Home Textiles Today Sept 6 by Sandow Media

Monday, September 6, 2010

THE BUSINESS AND FASHION NEWSPAPER OF THE HOME TEXTILES INDUSTRY

Springs Global Teams with Designer Sami Hayek NEW YORK — On the heels of its Diane Von Furstenberg launch earlier this summer, Springs Global announced another ambitious designer partnership that will take it into multiple home categories beyond textiles as well as into branded retail stores and ecommerce in the U.S. and abroad. In conjunction with environmental designer Sami Hayek, Springs will launch Espacio LLC – a design company that will create multi-channel home furnishings collections, beginning with a curated collection of decorative essentials featuring furniture, upholstered items,

lighting and accessories. The inaugural collection will be available fall/winter 2011. Hayek operates a design studio in Hollywood. In addition to furniture, he has designed parks in Honduras and environmentally conscious low- and middle-income housing in Tijuana, Mexico. In 2008, he created a line of back-to-school bedding for Target. “Our brand will utilize local artisans and their materials and skills. The partnership with Springs Global will reshape the spaces we live in,’’ said Hayek, who will serve as

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Vera Wang Bedding to Debut at Bloomingdale’s BY CAROLE SLOAN N E W YO R K — A new Vera Wang decorative bedding collection from Revman will launch in September as an exclusive with Bloomingdale’s, part of the retailer’s celebration of 20 years of relationship with the celebrated

fashion designer. The collection is distinct from the Kohl’s exclusive line, which is Simply Vera Vera Wang. The launch bedding group consists of four designs and a satin ribbed coverlet in four colors to layer with each bed as well as a solid color gros-

grain trimmed sheet in four colors to coordinate with each bed. “Her collection reflects the aesthetic and quality of what we do at the upper end of the market,” said Rich Roman, Revman ceo. The bedding, all duvet covSEE VERA PAGE 39

French Paisley

SEE SPRINGS PAGE 39

Home Still a Leader at Big Lots C OLUMBUS , O HIO — Although many retailers say business in discretionary categories remains wobbly, such was not the case at Big Lots during the second quarter. “Across retail, it appeared consumers where more cautious during the June/July time frame. However, it was very interesting to see that the discretionary categories and the higher ticket goods seemed to be the most appealing areas of our stores in the second quarter,” said Steve Fishman, chairman, ceo and president of the 1,370store off-pricer. Furniture, home and season-

al led the way, he added. Big Lots plans to extend its Think Extreme Value campaign into the holiday season, with television commercials set to start running in November. Christmas will be built around key items, with home and seasonal expected to be strong performers, said Fishman. The company also has ample open-to-buy set aside for the third and fourth quarters for close-outs, he said. “I believe we’re better positioned for fall and Christmas than at any other time in the five years since I’ve been running this SEE QUARTER PAGE 39

Bloomingdale’s Unveils Fresh Catalog BY CAROLE SLOAN NEW YORK — A fresh, younger and more universal design perspective that retains and even enhances the retailer’s normal point of view is evident across all home lines in Bloomingdale’s new home book that drops this week. From the cover that focuses on casual dining as well as an Airstream trailer, the department store is wooing a younger customer with its high-end design and quality home products while keeping its eye on its core highend, older customer. “ We ’r e e m p h a s i z i n g ci t y to country — country to city themes,” explained Joe Laneve, svp, home for the upscale de partment store chain. SEE CATALOG PAGE 20

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The store puts its fashion prowess behind the quilt concept with two pages devoted to Quilting B – the new shop at Bloomingdale’s highlighting the store’s global search for design and quality in quilts, with the invitation “You are now entering quilt country. Prepare to get cozy.”

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Home Textiles Today

Retail Briefs Sears Narrows Loss

mart outperformed Sears U.S. stores, and parent company Sears Holdings reduced its second quarter loss to 35 cents per share from 79 cents per share a year ago. Total sales fell 0.9% to $10.5 billion, with a consolidated comp decrease of 2.2%. Comps at Kmart dropped 1.4%, largely due to food and consumables. Comps at Sears U.S. stores fell 2.8%, with weakness in power lawn and garden, tools and consumer electronics.

Belk, Biltmore Extend Licensing Agreement

iltmore’s licensing division, specializing in products inspired by the historic Biltmore House and gardens, has renewed its partnership agreement with Belk department store in a five-year contract. Belk’s home textiles-focused Biltmore agreement has been in place since 2005, with products introduced in 2006. This fall Belk will unveil a variety of new Biltmore products including bedding, china, Mother-ofPearl serveware and a wide range of holiday products.

Bon-Ton Stores to Close Centerville, Ohio Elder-Beerman unit

egional department store chain The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. said it will close its 191,000-square-foot Elder-Beerman store in the Centerville Place in Centerville, Ohio by late January 2011. “The company continually reviews the performance of its assets. As a result of a review of the Centerville location and its proximity to our Dayton Mall store, we made the decision to close this location,” Bud Bergren, president and ceo. “We will continue to provide great service and an outstanding merchandise assortment to our Dayton-area shoppers at our remaining six Elder-Beerman stores.”

Family Dollar Net sales, Comp Increases Driven by Consumables

riven by strong sales in consumables, Family Dollar Stores Inc. saw sales and comp increases during its fourth quarter. Sales increased 8.0% to $1.957 billion from $1.811 billion, and comps grew by 6.1% during the fourth quarter, ended Aug. 28. “In fiscal 2010, we enhanced our assortment, worked to make our stores easier to shop, and expanded our operating hours to provide our customers with more convenience,” said Howard Levine, chairman and ceo, of the 6,785-unit chain.

