standards Committee and is board liaison as well as is the coo of Loftex USA, explained that the residential terry bath towel standard is the second published product standard in what will be a series of standards publications.

A standard for residential bed sheets and pillowcases was published in 2010. She added that the HFPA would appreciate more input from industry players on what home furnishings products they think should be selected as the next industry standard for the HFPA to focus on. Additionally, the HFPA Standards Committee is also interested in volunteers to participate in the development of the next standard. Interested parties can contact Dale at gdale@loftexusa. com. HTT

Alok International to Produce Kathy Hilton Home Collection NEW YORK — Alok International, Inc., announced that it has signed a development agreement with Kathy Hilton for home textiles, which will include a spa bedding collectionl The full range of Kathy Hilton products will encompass bedding sets, duvet covers, blankets, towels and window treatments. “The Kathy Hilton Spa & Bedding high-end collection, will be available in retail stores and hos-

pitality markets worldwide,” said Arun Agarwal, ceo and president of Alok “We are excited to work with Mrs Hilton, whom I believe represents the quintessential American lifestyle”. Alok and Hilton will jointly design the line. “Mr. Agarwal and his creative team are allowing me to draw from my recently renovated Bel Air home design for this spectacular collection,” said Hilton. HTT

1/6/2012 2:43:01 PM

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Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

News

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C & F Enterprises to Host Atlanta Market Parties ATLANTA — C & F Enterprises,

manufacturer of indoor and outdoor accessories, will host a beach party at the upcoming Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market, Jan.

11-18, in its showroom in Building 2 (Gift Mart), Suite 1435 on Friday, Jan. 13 and Saturday, Jan. 14 from 4-8 p.m. each day. Party attendees will receive a lei, and those spotted wearing

it throughout the market by the C & F marketing team could win $100 in cash on the spot. C & F is also hosting additional promotions at the Atlanta winter market. With a qualifying

purchase, C & F customers can earn “Sand Dollars” to spend on a future purchase. Customers can also take advantage of free freight on qualifying C & F fall and holiday early-buy orders. HTT

World Market Center, WithIt to Present Programming at Las Vegas Market L A S V EGA S — World Market

Center Las Vegas and WithIt have partnered to provide programming on leadership development during the upcoming Las Vegas Market, which is scheduled for Jan. 30 to Feb. 3. An educational event and a mentoring session are designed for home furnishings professionals, including interior designers and students pursuing careers in design, WMC said. “Our leading-edge campus and engaged communities provide a superior backdrop for WithIt’s leadership programming,” said Robert Maricich, ceo of International Market Centers, the parent company of World Market Center Las Vegas. “We support WithIt’s impact on shaping leaders in our industry, and our hope is to expand our partnership with this fine organization during future editions of Las Vegas Market.” Influential Women in the Home & Design Industry will feature four female business owners who have navigated midstream career changes, the rise of social media marketing, and the emergence of sustainability in design: celebrity interior designer and TV host Kelli Ellis; Mod Mom Furniture owner and product designer Kiersten Hathcock; interior designer and sustainability expert Lori Dennis; and social marketing strategist and WithIt 2012 president Julia Rosien, SocialNorth.com. It will take place Jan. 30 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Building B, 16th Floor, World Forum. The half-day networking event, Energize, will connect female professions and students through showroom tours and roundtable discussions. It takes place Feb. 1 at 8 a.m. in Building C, Suite 344. Showroom tours will begin following brief introductions. The roundtable discussions commerce at 10 a.m. HTT

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Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

Rugs

> hometextilestoday.com

Winter 2012 Rug Preview 1

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

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Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

Rugs

> hometextilestoday.com

Winter 2012 Rug Preview 2

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

2. Couristan uses natural fibers and dyes to produce its new handmade Azari rug, the latest addition to the company’s eco-friendly Chobi collection of 100% hand-spun and hand-knotted rugs. 3. Company C’s new Fly Away rug is adapted from a vintage fabric and features colorful larger-than-life butterflies that sparkle against an un-dyed ground. The butterflies’ wings are enhanced by a mix of hooked and tufted textures as well as novelty high-twist yarns. 4. Jaipur Rugs is looking to create the idyll with its newly created Utopia collection of hand-woven shag rugs made of 100% polyester in India.

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S H O W S P E C I A L S AVA I L A B L E

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Home Textiles Today

Rugs

January 9, 2012

> hometextilestoday.com

Winter 2012 Rug Preview 1

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

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Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

Rugs

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Winter 2012 Rug Preview 1

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

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Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

Rugs

> hometextilestoday.com

Winter 2012 Rug Preview 1

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

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Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

Rugs

> hometextilestoday.com

Atlanta Rug Introductions C&F INDUSTRIES Newport News, Va. (757) 8735688 Red, green, and everything in between is C&F’s self-described approach to the holidays for its newest assortment of seasonal rugs. For the spring and summer, C&F has created a new “Fun in the Sun” grouping of washable accent rugs under the new Parfait collection. And for indoor/outdoor living, C&F is offering welcoming looks in mat sizes. All are set to retail for $35. CAPEL RUGS Troy, N.C. (910) 572-7000 Pow Wow is a new grouping of hand-tufted rugs inspired by “power of Ikat [looks] to wow.” It comes in three patterns interpreted in trend colorways – persimmon, olive and indigo. The rugs are made of 100% wool in India. A 5’x8’ is set to retail for $499. The Diamond collection comprises transitional rug patterns. Made of 55% cotton and 45% jute in India, the rugs come in three serene colorways – linen, slate and coffee. A 5’x8’ rug will retail for $199. CENTRAL ORIENTAL West Warwick, R.I. (401) 828-0030 The company is introducing the Providence collection in honor of its home-state’s capital. Extensively double pointed and drop stitched for added texture, the collection’s rugs are made of 100% heat set polypropylene and are machine-woven in the USA. Providence rugs come in several colorways, including Marquette Black. cmi Pawtucket, R.I. 800-343-9339 Four collections are set for launch at market. Elmwood is an oval flat-braid collection made in a wool-blend and available in six colors – gray, blue, green, rust, evergold, and brown. Brooklyn, also an oval-shaped flat braid grouping, is made of 100% polypropylene and fea-

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tures the company’s Cablelock construction. It comes in mink, gray, blue, green, terracotta, natural and topaz. Natural Wool Hounds-tooth is made of 100% natural wool and also in the Cablelock construction. The rectangular rugs, in a tweed style, come in five color combinations -- natural/light gray, dark gray/light gray, light beige/natural, medium brown/ light beige, and dark brown/medium brown. Tiburon rugs are rectangular flat braids made of 100% polypropylene. Available colors are mink, gray, blue, green, terracotta, and natural. COURISTAN Fort Lee, N.J. (201) 585-8500 Couristan’s new Castello collection spans sophisticated designs based on classic Persian motifs but in completely updated styles and color schemes that feel elegant without being overly formal. The area rug names pay homage to European royal history: Westminster, Tudor, Guinevere and Aragon. Castello is made in a hand-crafted construction, with a lush cut-pile surface made of a New Zealand wool blend that includes viscose highlights. The suggested retail price is $259 for a 5-by-8. Also set for launch is the Azari design, which is being added to Couristan’s eco-friendly Chobi collection. Azari features a rich, saturated color palette of deep red and regal navy. Handmade using natural fibers and dyes, the antique-inspired fashions feature classic Persian motifs. The rugs are 100% handspun and hand-knotted using a distinct Turkoman Knot construction and are woven on horizontal looms. The suggested retail price is $1,999 for a 5-by-8. CREATIVE TOUCH DESIGN STUDIO Secaucus, N.J. (201) 866 1933 Three new collections are up for debut at market. Hemp Patchwork features vintage and hemp pieces in a chevron design. Made in Turkey, the rugs come in various sizes and colors and are priced at $80 per

square foot. A second Hemp Patchworks group, also made of hemp in Turkey and available in assorted sizes and colors, is priced at $60 per square foot. Modern Sari is a silk grouping that is hand-knotted in India. It comes in plain and ikat designs, all available in different colors. These rugs are priced to retail for $100 per square foot. DUE PROCESS STABLE TRADING CO. Edison, N.J. (732) 225-5410 In partnership with Wesley Mancini Ltd., the company is showing its new “Wesley Mancini” rug collection, which includes rugs made of wool, silk, linen, hemp, bamboo, and banana silk. EBISONS HAROUNIAN IMPORTS New York (212) 686-4262 The company has created a new collection of rugs made by hand in China of 100% viscose. Available in three sizes – 4’x6’, 5’x8’ and 6-by-9 – the pieces are priced on average at $1,200. Ebisons called this collection “a welcome addition” to its line for its both casual and modern styles – all designed in-house. HAROUNAIN RUGS INTERNATIONAL New York (212) 545-0657 The new Destiny collection comprises machine-made rugs from China. They employ a special hand-finish process on the 100% wool pile, cut and loop construction. Destiny comes in four designs, six colorways and four sizes. Harounian has added new colors to its best-selling Peshawar collection of rugs that are handknotted in India of a blend of Indian and New Zealand wools. Antique Oushak designs make up the newest additions to the Oushak Crown collection. Inspired by museum pieces, the latest looks comprise contemporary colorations interpreted on the hand-knotted rugs from India. HOMEFIRES Atlanta (800) 782-1198 Homefires is bringing the wild indoors with its new Painted Rain

Forest indoor/outdoor area rug. The washable rug was designed by Mossy Brook and comes in a variety of sizes. It was handhooked in China and comes in five sizes from accent to area dimensions. JAIPUR RUGS Norcross, Ga. (404) 351-2360 Jaipur’s new Utopia collection of hand-woven shag rugs are made of 100% polyester in India. The pieces are designed to be very soft to the touch and contemporary in styling. A 5-by-8 is priced to retail for $350. Jaipur is also adding new designs to its Poeme collection of hand-tufted, 100% wool rugs made in India. Patterns are a “reinvented” traditional, achieved via fresh interpretations of scale and palettes. A 5-by-8 is set to retail for $440. KALATY RUGS New York (212) 683-7222 The new Gramercy collection is handcrafted on a Lori loom of 100% wool and bamboo silk. Its suggested retail price is $1,690 for a 6’x9’. The Heirloom collection is hand-tufted of 100% striated wool. It is set to retail for $945 for a 6’-x-9’. KARASTAN Dalton, Ga. (800) 234-1120 The new Portola Sage rug is Karastan’s latest addition to its Carmel Collection. It features a lush look with earth-tone philodendron leaves nearly blanketing an ivory field, and framed in a simple solid ivory border. As part of the diverse Carmel grouping, Portola Sage is styled for relaxed living with decoratorfriendly, fashion-inspired colors. The collection also features a selection of sophisticated graphic patterns and modern damasks. Portola Sage is woven on Wilton looms in the U.S.A. of premium two-ply nylon yarn. All the rugs in the Carmel Collection can be custom handseamed to create custom size rugs with a quick turn-around. They are available in five sizes that included accent, area, roomsize and runner. The retail price

for a 5-foot-6-inch by 8-foot-3inch is $499. MOMENI Carlstadt, N.J. (201) 549-7220 The new Summit collection is a casual collection of hand-hooked rugs in bold floral and ethnic patterns. Made of 100% polyester, it comes in multiple sizes. The Zen collection, inspired by all things tranquil, is an elegant grouping of hand-tufted rugs. Each piece features rich bamboo silk highlights on the 100% wool ground. Vintage, meant to emulate over-dyed and patchwork handknotted rugs, interprets the look in a power-loomed quality with hand-sheared finishing that gives each design the look of a distressed, antiqued piece. Made of 100% New Zealand wool, it comes in three colors – charcoal, raspberry and sand, as well as in multiple sizes. NOURISON Saddle Brook, N.J. (201) 368-6900 Several collections will be highlighted at market. Rainforest brings the outdoors inside with its hand tufted, 100% polypropylene construction. Hand-made in China, the collection features contemporary, bold, oversized floral and leafy patterns on a variety of background colors — from black to mocha to tan and others. Because it is solution dyed, the colors are vibrant and more resistant to fading. A new indoor/outdoor collection of rugs named Home & Garden features a range of patterns and designs such as floral, scrollwork, and animal-skins in vivid colors. Machine-made in China of 100% polyester, the rugs are soft to walk on, easy to clean with a hose and can withstand almost all outdoor conditions. They are UV protected, fade resistant and mildew proof. Nodding to fashion is the new Joseph Abboud Modelo collection, a group of multi-dimensional rugs that are reflective of mixed media. The group uses cutand-loop piles in varying heights SEE INTROS PAGE 26

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Home Textiles Today

Atlanta Rug Intros ATLANTA FROM PAGE 24 to create modern designs and texture. The rugs are hand tufted with wool and synthetic fiber. The Contour collection spans hand-tufted area rugs featuring transitional and contemporary

January 9, 2012

patterns with a rich color palette. Select rugs include design elements carved deeply into the dense, cut-and-loop pile for a dramatic texture and bold contrast. They are made of 100% polyester and are hand-tufted in China. Sunburst encompasses intricately hand-carved rugs handmade of wool and viscose.

Rugs

The Utopia collection includes striking abstract patterns in muted grays and chromes. These machine-made rugs from China are made of 50% polyacrylic and 50% acrylic. And the 100% wool, handtufted Siam collection draws its inspiration from “the magic and splendor of the East” with its ikat designs that are handmade in In-

> hometextilestoday.com

dia. The rugs feature bold and dramatic traditional patterns that incorporate strong palettes and over-sized design motifs. OW/SPHINX Dalton, Ga. (800) 832-8020 The new Revival is a collection of machine-made rugs designed to offer the customer easy care and affordability paired with fashion.