September 6, 2010

News

Ellery Launches ComfortTech Line N E W YO R K — Ellery Homestyles is making a serious bid to become a player in the blanket business with the launch of its new ComfortTech line, which has an exclusive on 3M’s Thinsulate insulation technology. “There hasn’t been a lot of innovation in the blanket industry in a long time,” said Budd Goldman, Ellery Homestyles ceo. “This company is dedicated to creating a space in this business.” There will be three pricing tiers. The good tier – which debuts this December in an exclusive launch at Bed Bath and Beyond – is priced at $69.99 for twin, $79.00 for full/queen and $89.00 for king. The collection includes Raleigh, a microfleece with a diamond quilt stitch and satin ribbon trim, and Delancy, a 100 gsm microfiber with a box quilt stitch and satin ribbon trim. The better tier has a pricing

grid of $79.9/$89.99/$99.99. It includes Cut Coral, a ribbed plush with faux suede trim; Microfiber/Mink, a microfiber/ deerskin with square self binding; and Dawson, a microplush/

Sherpa with fold over binding. In the best segment, prices are $89.99/$99.99/$109.99. Cyprus is a micromink reversing to rabbit fur with satin piping trim. Cloe is a 270-count cotton damask with satin ribbon trim.

Each construction is available in six colors, although there is variation in the color palette from group to group. Ellery will also produce ComfortTech throws. “This was really a strategic decision to create a product that can sell in more than one store,” said design director Angela Boswell. “We were looking for a [brand] that made sense, not just a personality.” At the New York Home Fashions Market next week, Ellery will also launch ParaSol, a housedeveloped brand of indoor/outdoor dec pillows and curtains. The fabrics are light- and mildew-resistanct, and the grommets are rust-proof. The line will include both print and solids. “We have been in the market for one year,” said Goldman. “When we figured out what the market was all about, we said: ‘Let’s development standards and a brand.’” HTT

Indo Count Branching out, Takes Permanent N.Y. Showroom NEW YORK — Indian sheet manufacturer Indo Count Industries is adding window treatments to its assortment, stepping up its profile in fashion bedding and ramping up capacity. The company, which has shown in temporary space at the New York Home Fashions Market for several seasons, has also taken a permanent, 4,000-sqft. showroom in 295 Fifth Avenue. The company is also conducting a search for a U.S. sales manager. During market, Indo Count will also debut a new technology in sheeting called U-func pure silver yarn, made in Japan

by Kyoto. “We are weaving this thread only in the hem, but it is so strong the anti-microbial kill rate is 100%,” said Mohit Jain, director. The fiber technology is also anit-static and anti-odor, he added. Sheets will be offered in eight to 10 colors. At a 400count construction made with Egyptian cotton, a set would retail around $49.99 to $54.99. In India, Indo Count is launching a branded hotel line including sheets, top of bed and window. The plan is to eventually bring the line to the U.S. market. In addition, it

will launch consumer brands in India that it hopes to expand into Asia. To s u p p o r t t h e p r o d u c t expansion, the manufacturer is adding 30% more capacity over the next two months. In Phase 2 of the project, Indo Count will double its weaving capacity to one million meters per month. By the end of 2015, the company will have three times its current capacity and 300 looms. “We have been the third largest exporter of bed sheeting out of India for the last two years,” said Jain. “We felt that now is the right time to go ahead.” HTT

Stein Mart Resets Home Department J AC K SO N V I L L E , F L A . — Stein Mart’s home department – reconfigured as of late last month – is showing preliminary signs of process, executives said during the company’s quarterly conference call this morning. “We are excited about what home promises for us for the fall season,” said David Stovall Jr., president and ceo.

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It is too early to judge the impact of the reset, he noted, but added that textiles in particular are showing improvement, led by decorative pillows. For the second quarter ended July 31, earnings climbed to $11.3 million, or 25 cents per share, from $1.5 million, or 4 cents per share, in the year-ago quarter.

Sales dropped 4.0% to $276.0 million, while comps fell 2.0%. For the first half of the fiscal year, earnings jumped 45.5% to $25.6 million, or 57 cents per share, compared to $17.6 million, or 41 cents per share. Sales declined 5.0% to $577.0 million, with comps off 3.0%. HTT

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Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

News

Williams-Sonoma 2Q Soars S AN F RANCISCO — In a period

that delivered better-than-expected revenues as well as strong comps and earnings, Williams-Sonoma Inc. singled out its PB Teen and West Elm brands as key drivers of its business and outlined several initiatives to keep up the momentum in the balance of this year. Second-quarter earnings rose to $30.8 million, or 28 cents a share, from flat last year. Revenues exceeded expectations, growing by 15.4% to $776 million versus $672 million in the year-ago period. Retail net revenues in the second quarter increased 12.4% to $450 million, propelled by growth of 13.6% in comparable store sales, partially offset by a 3.0% year-over-year reduction in retail leased square footage, including 20 net fewer stores. Increased net revenues during the quarter were delivered by the company’s Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and West Elm brands. By nameplate, second quarter year-over-year comp results included: 8.3% at Williams-Sonoma; 17.3% at Pottery Barn; 18.9% at Pottery Barn Kids; and 8.1% at the outlets. Laura Alber, president and ceo, offered more details during the company’s quarterly conference call. “In our core brands, net revenues increased 15%. Pottery Barn saw the greatest increase, followed by Pottery Barn Kids and Williams-Sonoma,” Alber added. “In our emerging brands, including West Elm, PB Teen and Williams Sonoma Home, bet revenues increased 16%.” She explained that recent initiatives, “including innovative products and great value, e-marketing, and our retail clienteling program were the key drivers of our overall better-than-expected top-line performance.” In the Williams Sonoma Home brand, the company’s restructuring process is ongoing, and the company said it has reduced the brand’s year-over-year non-Gaap operating loss from 1 cent per share in last year’s second quarter to break-even this year. The company has also been able to negotiate the yearend closures and/or rebranding of eight of its 11 stand-alone stores. “As we look forward to next year, we will continue to market the brand through an online and

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limited store-in-a-store strategy with the Williams-Sonoma brand,” she said. Pottery Barn saw continued momentum in both the retail and direct-to-consumer channels. All key categories, particularly furniture, textiles and decorative accessories, delivered strong growth. Pottery Barn Kids saw strong growth across all major product categories, including textiles, gear and furniture, and nursery, which showed much strength in sales, prompting the company to further tap that in future with a “greatly enhanced” registry service. PB Teen continued to be the top-performing nameplate for the company, with strong sales increases across all major product categories “as new entry-princepoint introductions continue to be both top sellers and new customer acquisition vehicles.” During the quarter, the company launched a new PB Teen mailer, PB Dorm — “to an extremely enthusiastic consumer response. We see this business as a significant growth opportunity and we’ll be expanding our merchandise assortment to fill what we believe is white space in this category.” West Elm enjoyed a “very strong” second quarter “as changes in merchandising, marketing, and visual presentation continue to have an exceptional impact on both top and bottom line,” Alber said. New product introductions, planned promotions, and enhanced value drove better-than-expected results. The build on this trend, the company is launching several strategic and tactical initiatives in the second half of this year such as remixing assortments and expanding aesthetics to appeal to a wider range of customers, including: a significantly expanded holiday gift assortment and partnering with emerging artists; enhancing customer engagement through multi-channel lifestyle marketing; increasing the penetration of opening price points; and expanding the non-furniture assortment to rebalance the product mix. Additionally, the company will continue to reduce West Elm’s real estate, closing three underperforming stores this year and opening new sites in new locations “when we have attain sustained retail performance,” Alber added.

Another business segment making strides is e-commerce, which Alber described as the company’s fastest growing channel. The company is working to build brand awareness and customer engagement through target email, paid search, affiliate marketing, and mobile technology. The efforts have reduced the company’s overall adverting rate by 30 basis points despite a 70basis-point investment in e-marketing expenses, she said. For the first half of the fiscal year, revenues increased 16.3% to $1.49 billion, with comps up 15.2%. Broken down by retail concept, comp results for the first 26 weeks were up in each nameplate were: 9.4% at WilliamsSonoma; 20.1% at Pottery Barn; 20.8% at Pottery Barn Kids; and 2.9% at the outlets. Turning to Williams-Sonoma Inc.’s recent international expansion, Alber said the company is pleased with the performance of its four franchised stores in Dubai and Kuwait. She added: “While this has little immediate financial upsides, it is a strategic step toward a longerterm international growth plan.” Five additional international stores are planned for 2011. Looking ahead to the third quarter and the balance of the year, Williams-Sonoma Inc. is “extremely encouraged” by the margin trends it is seeing in its business today, particularly in the Pottery Barn and West Elm brands, prompting the company to raise its guidance. For the full year, the company sees net revenue rising 9% to 11%, up from its earlier forecast of 6% to 9%. Fiscal-year earnings are forecast at $1.63 to $1.70 a share before items. Its previous outlook was $1.39 to $1.48. “Regarding our guidance for the balance of the year, we are continuing to see a positive consumer response to our merchandising and marketing strategies, including our recently introduced fall assortments, as well as the enhanced customer service programs in all of our brands,” Alber said. However, she added, since the company continues to believe that there could be volatility in the economy over the next several quarters, “we are approaching our guidance with that perspective in mind.” HTT

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Belk Boosts Profit C HARLOTTE , N.C. — Improved margins helped pump profit handsomely at Belk Inc. during the second quarter. Net income rose 31.9% to $12.4 million for the quarter ended July 31 at the privately held company. Sales rose 3.6% to $787.7 million, with comps up 4.1%. “Customer response to fresh fashions produced solid samestore sales gains. We were pleased to see second quarter sales trends maintaining at healthy margins. Denim, shoes and dresses were the best performing categories, and our men’s business was also strong,” said Tim Belk, chairman

and ceo. For the first half, net income increased to $36.8 million compared to $10.0 million for the same 26-week period last year. Net income excluding non-comparable items was $36.5 million compared to $10.1 million for the same 26-week period last year. Belk is in the process of remodeling four stores: Hamilton Place Mall, Chattanooga, Tenn., Turtle Creek Mall in Hattiesburg, Miss., University Mall in Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Hupps Mill Plaza in South Boston, Va. They will hold grand reopenings Oct. 13. HTT

Bennotti to Head North America Business for Camira I NDIANAPOLIS — Textiles

tor of marketing for industry veteran Paul BenCanada-based Vicnotti has joined Englandtor Group, which based Camira as director acquired the defunct of business development Quaker Fabrics and for North America. later acquired Craftex He will focus on strateMills. He will work gic business development closely with Simon in contract, hospitality and PAUL BENNOTTI Whittaker, director residential segments. of sales, who has reloCamira The European textiles cated here. mill is a full-line operation While the comthat focuses on designers, speci- pany product line is contract fiers and architects and also sells focused, Bennotti said: “Our prodby the yard. The fabrics will be ucts are sustainable and value inventoried at the company’s priced for the residential market.” facility here. The launch product collection Bennotti has been direc- will be wool, he noted. HTT

High Point Market Updates Website H I G H P O I N T , N .C . — The

High Point Market Authority has unveiled an updated website designed to be more interactive and informative for market attendees. The fall market runs Oct. 16-21. The site at www.highpointmarket.org. now includes a MyMarket section, which allows attendees to customize their schedules by finding exhibitors, conference speakers and social events and saving that information for a personal itinerary. MyMarket is compatible with smartphones and iPads. Other new features include: streamlined registration; travel discounts and codes for airlines, hotels and rental cars; an online hotel reservation system; the abil-

ity to comment on the site; and a planning section for international visitors. The Marketing Center, a section design for exhibitors, features an overview of the market’s communications program, an online media center, leasing contacts and access to the Exhibitor Marketing Kit and Web ad banner creation tool. Brian Casey, president and ceo of the market authority, said the site enriches the market’s online presence. “The High Point Market is the premier home furnishings market, and it now has a website that reflects the market’s position and its goal to provide the best tools and resources for our 85,000 exhibitors and attendees,” he said. HTT