The rugs feature an over-dyed look in washed shades of aqua, plum, crimson and neutral grays on vintage Persian styling. The Stella collection of machine-made rugs employs tonal shades of gray that are accented with pops of golden citrus colors. Designs include simple geometric patterns, over-scaled large floral motifs, and on-trend ikat looks. Various yarn textures add visual interest and soft hand. SAFAVIEH Port Washington, N.Y. (516) 945-1900 Among the frontrunners of new collections from Safavieh is the company’s first hand-hooked ikat line. The company extended the ikat look to hand-hooked construction and plans to market it with its new Chelsea hooked collection. Eight new designs will be shown, each hand-hooked of

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Safavieh is launching its firstever hand-hooked ikat rugs. Seen here is the Tangerine Tango colorway.

HANDLOOM EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL

THE HANDLOOM EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, No.29A, Rajasekaran Street, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004. TEL : +91- 44 - 28476124 / 28476125 / 28476127, FAX : +91- 44 - 28476126 E-mail : hepc@hepcindia.com, Website : www.hepcindia.com Ministry of Textiles website : www.ministryoftextiles.gov.in

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100% wool and made in China. The designs feature clean, crisp citrus colors, including one ikat in Pantone’s new 2012 color of the year — Tangerine Tango — as well as an updated Suzani motif in the chocolate and Tangerine Tango colorways. A 5foot-3-inch by 8-foot-3-inch is set to retail for $395. Safavieh further nods to Pantone’s new 2012 color of the year with a new selection of rugs in Tangerine Tango. From designer Thom Filicia comes the Retro Reserve collection, inspired by the TV shows “Mad Men” and “Pan Am.” Also SEE ATLANTA PAGE 28

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Home Textiles Today

Rug Introductions INTROS FROM PAGE 24 from Filicia is Duraston, part of an eco-friendly outdoor rug line woven of 100% recycled plastic soda bottles. Architectural and retro-graphic in line and scale and reminiscent of Art Deco, Durston is inspired by the designer’s early childhood impressions of the Manhattan skyline. He uses here bold, young color combinations like Tangerine with Blood Orange.

January 9, 2012

From Martha Stewart comes the new Sprig, a rug design that features branches budding with tiny leaves interpreted on a handtufted construction made in China of finely combed cotton. Safavieh’s new Agra rug combines fashion colors and transitional design while recreating the artistry of carpets woven in 19th century Agra — home of India’s Taj Mahal. The rugs are handknotted onto a cotton warp using specially twisted 100% wool yarns that are space-dyed with natural vegetable dyes. Designer David Easton has created the new Goya Stripe for

Rugs

the Safavieh Couture program. A new addition to his Indian Sojourn collection, Goya Stripe uses tones of tangerine and pink amber to reflect the Indian heritage of the design. Safavieh developed a special Soumak weave to capture the handmade character of authentic ikat textiles that Easton collects during his Silk Route travels to study weaving cultures. The rugs are hand-knotted in India of 100% wool. Safavieh is also introducing the new Vintage collection, inspired by the fashion trend of recycling old rugs and over-dyeing them in brilliant colors to

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hide stains and flaws. The rugs are power-loomed in Belgium of 100% organic viscose yarn in a low-cut pile with the threadbare appearance of worn ikat rugs. SHAW LIVING Dalton, Ga. (706) 965-0954 While maintaining the casual sophistication and tropical elegance of the Tommy Bahama brand, Shaw has added several new tribal, suzani, ikat and Greek key motifs to the program to expand the brand’s Ocean Club and Road to Canberra collections. The new rugs — spanning 31 designs — are

machine woven domestically using Shaw’s “EverTouch” recyclable nylon. The palette includes neutrals, blues, greens and browns as well as more vibrant hues like deep blues, rich reds, earthy brown/black. The existing Newport collection of domestically produced 100% olefin machine-made rugs is being expanded with 25 sophisticated new looks. They range from ornate scrollwork to contemporary lines interpreted in a modern palette of smoky gray, silver, brown and beige accents with overly saturated blue and fresh green.

Atlanta Rug Market ATL FROM PAGE1

“Winter markets are so important to assist in getting stores stocked and ready with new product for the upcoming year,” she added. And this year, retailers will be looking for both fashion and basics, Barta expects. “Retailers want the safe, triedand-true product that they know will sell,” she said. “But at the same time, they want to update stores with the latest trends as well as a few pieces that make the store stand out from others.” Steve Roan, vp of Sugar Valley, Ga.-based Karastan Rugs noted that “initial indications from Atlanta [AmericasMart] management are that pre-registrations are up, fairly significantly.” He added that the company has made “numerous appointments with the major accounts that usually attend, and we are seeing some of the mid-level home furnishings accounts indicating they will be attending. We are optimistic that attendance will be increased.” Expressing more guarded optimism about the rug market’s buyer attendance is Allen Robertson, vp of sales for Troy, N.C.-based Capel Rugs. “My expectations are that traffic will be slightly improved,” Robertson explained. “We have more dealers telling us they plan to attend than last year. I think that many have decided to concentrate on selling to [consumers who] are employed and that can still buy.” Capel is counting on its recent partnership with HGTV celebrity designer Genevieve

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Surya’s new Mezzo collection features whimsical designs, like the one seen here, on a hand-tufted, 100% polyester construction made in China.

Shaw is expanding its Newport collection with 25 new sophisticated patterns that range from ornate scrollworks to crisp contemporary lines.

Gorder to increase its showroom traffic this market. “Dealers will definitely be looking for what’s new to be the catalyst to grow business,” Robertson continued. “We will continue our emphasis on ‘Capel New Style Point Of View’ by showing 96 fresh new rugs at Atlanta. Most manufacturers

expects more retailers to attend the January market than did a year ago. Most will be emphasizing price points, he believes. “I still see most of the action at the more promotional price points,” he explained. “I continue to be surprised by both the vendors entering the promotional markets and the deal-

are already selling basic product at the lowest possible prices. Dealers may buy basics in anticipation of rising prices in the spring. Of course, Made-in-theUSA will continue to be a large traffic builder.” Jim Thompson, vp of sales and marketing at Central Oriental in West Warwick, R.I., said he

ers who are hanging these rugs. Retailers who in the past would never entertain a $299 retail [for an] 8-by-10 [size area rug] are now offering and selling these price points. So, at the market more buyers will be looking for good looking rugs that retail at key promotional price points.” HTT

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Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

Stores Galore

It Looked a Lot Like Christmas… All Around the World

Anthropologie in London captured much of the spirit of Christmas 2011 with a vintage-inspired window featuring fresh twists on classic holiday themes. Repurposed drawers and luggage were a popular display prop this year. More photos on pages 32, 34 and 36

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s the dust settles on December, we are learning that the holiday shopping season of 2011 was at least a little bit more positive from a business perspective than many people had forecast. But what kind of a season was it from a visual perspective? To find out, HTT asked Stylesight, the industry-leading global content and technology provider for professionals in the style, fashion and design sectors, to give us their take on displays and window fashions from retailers around the world. Oona McSweeney, vp of retail and special markets for Stylesight, was our tour guide: “For Holiday 2011, retailers offered displays that enticed consumers with glittery fantasy scenes and charming nostalgia. A wave of serene white-on-white holiday displays washed over store windows with cool and frosty shades of snow to winter white layered for depth. “Arctic scenes were a common theme, with

frosted trees and windows, snowdrifts, mirrors, crystals and winter animals lending a fairytale effect with turquoise, blue and violet lighting to further enhance the icy scenes. A shower of glitter and tinsel in shades of gold, white and silver was scattered atop displays, tables and floors for a twinkling final touch. “On a more nostalgic note, many retailers featured fresh twists on classic holiday themes. The small town holiday bazaar inspired many displays with a charming mix of vintage props including repurposed luggage and crates. “Curated assortments of hand-crafted soft goods, retro kitchenware and holiday décor were gift-ready with hand-written tags and vintage gift packaging nearby. Rustic touches including twine, twigs, evergreen boughs and fresh garland lent a low-key note of holiday spirit. “On the luxury end, opulent displays featured special occasion tabletop, luxe linens and soft goods layered with abandon on sleighs and designer beds.” HTT

1/5/2012 3:58:14 PM

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Stores Galore

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1. Liberty of London made a big statement with this classic white sleigh window display, complete with a plethora of packages waiting to be unwrapped.