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September 6, 2010

Dollar General Earnings up 51% GOODLETTESVILLE, TENN. — The

home textiles department is among the areas where Dollar General is experiencing an uptick in sales, executives said while commenting on the retailer’s record second quarter performance last week. Fatter gross margins – up 101 basis points in 2Q to 232% of sales – helped boost net income for the quarter ended July 30 by 51% to $141.2 million, or 41 cents per share. Executives also credited the retailer’s EDLP strategy for the gain. “We avoided sweeping reactionary moves and instead only made changes that were strategic and sensible. That approach paid off for us with productive sales without margin sacrifice,” said Rick Dreiling, chairman and ceo. Sales rose 10.8% to $3.21 billion during the quarter, with comps up 5.1% on top of an 8.6% bump in comps in the year-ago period. As many other retailers have noted in reporting quarterly results, Dreiling cautioned the

combination of unemployment and under-employment is keeping consumers on edge and retailers pummeling prices. “Consumers continue to experience significant challenges, and the value messages from all retailers were highly promotional. This has been one of the toughest competitive environments I can remember,” he said. Nonetheless, Dollar General raised its earnings outlook for the full year last week to $1.68 to $1.74 per share. Previously, the company had expected EPS of $1.62 to $1.69. The retailer anticipates sales will rise 8.5% to 10.5% for the year. Dollar General plans to step up its store opening program in the second half, with about 600 new units and 500 remodels/relocations. The remodel — which includes raising shelf profi les by 7 inches to expand merchandise offerings – st arted rolling out to the domestics department, among others, during the second quarter. HTT

News

Casa Cristina Finds a Home at Sears and Kmart HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL. — Sister

retailers Sears and Kmart have joined forces with 12-time Emmy award winning Spanish language TV journalist and talk-show host Cristina Saralegui to launch this fall an exclusive soft home collection titled Casa Cristina. The collection is inspired by Saralegui’s home in Miami as well as “the artistry and memories” of her childhood in Cuba. The product offering encompasses a wide range of items for bed and bath. The bedding line includes comforter sets, quilted coverlets, euro shams, microfiber sheets and decorative pillows. The bath collection includes matching shower curt ains, embellished towel sets, cotton bath rugs and accessories decorated with coordinating motifs. There line launches in five new patterns: • Candela, which draws from “the colors and passion” of Andalusia, Spain; • Chocolatina, which features a vintage Spanish Jacobean filigree design colored in a chocolate and soft blue combination;

GlobalTex LA Sourcing Fair Sets Agenda LOS ANGELES — GlobalTex: LA

International Textile & Sourcing Fair taking place here later this month will include several educational programs. Most are specific to the apparel trade, but some could be of interest to home textiles product developers. All events will be held in the Seminar Suite located on the show floor (West Hall, Hall A) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where the show is taking place Sept. 28-30.

On Sept. 28, Fran and Arnold DuSude of Design Options will present “The Left Coast Appraoch to Color and Lifestyle Trends for Autumn/Winter 2011 at 10:30 a.m. The following day at 1:30 p.m., Benjamin Moore director of trends and design Doty Horn will discuss universal color trends and how they translate to all industries. She will also display the 2012 colors, which launched this month. Also on the 29th, the presi-

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dent of the California Fashion Association, Ilse Metchek, will host a panel discuss to review the Consumer Product Safety Issue Act as well as chemical testing, customer requirements, export regulations, labor law compliance and intellectual property issues. There will be networking and wine tasting get-togethers for attendees at 3 p.m. on the 28th and 29th. For more information, visit www.globaltex.com. HTT

• Mantilla, a modern blackand-white interpretation of a traditional Spanish lace mantilla, or shawl; • Floreal, inspired by stained-

“The collection allows us to offer our customers products with broad appeal, and designs that draw from the Hispanic culture. “ —DOUG WURL Sears Holding Corp. Cristina Saralegui

glass motifs found in churches throughout South America, Mexico and Spain; • Delicia, a traditional blueand-cream colored South American Ikat pattern. “Every day, I am inspired by many things in my life, from family to my career to the people I’ve met along the way,” Saralegui said. “But when I walk through

gies including Web sites, Internet marketing and software-as-service technologies are changing the way the home furnishings and gift industries operate. To help retailers and manufacturers better leverage these technologies, The Furniture/ Today Group of Sandow Media of which Home Textiles Today

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is a part will host a one-day conference focused exclusively on “Boosting Sales Through Online Technologies.” The event is set for Nov. 9, 2010, at the Merchandise Mart Conference Center in Chicago. Attendees will hear from industry experts in online marketing, social media, research, mobile and Web development.

Panelists from the gift and home furnishings market will share their latest strategies and offer practical advice to their colleagues. “The objective of this event is to provide retailers and manufacturers in the home furnishing and gift industries with actionable, real-world tips and ideas that they can use in their businesses,” said Penny Schneck,

is “a welcome addition to the Sears and Kmart home fashions department.” Added Doug Wurl, vp, gmm, Sear Holdings Corp., Home: “The collection allows us to offer our customers products with broad appeal, and designs that draw from the Hispanic culture. Our collaboration with Casa Cristina represents our commitment to offering our customers more style sensibilities.” HTT

Consumer Confidence Up N E W YO R K — With consumers feeling a little better about the improving health of the economy, the Consumer Confidence Index rose to 53.3 in August, up from 51.0 in July. Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center, noted that while consumers’ view of the short-term outlook has brightened, “employment concerns continue to weigh heavily.” She added: “All in all, consumers are about as confi-

HTT Launches Technologies Conference C HIC AGO — Online technolo-

the door at the end the day, it’s my home that inspires me the most.” Amy Parker, chief marketing officer, Sears Holdings Corporation, Home, said the new Casa Cristina bed and bath collection

online manager for Sandow Media. The agenda includes global Internet industry experts who will discuss online trends and emerging technologies as they specifically impact the home furnishings and gift industry. Other speakers will present case studies on how they implemented and their online programs. A

dent today as they were a year ago.” Consumers saying jobs are hard to get rose to 45.7% of the 5,000 people surveyed from 45.1% a month earlier. Those who feel jobs are plentiful fell to 3.8% from 4.4%. Those expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months increased to 17.0%, while those anticipating things will worsen declined to 13.4% from 15.3%. HTT

detailed agenda, speaker profiles and registration can be found at furnituretodayonline.com/onlinetechconference/ Early bird registration for the conference is $99 (through Sept. 30). Standard registration is $189. Conference fee includes lunch and conference notebook. Conference sponsors include Myriad Software, Shopatron, Whereoware, Snap!Retail and MMPI. HTT

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September 6, 2010

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Natco Adds New High-speed Loom WEST WARWICK, RI — Domes-

tic manufacturer Natco Home Fashions is in the process of installing a seventh loom at its state-of-the-art facility in Sanford, Maine. The new loom is a high-speed “Carpet and Rug Pioneer” faceto-face loom, “representing the latest in weaving technology from

Belgium-based manufacturer Van De Wiele,” the company said. Michael Litner, president, said the new loom is 30% to 40% more efficient than previous generation weaving machines and offers increased flexibility through the use of complex weave structures and a wide range of yarn qualities.

“To put this new capacity in more concrete terms, the new loom can produce an additional 160,000 5’x8’ rugs per year,” he explained. The company also claims the loom is one of only three delivered to the United States this year. Natco is also expanding its

operations with the recent addition of a fourth finishing line and the upgrade of the software on all existing computer-driven looms. The factory is currently running at maximum capacity, and weaving is running on three shifts, including weekends, according to the company. “It is exciting to see a thriving

manufacturing facility, despite global competition and a challenging economy, continue to grow and add more U.S.-based, manufacturing jobs,” said Jim Thompson, vp of sales and marketing. “Demand for our U.S.made rugs is at an all-time high, and we will continue to invest in great new colors and designs at incredible values, which will ultimately lead to further expansion of our U.S. factory.” In other news, Natco continues to grow and develop its newest acquisition, Multy Home, Canadian manufacturer of indoor and outdoor mats, runners and other flooring items. It has expanded its molding operation in Toronto and is expanding output by more than 33%, “allowing Multy Home to service its customers on a timelier basis,” the company said. HTT

Creative Bath, Dena Designs Partner for Bath Program CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. — Creative

Bath Products Inc. and design house Dena Designs have partnered to create a new line of fully coordinated bath collections. Dena Designs Inc.’s founder, Dena Fishbein, has hosted the “Embellish This!” television program on the DIY Network, and she also authors a monthly newspaper column with United Media. Additionally, Fishbein has licensed her floral and feminine designs to manufacturers of home goods and décor, including adult, youth and baby bedding and fabrics, as well as gifts and stationary and other product categories. Her new line with Creative Bath will initially comprise two collections. The launch is slated for September during the New York Home Fashions market. “Creative Bath continues to focus on new product development, identifying opportunities for our customers which will strengthen our market leadership and expertise within each product classification produced. We feel our new partnership with Dena will help us continue on that path,” said Bob Weiss, vp, sales and marketing. HTT Manhattan Properties.indd 1

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Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

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Royal Heritage Home Unveils Anti-bedbug Sheets N EW YORK — After 14 months

of development, Royal Heritage Home plans to introduce what it believes to be the first anti-bedbug sheet. Got Bedbugs Anit-Bed Bug Sheet sets, which have a patent

pending, are made from a soft, waterproof, multi-ply fabric with a zero micron pore size – the smallest in the industry, according to the company. The product is also wrinkle-resistant. “This product addresses the

nationwide problem we are seeing with bed bugs. They have infested hotels and homes and with the introduction of these sheet sets, we hope to help alleviate this difficult problem, which is rampant in the U.S. today,” said Jason Strong-

water, president of RHH’s allergy division. The company will display a “Lifetime warranty to fight bed bugs” on the sheet set packaging. RHH will also offer zippered pillow case pairs. HTT

Soft-Tex Picks up Certipur Certification WATERFORD, N.Y. — Utility bed-

ding and foam bedding products manufacturer Soft-Tex has acquired the Certipur-US certification for all of its new memory foam products. Created by the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam, Certipur-US is the U.S.-based certification program that ensures products meet standards for manufacturing polyurethane foam that is low in VOCs, (volatile organic compounds) free of prohibited phthalates and PBDE (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, organobromine compounds that are used as flame retardants), and contain no ozone depleting chemicals, formaldehyde, mercury, lead, or heavy metals. “We have been working on a number of new memory foam formulations over the last 18 months, and we not only wanted to insure that of new memory foam products meet high comfort and durability standards, but equally addressed environmental and low emission standards as well,” said Robert O’Connell, Soft-Tex’s executive vp of sales and marketing. HTT

2011 NYIGF Dates Set WHITE P LAINS , N.Y. — GLM,

organizers of the New York International Gift Fair, has announced the dates for the 2011 shows. The winter show will take place Saturday, Jan. 29, through Thursday, Feb. 3 in New York at the Javits Center and Ship Terminal Piers 92 and 94. At the same locations, the summer show will take place Saturday, August 13 – Thursday, August 18. For the first time, the Gourmet Housewares Show will run alongside the NYIGF at the Javits Cetner. For information, cont act www.nyigf.com or call 1-800272-SHOW (7469) or 1-603655-7524. HTT

Venus Group_Sept 6th Issue.indd 1

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8/30/2010 11:12:30 PM

9/1/2010 1:08:41 PM

Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

News

> hometextilestoday.com

295 Brings Back Buyers’ Lounge For September Market

N E W YO R K — Home textiles

showroom hub 295 Fifth Avenue is bringing back its first-floor, street-level Buyers’ Lounge for the upcoming New York Home Fashions Market event. Only this time, as a permanent fixture all year-round –

“to be opened as needed,” said Claude Litton, president and ceo of Manhattan Properties Companies, the owner and manager of 295 Fifth Avenue Textile Building. The lounge is being re-opened in suite 101 for retailer buyers

and other industry professionals in time for the market, which is scheduled September 13 to 17. Litton said the lounge will also open a day early for market — Sunday, Sept.12. 295 Fifth buyers’ lounge hours daily will be from 8 a.m.

to 5 p.m. The building will offer for free a continental breakfast and lunch sandwiches daily as well as beverages for visitors. The lounge will include free wireless internet service, work stations and seating as well as restrooms. HTT

J. Queen Adds to Showroom N EW YORK — J. Queen New

York, the home textiles company created last year by former Croscill executives, is expanding its showroom here at 37 West 20 St. by 3,000 square feet for this market. The company’s collections of comforters, quilts, duvets, decorative pillows, free-standing window treatments and a complete collection of bath and bath accessories, will be enhanced by the expansion, said Julie Brady, president, underscoring the company’s philosophy that “there is simply no substitute for great-looking product, innovation and quality.” Dave Roman, a 25-year Croscill sales executive, has joined the company as vp sales, based in Dallas. Don Whittman, formerly with American Pacific and Revman, has been vp, sales for the East Coast since the company’s formation. Other senior executives include former Croscill executives Jerry Mobley, head of design, and Tony Cassella, cfo. HTT