2. Anthropologie in New York set a winter tableau with a display showcasing its home and gift assortment, carefully edited as always. 3. Harrods in London went for the morning-after look, mixing fashion and furniture with a bit of the bubbly for a great window display. Continued on page 34

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CONNEXION ON MARCH 3, 2012 IN NEW YORK

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Stores Galore

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1. Liberty of London was one of several retailers to use a bazaar theme, mixing product with vintage props to showcase a variety of products presented in a cohesive display. 2. B Store in Tokyo used hand-written tags on its holiday merchandise, a technique several stores around the world employed for a nostalgic feel. 3. Urban Outfitters in Los Angeles found a new way to build a classic Christmas tree, stringing up toys and small gifts in a simple yet eye-catching in-store display. Continued on page 36

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January 9, 2012

Stores Galore

1. Anthropologie in New York was a big fan of the retro look, setting knitted goods against a rustic wall, another theme many stores used for their holiday motifs.

2. Selfridges in London went with a serene winter whiteon-white holiday theme washed with cool and frosty shades of snow and glitter. 3. Zara Home in Milan proved you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put too many pillows on a bed in a window display accented with a very furry Christmas tree. 4. Printemps in Paris layered on the snowy glitter to this tableware setting for a twinkling finishing touch, a technique found at several retailers. All photos from Stylesight.

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PEOPLETodaY Duban to Head Sales at Covington Fabric and Design N EW YORK — Covington Fab-

ric & Design has hired Robert Duban as executive vp of sales. The 30-year veteran of the home furnishings and contract textile industry was most recently senior vp of sales for The Robert Allen Group. Prior to joining Robert Allen in 2003, he held various sales management positions with F. Schumacher and Decorators’ Walk. Duban will report to Greg

Tarver, Covington’s president ceo, who joined CFD from Robert Allen last September. “Robert is a highly respected sales executive with a proven track record in both the home fashions and contract markets. He will head our efforts in these areas, and will also manage sales for our export division,” said Tarver. Tarver continued, “Robert joining us is another example of the commitment to CFD’s

future by the Kahan and Rifkin families..” CFD was established in 2008 when the Kahan and Rifkin families acquired the assets of Covington Industries, which was founded in 1944. In addition to new offices located at 470 Fashion (7th) Ave., New York, NY 10018, CFD maintains a distribution center in Calhoun Falls, SC, and offices in High Point, NC and Haining City, China. HTT

Woller to Head Upholstery Division at Theodore Alexander HIGH POINT, N.C. — Luxury fur-

high-end upholstery experience, niture maker Theodore including key manageAlexander has appointed ment positions with Thomas Woller to the Baker Furniture and new position of president Sherrill Furniture. of its upholstery division. Most recently, Woller Woller will be responwas the upholstery sible for expanding the business unit mancompany’s fabric upholager with the Kohler stery lines for the Theo- THOMAS WOLLER Interiors Group with Theodore dore Alexander, Althorp direct responsibilAlexander’ Living History and Keno ity for the Baker and Bros. brands. He will be Dapha upholstery based in Theodore Alexander’s product lines. U.S. headquarters here and will In his new position, Woller report to ceo Harvey Dondero. will manage upholstery product Woller has many years of development, marketing and

manufacturing, including technical oversight for the upholstery operations at the company’s facility in Vietnam. All upholstery products will be sold globally through the existing Theodore Alexander sales force and distribution network. “Consolidating the management of our upholstery business meets the next phase of our strategic growth initiative,” said Dondero. “Having Thom lead the division provides us with an enormous amount of expertise and creativity moving forward.” HTT

Scheps Moving on From Hudson Inds. R ICHMOND , VA . — Lonnie Scheps, senior vp of Hudson Industries, has announced he is leaving Hudson Industries this month after 11 years of leading Hudson’s consumer division. Scheps said he has decided to pursue other opportunities and will soon announce his next position. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my relationship with Hudson and the tremendous opportunities it presented,” Scheps said. Scheps joined Hudson following his tenure as vp with The Carpenter Company, where he LONNIE SCHEPS launched its consumer division. Previously, he was vp for the former decorative fashion accessory manufacturer Decorite, Inc. HTT

Solomon Joins Levinsohn Textiles N EW YORK — Levinsohn Textile has hired Janet Solomon as senior vp of sales to direct the company’s sales force and coordinate its new product initiatives. Solomon has more than 25 years experience, including senior positions at Macy’s, Home Innovations, and Sure Fit. Most recently, she was senior vp of sales at Ginsey, Inc. “In our search for a sales executive we targeted someone with product launch experience who could accelerate the

growth of our new businesses. We are confident that Janet’s track record of success in sales, combined with her experience in product development and directing sales teams, will be a great asset to us,” said Adam Levinsohn, Levinsohn Textile’s president. “ “Levinsohn Textile is poised for record growth, making my decision to join the strong management team here an easy one,” said Solomon. “I look forward to taking Levinsohn into new retailer partnerships and new product categories.” HTT

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January 9, 2012

BUSINESS TodaY Shoppers Flocked to Off-Pricers in December N EW YORK — Christmas stock-

ing were filled, it seems, with value-priced gifts from off-price retailers, leading Ross Stores and TJX Cos. to ring up the strongest comp store sales results in December. In both cases, comps beat expectations. Pleasanton, Calif.-based Ross Stores’ vice chairman and ceo, Michael Balmuth, said his company is “very pleased with our much stronger than expected sales gains in December,” noting Ross’ 9% comp jump reflected “value-seeking shoppers continue to respond favorably to the wide array of compelling name brand bargains throughout our stores. Juniors and shoes were the best-performing merchandise categories, while geographic trends were broad-based.” Similarly, Framingham, Mass.-based TJX Cos. was “ex-

10.0%

tional retail environment, and to clear cold weather apparel in this unseasonably warm winter … I am also delighted that sales were strong at every division and that both of our international businesses performed very well.” As a result, TJX is entering

WINNERS AND LOSERS Same-store sales % change

WINNERS Ross Stores TJX Cos. Macy’s Inc. Costco Wholesale Corp. Dillard’s Inc. Target Corp. JCPenney Co.