EWHT Fundraiser for Breast Cancer research Still Open NEW YORK — Industry organiza-

tions EWHT (Executives Working in Home Textiles ) and IFDA (International Furnishings and Design Association) are continuing to raise funds for Elizabeth Miller’s Home Run for the Cure in memory of industry veteran Elizabeth Miller, who died from the disease. The race takes place Sept. 12, the day before the official start of the New York Home Fashions Market. Donations are still being accepted. To contribute, go to www.komennyc.org/site/ TR/Race/race2010-wide/ 1728586669?pg=team&fr_ id=1210&team_id=40080. Donations can also be mailed to The Greater New York City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, P.O. Box 27963, GPO, New York, NY 19987-27963. HTT

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Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

News

> hometextilestoday.com

Gracious Home in Chapter 11 Pre-pack Overstock Launches Private Sale Site N EW YORK — Gracious Home

SALT L AKE C ITY — Overstock.

com is embracing the Rue La La model by openings a new membership web site offering private sales on home furnishings. Eziba.com’s inaugural group of sale items includes MicroCotton towels and Calypso rugs and dec pillows as well as Lenox tabletop, Kitchen Aid mixers, furniture and hair care accessories. The products are offered in daily sale events starting each day at 11 a.m. Eastern time and running between 48 and 72 hours. Eziba.com is not accessible through Overstock’s homep-

age, but customers can sign up at Eziba.com or log in using their existing Overstock.com user name and password. Customer inquiries are handled by Overstock.com’s customer service team. The soft launch began in early August, said Overstock president Jonathan Johnson. “We’ve been pleased with the traffic and sales for the first two weeks and thought it was the right time to go live.” HTT By Clint Engel, senior retail editor at HTT sister publication Furniture Today

Pacific Coast Home Fashions Opens New Showroom C ITY

C OMMERCE , C ALIF. —

Pacific Coast Home Furnishings, producers of Austin Horn and Sherry Kline Home, has relocated to the 7W showroom building. The company has take suite 539 at the building, which is located at 7 W. 34th St. “The new showroom is completely renovated to the needs of our company for the next few years focusing on soft home textile products mainly fashion bedding, sheets, decora-

tive pillows, window, as well as new expanded area for full bath coordinate which includes table top accessories, shower curtains, embellished towels, and rugs,” said Sam Samani, senior executive vp. Pacific Coast Home Fashions will introduce 30 new bath collections and 15 fashion bedding groups during the upcoming market week. It will also host a ribbon cutting celebration Tuesday, Sept. 14 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. HTT

828 International to Return to High Point this Fall GREENVILLE, S.C. — After being

absent for the past several years, area rug house 828 International Trading Co. is making a comeback to the High Point Market this fall. John Shepherd, president, said the company will occupy a temporary space in the Suites at Market Square. “Over the past few years we’ve increased our focus on furniture retailers as a signifi cant channel of distribution,” he explained. “With High Point Market being the largest furnishings industry trade show

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in the world, it makes good strategic sense to realign ourselves with this market.” 828 International’s new space in High Point will be located in the new rug gallery on the top floor of the Suites at Market Square, in space 1716. There, 828 will present its 2010 product introductions and displays as well display some of its existing machinemade and handmade collections. 828 has long occupied a permanent showroom in Atlanta’s AmericasMart. HTT

on Aug. 13 filed a pre-pack Chapter 11 plan for reorganization under bankruptcy. It also entered an agreement with NewAlliance Commercial Financial, which has acquired the senior secured loan from the retailer’s previous lender and will provide debtor-in-possession financing. “We want to assure our customers, our employees, our suppliers and our community that Gracious Home is operating — business as usual,” said

Jordan Smilowitz, president and chief operating officer, in a prepared statement. The company also appointed into senior positions two principals from Meridian Ventures, a turnaround management and restructuring firm. Thomas Shull becomes Gracious Home’s ceo and Paul Jen senior vp of strategic planning. “We intend to emerge from these proceedings with a significantly improved balance sheet and, consequently, greater operating flexibility. I am con-

fident in Gracious Home’s future. The new direction we have set is comprehensive, and our product assortment will continue to be expansive and our dedication to customer satisfaction unwavering,” said Smilowitz. According to court filings, home textiles suppliers among the top 10 creditors included: John Matouk & Co., owed $165,883; Habidecor & Abyss, $136,173; Yves Delorme, $132,350; and Scandia Down, $92,860. HTT

Marimekko to Open Shop in New York Crate and Barrel N EW YORK — Finnish textile

and clothing design house Marimekko will open a 1,775square-foot “shop-within-ashop” in Crate and Barrel’s showroom in the Soho district of New York this fall, part of a broader plan to strengthen its brand presence in the United States. The shop in Crate & Barrel will open in mid-October. Marimekko said in a press release that it is “exploring further opportunities for collaboration” with the Top 100 company, including more shops and e-commerce. Marimekko also said it is founding a new U.S. subsidiary in partnership with brand management firm C2Group to manage and develop its U.S. operations. C2Group is led by Lynn Shanahan, Karen Martin and Allison Niles. The new subsidiary will set the foundation for Marimekko’s expanded U.S. presence, which will include a showroom opening in Manhattan in August and longer-term plans to expand distribution through high-end department stores and specialty stores as well as more Marimekko stores. There currently are three

Marimekko stores in the United St ates in New York, Cambridge, Mass., and Miami. HTT

Finnish retailer Marimekko will soon expand its presence in the United States with a store within a store in Crate and Barrel in New York.