9.0 8.0 6.2 6.0 4.0 1.6 0.3

The Bon-Ton Stores Fred’s Inc. Duckwall-Alco Kohl’s Corp.

(0.7) (0.4) (0.3) (0.1)

5.5% 4.0% 2.5% 1.0% -0.5% -2.0%

2011 SALES

2010 SALES

TOTAL % CHG.

The Bon-Ton Stores Inc.

$505.2

$510.8

(1.1)

Costco Wholesale Corp. b

$10,050.0

$9,190.0

9.0

6.0

Dillard’s Inc. c Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. Fred’s Inc. J. C. Penney Company Inc. Kohl’s Corp. Macy’s Inc. Ross Stores Inc. Stein Mart Inc. Target Corp. The TJX Companies Inc.

$1,108.7 $66.8 $213.0 $2,886.0 $3,246.0 $4,925.0 $1,149.0 $166.0 $10,138.0 $3,300.0

$1,078.9 $65.6 $210.5 $2,955.0 $3,192.0 $4,618.0 $1,008.0 $163.0 $9,882.0 $3,000.0

3.0 1.7 1.0 (2.3) 1.7 6.6 14.0 (0.2) 2.6 8.0

4.0 (0.3) (0.4) 0.3 (0.1) 6.2 9.0 0.0 1.6 8.0

September Same-Store Sales

SAME-STORE % CHG.

(0.7)

48 WEEKS 2011 SALES

2011 year-over-year

7.0%

Five weeks ended December 31, 2011 (dollar amounts in millions) a

LOSERS

3.5%

8.5%

DECEMBER SALES FOR KEY RETAILERS

The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. de

Costco Wholesale Corp. Dillard’s Inc. Duckwall-ALCO Stores Inc. Fred’s Inc. J. C. Penney Company Inc. Kohl’s Corp. Macy’s Inc. Ross Stores Inc. Stein Mart Inc. Target Corp. The TJX Companies Inc.

2010 SALES

TOTAL % CHG.

SAME-STORE % CHG.

$2,710.3

$2,800.4

-3.2

(2.8)

$33,180.0 $5,835.5 $455.3 $1,747.0 $16,459.0 $17,962.0 $25,070.0 $8,125.0 $1,100.3 $63,858.0 $21,800.0

$29,780.0 $5,653.9 $435.2 $1,713.0 $16,855.0 $17,566.0 $23,693.0 $7,425.0 $1,118.7 $51,522.0 $20,600.0

11.0 3.0 4.6 2.0 (2.4) 2.3 5.8 9.0 (1.6) 4.0 6.0

6.0 4.0 3.2 0.7 0.7 0.6 5.4 5.0 (1.0) 2.9 4.0

a. Reporting periods vary among key retailers. b. Costco’s December comp results are for the U.S. division and do not include the positive impacts of inflation in gasoline prices or the “slightly negative” impact from foreign currencies. Including those impacts, comps for the month were up 7.0% in the U.S. division, 9.0% in the international division, and 7.0% for the total company. c. Dillard’s results reflect merchandise sales for the 36 days ended January 1, 2012.

d. Because it is on a different fiscal calendar than the other key retailers on this list, Costco’s year-to-date sales and comp results reflect the past 18-week period. e. Costco’s year-to-date comp results are for the U.S. division and do not include the positive impacts of inflation in gasoline prices or the “slightly positive” impact from foreign currencies. Including those impacts, comps for the month were up 6.0% in the U.S. division, 10.0% in the international division, and 7.0% for the total company.

Johnson Redbook Index

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

tremely pleased with our December comp sales increase of 8%, which significantly exceeded our expectations,” remarked ceo Carol Meyrowitz. Not surprisingly, she said TJX is convinced that “value remains critically important to consumers, and that our great values, brands, and gift-giving selections drove large increases in customer traffic during the month.” TJX, she continued, made “a strategic decision to price aggressively in order to reinforce our value position in a very promo-

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2012 with “very lean inventories and the flexibility to ship fresh merchandise with great values to our stores,” Meyrowitz summed. Close behind with a 6.2% comp gain was Cincinnati-based Macy’s. While not an off-pricer, the department store is “solidly on track to exceed our expectations for same-store sales in the fourth quarter,” said Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and ceo. Little Rock, Ark.-based Dillard’s has been enjoying stronger sales and comp trends in re-

cent months, and December was no different. The department store chain posted the fifth strongest comp results — up 4.0% — among the 12 key retailers tracked monthly by HTT. Driving the gain were sales in shoes and cosmetics, both of which were significantly above trend during the 36-day holiday selling period ended Jan. 1. However, sales in the home and furniture category were significantly below trend. A 1.6% comp was “below expectation” for Target Corp. in Minneapolis, as growth in the grocery and beauty categories offset softness in electronics and music, movies and books, said Gregg Steinhafel, chairman,

president and ceo. Target’s sales and traffic were strongest in the week leading up to Christmas as shoppers waited to shop for last-minute gifts, he added. “In 2012, we’ll continue to pursue initiatives designed to deliver compelling value and a superior shopping experience against the backdrop of continued slow and volatile economic growth,” Steinhafel said. Children’s apparel and women’s accessories were the top performing merchandise divisions for Plano, Texas-based JCPenney in December. But not good enough to keep the company from generating a 0.3% comp decline Still, while overall sales and

traffic were softer than anticipated, the company noted better trends in its stores during the week leading up to Christmas and increases in traffic and orders on jcp.com during the key holiday shopping periods of the week after Thanksgiving and the week before Christmas. Only one retailer on HTT’s list maintained flat comps. Jacksonville, Fla.-based Stein Mart said its ladies’ casual sportswear, accessories and intimate apparel exceeded company trend in December, while ladies’ boutique and career sportswear as well as home textiles, experienced weaker trends. Four major retailers on HTT’s monthly roundup — Kohl’s, SEE SALES PAGE 42

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Business

Consumer Confidence Index Improved in December NEW YORK — The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index in December went up again following an uptick in November. The Index now stands at 64.5 (1985=100), up from 55.2 in November. Also, the Present Situation Index increased to 46.7 from 38.3, and the Expectations Index rose to 76.4 from 66.4. The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey, based on a probability-design random sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen. The cutoff date for the preliminary results was Dec. 14. “After two months of considerable gains, the Consumer Confidence Index is now back to levels seen last spring (April 2011, 66.0),” noted Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center. “Consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions improved again. Looking ahead, consumers are more optimistic that business conditions, employment prospects, and their financial situations will continue to get better. While consumers are ending the year in a somewhat more upbeat mood, it is too soon to tell if this is a rebound

from earlier declines or a sustainable shift in attitudes.” Consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved in December. Those stating business conditions are “good” increased to 16.6% from 13.9%, while those stating business conditions are “bad” declined to 33.9% from 38.0%. Consumers’ assessment of the job market was also more positive. Those claiming jobs are “plentiful” increased to 6.7% from 5.6%, while those claiming jobs are “hard to get” decreased to 41.8% from 43.0%. Consumers’ short-term outlook also improved in December. The proportion of consumers expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months increased to 16.7% from 13.7%, while those expecting business conditions will worsen declined to 13.4% from 16.1%. Consumers’ outlook for the job market was also more favorable. Those anticipating more jobs in the months ahead increased to 13.3% from 12.4%, while those anticipating fewer jobs declined to 20.2% from 23.8%. The proportion of consumers expecting an increase in their incomes improved to 17.1% from 14.1%. HTT