Caravan Rugs Renews Lease at AmericasMart ATLANTA — Longtime AmericasMart area rug tenant Caravan Rug has renewed its showroom multi-year lease with the building here. Caravan Rugs has operated a

showroom at AmericasMart since 1995. Its current space, which measures 5,700 square feet, is on the fourth floor of Building 1. Founded in the 1930s selling its rugs at a major bazaar in Teh-

ran, Iran, Caravan Rug is a vertically integrated company that specializes in high-end antique rugs and similar textile weaves for interior designers and consumers. HTT

9/1/2010 1:22:49 PM

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Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

News

> hometextilestoday.com

Pacific Coast Jenny George Launches Feather Company Ecommerce-Targeted Business to Intro Embody by Sealy N EW YORK — Jenny George,

SEATTLE — Pacific Coast Feather

Company will debut Embody by Sealy pillows during the New York Home Fashions Market, which will complement the new line of Embody mattresses from Sealy. The line will include memory foam and latex pillows. “The unique performance features of the three pillows allow the consumer to choose the product according to their individual sleep needs,” said Fritz Kruger, senior vp of marketing for PCFC. The ProFormance Memory Foam Pillow features softer, more responsive foam that pro-

vides an absorbing feel for comfort and support. The Optimal Latex Pillow uses a premium Talley latex bun for responsive support. The Ideal Dual Support Pillow features springy latex on one side and conforming memory foam on the other. Each pillow is made with ventilation holes and Polar Tec Body Climate fabric. The fabric, also used on the Embody mattress line, offers moisturewicking breathability and antimicrobial protection. The channel construction promotes air circulation and temperature control. HTT

Old Time Pottery Closes the Book on Chapter 11 M U R FREESBORO , TENN — Old

Time Pottery emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization as its case was officially closed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District on Tennessee on Aug. 19. The 30-unit home décor store also sells linens, lighting, housewares, floral and seasonal. “We entered into Chapter 11 on August 21, 2009, and with the hard work of our corporate staff, the support of our vendors and the loyalty of our customers,

formerly president of Textrade, Inc., has formed her own firm, Jenny George Designs, Inc., to supply ecommerce retailers with home textiles and home accessories. “Despite the economic crisis we’ve been facing, online s a l e s g r e w 1 1 % i n 2 0 0 9 ,” George noted. “Our products are designed with ecommerce retailers needs in mind, targeted to ecommerce retailers and consumers.” Packaging is streamlined to reduce shipping costs. Product will be inventoried and drop shipped to ecommerce consumers, she said. At initial range include fashion bedding, sheets, window treatments and decorative pillows. In the second half of 2011, Jenny George Designs will add home accessories, including frames, small gifts, vases, serving bowls and other decorative accessories. New introductions include new fashion bedding collections – Vineyard, Rainier, Juno, Sansai, Trillage – which fea-

ture embroidery, piecing, 3D appliqué and ribbon detailing in shades of chocolate, slate, rosette and sage. “Ecommerce retailers have been hungry for a supplier to focus on their needs, and we are

positioned to be everything they require,” said George. Prior to her position at Textrade, Jenny George held executive positions at Living InStyle, Evandale, Excell Home Fashions and Louis Hornick. HTT

we have been able to work our way through this process successfully,” said cfo Robert Sharp. The chain, which operates in 10 states in the south and midwest, was founded 25 years ago with a single store in Murfreesboro. “We have a solid business and a respected reputation in the retail industry, that, along with a very loyal customer base, played a huge roll in our emergence from Chapter 11,” said Scott Peterson, president and ceo. HTT

Surtex Changing its Logo WHITE P LAINS , N.Y. — Surtex

is planning to celebrate its 25th anniversary next year and will begin changing the color of its logo annually to reflect contemporary trends. The show, which features artwork and designs that end up on a variety of products – including textiles – will take place May 15-17, 2011 in New York’s Jacob

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Javits Center. Some exhibitors will preview their designs in the Licensing Gallery at the New York International Gift Fair from Jan. 29-31, 2011, also at the Javits Center. For more information, contact Penny Sikalis at 914-421-3297, penny_sikalis@glmshows.com, or visit www.SURTEX.com. HTT

9/2/2010 2:13:30 PM

Home Textiles Today

Bloomingdale’s CATALOG FROM PAGE 1

The major vehicle for setting this mood is a vast collection of quilts — both store-designed and developed in India as well as a major collection from Lauren by Ralph Lauren — the latter under the banner “Americana with a Modern Spirit.” Laneve explained the approach to the new quilt collection as “we think these are completely different — they’re colorful and great patterns.” And part of a potential new home textiles design trend. “Overall,” he said, “we’re continuing to emphasize Bloomingdale’s as a headquarters for fashion, quality and exclusive designer products across home, especially entertaining. We’re having style setters talk about their works — also emphasizing that we travel the world to find and develop product.” As for the company’s major relationship with the Ralph Lauren company, Laneve pointed out: “They have the first 10 pages for Ralph Lauren Home, including furniture.” In the home textiles world, the September home book marks the launch of the store’s exclusive debut of the Vera Wang designer bedding collection – a program that relates to her highly successful tableware collection and is expected to be followed next season by a bath program. While not a “designer label”, the retailer is launching a new rendition of Sky, a markedly younger aesthetic

September 6, 2010

bedding collection that offers a variety of mix-and-match options to the customer’s selection. Sky is a store-developed program that now mixes folk art and flea market origins. The first collection, Laneve remarked, “was a major success, and we anticipate that this new collection will be as strong.” In textiles and furniture there is a major section dedicated to Hudson Park, the store’s private label high-end brand, as well as the new Charisma pattern from Next Creations’ Celeste. While newness and designer directions are key across all home lines, the home textiles world also features new groupings from Natori, Donna Karen, Calvin Klein, Court of Versailles and Barbara Barry. And while home textiles focuses on bed and bath, the entertaining segment of the book offers introductions by a range of fashionistsas in those home segments who have products that fit within the broad concept of city to country — with casual lifestyle entertaining very much at the core of the offer, whether or not the individual designer previously has been headlined as a traditional designer. Throughout the book, notables from the world of design and design publishing are given opportunities to discuss “city to country” from their professional perspectives. In a series of “on the go” contests, Bloomingdale’s is awarding free trips as well as a chance at the Airstream trailer.