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Pier 1 Holiday Sales up 11.3% in December F ORT WORTH , TEXAS — Pier 1 Imports said that its same-store sales for the five-week period ended Dec. 31 were up 11.3% from a year earlier. The gain was on top of a 10.3% same-store gain in the five weeks ended Jan. 1, 2011. In the past three years, samestore sales have grown a cumulative 30.2%, the Fort Worthbased retailer said. “Our December comp store sales increase of 11.3%, on top of last year’s comp store sales increase of 10.3%, was primarily driven by increases in traffic and average ticket,” said Alex Smith, president and ceo. “The strong sales trend during the first half of the month continued through the final

NPD Shares Home Fashions Facts P O R T W A S H I N G T O N , N.Y. —

Consumer and retail research firm The NPD Group released a list of interesting — and fun — facts it discovered about the home fashions industry over 2011. Dubbed “Home for the Holidays: The NPD Group Reports - What You Didn’t Know About Home Fashions,” the list comprises seven findings garnered between December 2010

Chain Sales SALES FROM PAGE 40

Duckwall-ALCO , Fred’s and Bon-Ton reported comp declines — but each was down 1% or less. For Menomonee Falls, Wis.based Kohl’s, its 0.1% comp dip in December had a silver lining — it was better than the 6.2% comp decline it recorded in November. Another positive note for the period: “Our e-commerce business increased 48% over last year and we remain on track to hit $1 billion in e-commerce sales for fiscal 2011,” said Kevin Mansell, chairman, president and ceo. The hardest hit in December was York, Pa.-based Bon-Ton.

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through November 2011 via NPD Group’s Consumer Tracking Service. Here’s what NPD found: • Nearly 10% of home fashions dollar sales came from online purchases in the 12 months ending November 2011; • More dollars were spent on placemats than tablecloths; • Most tablecloths sold had a pattern or print;

• Among kitchen and dining home fashions purchased for a special occasion, the majority were for Christmas or Hanukkah; • White is the top selling color of bedding; • Most bedding sold is 100% cotton; • More than 85% of home fashions were purchased by women. HTT

“Cold-weather categories, which are highly profitable and represent approximately 25% of our business in December, were down mid-teens on a percentage basis,” explained Tony Buccina, vice chairman, president – merchandising. “December sales and margin were negatively impacted by unseasonably mild weather in all our markets throughout the month.” Bon-Ton’s best performing businesses included hard home, cosmetics, fine jewelry, children’s and better apparel; its poorest performing businesses, aside from cold-weather merchandise, were intimates, moderate traditional men’s and ladies’ apparel and moderate tradition-

al handbags and shoes. “Our strategic growth initiatives continue to do well in our pilot stores, including sales growth in updated merchandise, which again significantly outperformed total company in sales growth as it has since mid-September,” Buccina said. “Additionally, our December ending inventory is fresher than last year, reflecting the aggressive markdowns taken during the month.” The Johnson Redbook SameStore Sales Index for December was up 3.5%. Among the retailers tracked by Redbook — which includes department stores, discounters, and apparel specialists — 67% posted comps gains and 32% posted declines. HTT

days leading up to Christmas and the week thereafter, with strength throughout every geographic region of the country. Merchandise margins remained strong in December with good sell-through of our holiday assortments,” Smith said. He added that merchandise margins for the fourth quarter are expected to be about 59% of sales. “As we end our seasonal clearance event, we are very excited about our new spring product, which is now arriving in stores,” Smith said. Pier 1’s fiscal fourth quarter ends Feb. 25, and the company plans to report financial results March 1. HTT

Same-store sales

Comps Strong in December’s Final Week N EW YORK — The Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Index was up 4.9% in the fifth and final week of December following a 4.3% gain the prior week. Month-to-date, December was up 3.7% compared to December of last year, exceeding Redbook’s target of a 3.6% gain. Month-over-month showed a 2.1% drop compared to November, better than the 2.3% drop Redbook had forecasted. Sales on the days immediately following Christmas “were well above expectations, with customers taking advantage of deeper markdowns as well as exchanging and returning gifts and redeeming gift cards,” noted Catlin Levis, Redbook analyst. “There were reports of significant upside performance surprises at some department stores, which tend to be more promotional than the discount stores this time of year,” she said. January closes the fiscal year for most retailers. Redbook has set a preliminary target for a 2.9% year-over-year gain in samestore sales for the month and expects January comps to outperform December by 1.6%. HTT

Johnson Redbook Index Fifth week of December, year-over-year % change WEEK ENDED

12/3 12/10 12/17 12/24 12/31 MONTH TARGET

Department stores* Discounters Redbook Index

2.7 3.5 3.2

2.2 3.3 2.9

3.0 3.7 3.4

3.5 4.8 4.3

4.8 5.0 4.9

3.2 4.1 3.7

3.1 3.9 3.6

*Including chain stores and traditional department stores Source: Johnson Redbook Index

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Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

Calendar +32 9-243-84-50 www.intirio.be

January 9 – 10

29 – February 2

Dallas Fabric Show Dallas Market Hall, Dallas (214) 655-6100 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

CGTA Gift Show Toronto International Centre; Toronto Congress Centre, Toronto (416) 679-0170 www.cgta.org/Assoc/Home.aspx

11 – 14 Heimtextil Frankfurt Fair & Exhibition Center Frankfurt am Main, Germany (770) 984-8016 heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

29 – March 3 Intertextil Shanghai Home – Spring Edition Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai, China +852 2238 9983 www.messefrankfurt.com/hk

March

30 – February 3

Las Vegas Market World Market Center, Las Vegas (702) 599-9621 lasvegasmarket.com

Home Textiles Today’s New York Winter Market Kickoff Party (646) 805-0226 www.hometextilestoday.com

11 – 18 Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com

5–8 New York Home Fashions Market Home Fashion Products Association (212) 297-2122 (Kellen Co.) www.homefashionproducts.com

12 – 15 14 – 16

The Atlanta International Area Rug Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com

Interstoff Asia Essential— Spring Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. (852) 2238-9917 www.interstoff.messefrankfurt.com

14 – 17 The Canadian Home Furnishings Market (TCHFM) The International Centre Mississauga, Ontario (514) 866-3631 www.tchfm.com

17 – 23 CMC Gift & Home Market California Market Center Los Angeles www.californiamarketcenter.com

14 – 17

18 – 24

Domotex Hannover Hannover Fairgrounds, Hannover, Germany (609) 987-1202 www.domotex.de

Dallas Holiday & Home Expo Dallas Market Center, Dallas (214) 655-6100 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

National Retail Federation Convention & EXPO Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York (202) 626-8162 www.nrf.com

16 – 18 Texworld USA Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York (770) 984-8016 www.texworldusa.com

16 – 22 imm cologne The Exhibition Center Cologne, Germany (773) 326-9920 or +49-221-821-0 www.imm-cologne.com

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Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas Market Center, Dallas (214) 655-6100 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

20 – 23 F!NDS Dallas Temp Show World Trade Center, Market Hall, Dallas (214) 655-6100 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

Surfaces Mandalay Bay Convention Center Las Vegas (866) 860-1975 www.surfaces.com

New York Home Textiles Market Week At 7 W New York (Jan. 27 to Feb. 2) At the New York International Gift Fair at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center & Pier 94, (Jan. 28 to Feb. 2) At 230 Fifth Avenue (Jan. 28 to Feb. 2) (914) 421-3200 www.nyhometextilesmarketweek. com

28 – February 2

Maison & Objet Parc des Expositions, Paris-Nord Villepinte, Paris (888) 522-5001 www.maison-objet.com

New York International Gift Fair Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Passenger Ship Terminal Piers, New York (800) 272-7469 www.nyigf.com

22 – 25

29 – February 1

Interiors Birmingham The National Exhibition Centre

Intirio Flanders Expo, Gent, Belgium

20 – 24

17 – 19

24 – 26

27 – February 2 18 – 24

15 – 18

(NEC), Birmingham, UK +44 (0) 20 7921 8408 www.interiorsbirmingham.com

February 5–9 Spring Fair The National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, UK (609) 921-0222 www.springfair.com

10 – 14 Ambiente Frankfurt Fair & Exhibition Center, Frankfurt am Main, Germany (770) 984-8016 www.ambiente.messefrankfurt. com/frankfurt

Atlanta Spring Gift , Home Furnishings and Holiday Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com

22 – 25 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas Market Center, Dallas (800) 325-6587 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

25 –28 ASD Las Vegas Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas (310) 481-7300 www.asdamd.com

13 – 16 Texworld Paris Le Bourget Exhibition Centre, Paris +33-155-268-989 www.texworld.messefrankfurt.com

14 – 16 Expofil Parc des Expositions, Paris-Nord Villepinte, France +33 (0)4 72 60 65 55 www.expofil.com

27 – 29 Domotex asia/CHINAFLOOR Shanghai New International Convention Center, Shanghai, China +86-21-6247-7668 www.domotexasiachinafloor.com

April 3–5 Lineapelle Fair District, Bologna, Italy +39-02-880-7711 www.lineapelle-fair.it

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Home Textiles Today

Janaury 9, 2012

360 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y. 10010 Tel: (646) 805-0227; Fax: (646) 365-2307 www.hometextilestoday.com www.facebook.com/httmag

Calendar

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

21 – 26

3–6

24 – 26

High Point Market International Home Furnishings Center (IHFC), High Point, N.C. (336) 869-1000 www.highpointmarket.org

Showtime Fabric Fair Market Square, Textile Tower, High Point, N.C. (336) 885-6842 www.itma-showtime.com

Texworld USA Jacob K. Javits Center, New York (770) 984-8016 ext. 401 www.texworldusa.com

12 – 14

24 – 26

Licensing International Expo Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas (212) 951-6612 www.licensingexpo.com

Home Textiles Sourcing Jacob K. Javits Center, New York 770 984 8016 www.HomeTextilesSourcing.com

26 – 28 gulfBID Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain +973-1729-3131 www.gulfbidexhibition.com

24 – 26 Vision10: International Window Coverings EXPO Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta (651) 293-1544 www.wf-vision.com

May

15 – 17 Hospitality & Design Show Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas (508) 743-8502 www.hdexpo.com

16 – 20 Evteks CNR Expo, Istanbul, Turkey +90-212-465-74-75 www.cnrevteks.com/

19 – 22 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York (914) 421-3200 www.icff.com

June

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CONTRIBUTING GRAPHIC ARTIST Desiree Nunez (646) 805-0233 | dnunez@giftsanddec.com DIRECTOR OF MARKET RESEARCH Dana French (336) 605-1091 | dfrench@sandowmedia.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, ACCOUNT MANAGER CHINA Jeff Reeves (336) 605-1009 | jreeves@hometextilestoday.com

30 – August 3 Las Vegas Market World Market Center and Pavilions, Las Vegas (702) 599-9621 www.lasvegasmarket.com

CLASSIFIED AD SALES Spencer Whittle (336) 605-1027 swhittle@sandowmedia.com Karen Hancock (336) 605-1047 khancock@sandowmedia.com

August

MANAGER, EUROPE Mirek Kraczkowski Tel: 48 22 401 70 01; Fax: 48 22 401 70 16 | kraczko@aol.com

20-26 Dallas Holiday & Home Expo Dallas Market Center, Dallas (800) 325-6587 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

20 – 26 Dallas Total Home & Gift Market Dallas Market Center, Dallas (800) 325-6587 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

22 – 25 F!NDS Dallas Temp Show World Trade Center, Market Hall, Dallas (214) 655-6116 www.dallasmarketcenter.com

27 – 30 & July 4 – 7 New Designers Business Design Centre, London 020-7288-6738 www.newdesigners.com

July 10 - 12 Global Sources China Sourcing Fair Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami

12-15 ASD/AMD Las Vegas Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV (310) 481-7300 www.asdamd.com

17-23 New York Home Textiles Market Week Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York At 7W Aug. 17-23 At 230 Fifth Ave. Aug. 18-23 (800) 272-7469 www.nyhometextilesmarketweek.com

18 – 23 New York International Gift Fair Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Pier 94, New York (914) 421-3200 www.nyigf.com

27 - 30 Textile House South America Anhembi Exhibition Pavilion São Paulo (SP), Brazil (+55 11) 2105-7000 www.grafitefeiras.com.br

11 – 18 The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com

1–3 Interior Lifestyle (Ambiente/Heimtextil/HomeDesign) Japan International Exhibition Center (Tokyo Big Sight), Tokyo +81-3-3262-8453 www.interior-lifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR Julie Murphy (646) 805-0224 | jmurphy@hometextilestoday.com

NeoCon World’s Trade Fair The Merchandise Mart, Chicago (800) 677-6278 www.merchandisemart.com/neocon

20 – 22 Surtex Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York (914) 421-3200 www.surtex.com

SENIOR EDITOR Cecile B. Corral 428 Bianca Ave. Coral Gables, FL 33146 (305) 661-7493 | cbcorral@aol.com

11-13

8 – 10 Proposte Villa Erba in Cernobbio, Como, Italy +39-02-643-4054 www.propostefair.it

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

12-15 The Atlanta International Area Rug Market AmericasMart, Atlanta (404) 220-3000 www.americasmart.com

29-31 Intertextil Show Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai, China (852) 2238-9983 www.messefrankfurt.com/hk

September 7-11 Maison & Objet Parc des Expositions, Paris-Nord Villepinte, Paris, France (888) 522-5001

ACCOUNT MANAGER NORTHEAST/MIDWEST/ WEST COAST/CANADA Mary McLoughlin (646) 805-0227 | mmcloughlin@hometextilestoday.com

MANAGER, INDIA Kaushal Shah Cell: 91-9821715431; Tel: 91-22-6663 4597 / 24988658 Fax: 91-22-66634596 | Kaushal@kaushals.com ONLINE SALES MANAGER Penny Schneck (336) 605-1084 | pschneck@sandowmedia.com PRODUCTION MANAGER Rich Lamb Tel: (336) 605-1074; Fax: (336) 605-1143 | rlamb@ sandowmedia.com DIRECTOR, WEB OPERATIONS Chris Schultz | (336) 605-1076 | cschultz@sandowmedia.com MANAGER, CLIENT SERVICES, WEB ADVERTISING Dan Sage | (336) 605-1080 | dsage@sandowmedia.com E-MEDIA PROJECT MANAGER Missy Axe | (336) 605-1005 | maxe@sandowmedia.com DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE MARKETING Allison Ternes (704) 573-9007 | aternes@sandowmedia.com PRESIDENT, FURNITURE TODAY GROUP Kevin Castellani (336) 605-1034 | kcastellani@sandowmedia.com FOUNDING EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Carole Sloan 1979-2011

SANDOW MEDIA PRESIDENT AND CEO Adam I. Sandow CFO/COO Christopher Fabian VP CREATIVE AND EDITORIAL Yolanda E. Yoh EVP, GROUP PUBLISHER James N. Dimonekas SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.A. (866) 456-0405 All other countries: (515) 247-2984 HTTcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com FAX SUBSCRIPTIONS: 1-866-310-7181 THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY® 360 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010 Telephone: (646) 805-0227 Fax: (646) 365-2307 USPS 497-490 HOME TEXTILES TODAY (USPS 497-490) (ISSN 0195-3184) is published 29 times a year except for the weeks of 1/16, 2/6, 2/20, 3/12, 3/26, 4/9, 4/23, 5/7, 5/21, 6/4, 6/18, 7/2, 7/16, 7/30, 8/13, 8/27, 9/17, 10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 11/26, 12/10, 12/24 by Furniture/Today Media Group, 360 Park Avenue South, 17th fl., New York, NY, 10010 a subsidiary of Sandow Media LLC, 3731 NW 8th Ave, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. HOME TEXTILES TODAY copyright ©2012 by Sandow Media LLC. Annual subscription rates: U.S. and Canada $169.97; 1 year, other countries $325.99 for surface mail . All payments must be made in U.S. currency. Subscription inquiries: HOME TEXTILES TODAY, PO Box 5879, Harlan, IA 51593-1379. Phone: (866) 456-0405. HOME TEXTILES TODAY and THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY are registered trademarks of Sandow Media LLC, used under license. Sandow Media LLC does not assume and hereby disclaims liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions in the material contained herein, regardless of whether such errors result from negligence, accident or any other cause whatsoever. (Posted under Canadian International Publication Agreement No.40624074. Sandow Media/CDS (Mint Hill) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to HOME TEXTILES TODAY, P.O. Box 5879, Harlan, IA, 51593-1379 Email: HTTcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: RCS International; APC; PO Box 503, RPO West Beaver Creek, Rich Hill, ON L4B 4R6

1/6/2012 3:25:09 PM

March 4-8,2012 Spring NY Home Fashions Market Week Major Showroom Buildings Throughout Market

For exhibition space, please contact: Joe Carena, Show Manager, jvcarena@gmail.com (203) 329-9553 Warren Shoulberg, Publisher, Home Textiles Today wshoulberg@hometextilestoday.com (646) 805-0226

Exhibitor Space Now Open! Reserve Your Space Today! HTT_GHS12 tab.indd 2

12/7/11 10:22:53 AM

Home Textiles Today

January 9, 2012

VHC Hires Hurst Alston KIRBYVILLE, MO. — VHC Inc., multi-line textile designer and importer/distributor, has named Rebecca Hurst Alston to the newly created position of national account sales manager. She will be responsible for reaching out to specialized midtier and larger accounts as the company raises its profile across three major product areas: bed-

Brand Matters BRAND FROM PAGE 1

Home is the licensee for U.S. distribution.) • Signing with Li and Fung to become the global licensee for Carlos Falchi, including home. Home products are expected to launch in spring 2013 at department and specialty stores.

News

Home Source

HTT

need to supply U.S. retailers all the way through and including a direct to consumer model,” said Sorgeloos. The facility is headed in tandem by Roger Atkins, vp of warehousing, distribution and logistics, and Chris Bajenski, vp of information systems. Home Source is also making

a concentrated effort to maximize business with high-end specialty stores. To that end, it has named Andrea Bruckner vp of sales for East and Janette Huff vp of sales for the west. The company is also launching a new 3,200-square-foot showroom at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart this week at the Atlanta Market. In addition, Scott Sorgeloos has been named vp of product development for bedding, replacing

the recently retired Phyllis Moore. The younger Sorgeloos, son of the company founder, joined the company a few years ago and will serve as the complement to Home Source’s vp of product development for bath, Eric Loges. “In this day and age, you’ve got to own something — whether it’s a brand, manufacturing or controlling your own destiny when it comes to distribution,” said Sorgeloos. HTT

• Contracting Alok Industries and Bolan Trading for the Ellen Tracy Home licenses. Bolan will show Ellen Tracy bath and beach towels this week at Heimtextil. Alok will handle window and bedding. The first shipments to U.S. and Canadian department and specialty stores go out this spring. Brand Matters is also work-

ing with the owners of Linens ’N Things’ intellectual property on strategies for expanding the brand, which could include store-in-store concepts, outlets or branded product, Platt said. “It’s a great name,” said Platt. “The goal is to find a U.S. or an international partner to build it out.” LNT currently exists as an

ecommerce operation. The brand was also licensed to Hudson’s Bay for product and is carried in that company’s Home Outfitters stores in Canada as well as Lord & Taylor’s two freestanding home stores in the United States, which share the same ownership. “We’re talking about this concept that we have a brand name that’s so well-known and how do

we maximize it,” said Platt. The licensing/brand development industry has changed since the economic downturn, he said. The old royalty standards no longer apply and rigidity has gone out the window. “All I want to do is share on the upside. If it doesn’t work we can both get out,” he said. “You have to be flexible.” HTT

ding, table linens/kitchen/window/rugs and handbags/accessories. “The potential at VHC/Bella Taylor is exciting,” said Alston. “I am thrilled to be joining VHC at this time. The company is experiencing tremendous growth, and I look forward to contributing to this expansion.”

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LIVE FROM HEIMTEXTIL Look to our website www.HomeTextilesToday.com for our daily broadcast from Frankfurt, Germany on the latest news from Heimtextil. Each day at the fair, Home Textiles Today will be webcasting video coverage of Heimtextil, including interviews with key industry executives. Back by popular demand, we will be bringing you coverage direct from the show! Be sure to check back every day to catch all the latest interviews with attendees and exhibitors.