News

> hometextilestoday.com

le’s sets the tone of to home, Bloomingda ach pro ap l ua tdoor cas re mo Taking a eam trailer and an ou dise featuring an Airstr an tion and rch lec me col ilt me qu ho l e fal siv its by its new, expan ted gh hli hig g tin set t entertainmen a less formal mood. tableware that evokes

HTT

The store features its new, exclusive Americana collection from Lauren by Ralph Lauren with coordinate decorative pillows and throws. The design mood carries across to its launch of the Talmadge Hill American country bedding, bringing a fresh look to Americana.

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9/2/2010 5:39:48 PM

Buyersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Handbook

New York

where to eat | nightlife | where to shop

sponsored by

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8/30/2010 5:25:40 PM

Restaurants

Where to Dine Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House 1221 6th Ave. (49th St.) (212) 575-5129 Three levels in a 16,000-squarefoot space, wrap-around 30-foot windows: designed to impress. But there is also good, hearty food at the bustling joint. A big draw for visiting carnivores.

Columbus Circle (59th St. & 8th Ave.) (212) 823-9800 Sushi so transcendent even the Times gave it four stars. There is no ordering at this wildly expensive den of zen; chef/owner Masayoshi Takayama delivers the best of the briny as he sees fit.

Restaurant Daniel Il Giglio 81 Warren St. (W. Broadway & Greenwich St.) (212) 571-5555 Northern Italian food comes to Tribeca at Il Giglio, which means ‘the lily.’ The staff certainly aims to please and dishes may be tailored to customers’ request. In other words, gilding il giglio is encouraged.

60 East 65th St. (Madison & Park Ave.) (212) 288-0033 Around this time of year, truffles from Perigord are in the culinary spotlight; otherwise award-winning chef Daniel Boulud’s New French fare reflects the bounty of the season. Restaurant Daniel also boasts an extensive wine list spanning 15 countries.

Le Bernadin 155 West 51st St (6th & 7th Ave.) (212) 554-1515 Maguy LeCoze’s legendary French classic midtown, helmed by chef Eric Ripert. Deemed by many as the best restaurant in Manhattan, Le Bernadin is elegance personified. Expect the extraordinary (as well as the expensive).

Masa The Time Warner Center,

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Rosa Mexicano 9 East 18th St. (5th Ave. & Broadway) (212) 533-3350 Rosa Mexicano first introduced New York audiences to elevated Mexican cuisine in 1984, serving such delights as soulstirring, housemade guacamole and creations wrought from grilled boneless spare ribs and roasted duck, paired of course with their famous Pomegranate Margaritas.

Buyers’ Handbook

September 6, 2010

BY PETER SHERWOOD Ajna Bar The Striphouse 13 East 12th St. (5th Ave.) (212) 328-0000 Steak is the headliner here, but cheesecake dresses the walls (albeit scantily!) with shapely temptresses photographed in early 1900s Vienna. Though the joint ain’t got actual strippers, the vibe is still racy and the meat juicy.

Wolfgang’s Steakhouse 4 Park Ave. (33rd St.) (212) 889-3369 409 Greenwich St. (Hubert St.) (212) 925-0350 Wolfgang Zweiner, 41-year veteran of Peter Luger’s in Brooklyn, raises the steaks in Manhattan, also offering jumbo shrimp cocktail and 3 lb. lobsters in historic locales. A must try: Porterhouse Steak for one, two, four….

Abe & Arthur’s 409 West 14th St (646) 289-3930 Vibrantly situated near the Meatpacking District and the exciting Highline, Abe & Arthur’s American cuisine is interpreted with innovation; at once classic and contemporary. Steaks and Chops are wood-grilled and the Black Angus beef burger is served with their own special sauce.

25 Little West 12th St (646) 416-6002 In the former Buddha Bar space frequented by the hip and famous, Ajna Bar serves up a mix of Asian flavors with a soupcon of French to further caress the palate.

Babbo 110 Waverly Place (212) 777-0303 Try the delectable Mint Love Letters with lamb sausage, the Beef Cheek Ravioli with truffles or anything at all at Mario Batali’s organ-centric restaurant. Wash it down with a few glasses of something from the extraordinary wine list.

Avra Estiatorio 41 East 48th St (212) 759-8550 The deliciousness of luxuriating in a Greek villa comes alive. A Mediterranean aesthetic dresses up the open kitchen from which specialty fish dishes such Barbounia, Lithrini and Fagri are delivered to the tables, either inside or out of doors.

NOBU 40 West 57th St (212) 757-3000 Few places can boast more won-

derful, exquisitely crafted sushi than the master himself, Matsuhisa Nobu. The real thrill is the omakase tasting, practically an all night affair featuring a selection of the day’s freshest catch.

Fishtail 135 East 62nd St (212) 754-1300 Chef extraordinaire David Burke is up to something fishy at this townhouse on the Upper East

8/30/2010 5:46:09 PM

Buyers’ Handbook

September 6, 2010

Side. Belly up to the oyster bar on the first floor or sit down to a more traditional dinner upstairs— either way, you’ll enjoy Burke’s finest sustainable seafood.

MEGU 62 Thomas St (212) 964-7777 Perhaps off the beaten path in the Financial District, the fine Japanese fare is housed in an evening of theater well-worth investigating, with fresh fish, special rolls, and Kobe filet mignon grilled on a hot river stone tableside!

Bouley 163 Duane St (212) 964-2525

Take a trip to Tribeca to experience chef David Bouley’s legendary restaurant. Grand dishes available at lunch and dinner arrive to the table either a la carte or as part of a tasting menu. Dress is business casual but a jacket is preferred for gentlemen.

Oceana 445 Park Ave (212) 829-5550 Just west of Rockefeller Center, Oceana has received a Michelin Star for four consecutive years now. Apart from the lauded seafood-forward menu, an extensive wine list and flawless service makes it easy to see why the restaurant garners such acclaim.

Nightlife

Dining and Nightlife

es and plenty of room to dance. But being Jessica Simpson doesn’t hurt either.

1OAK 453 W 17th St. (9th & 10th Aves.) Prepare to tangle with the doorman at the hottest of hotspots. Once inside, lounge on ostrich skin-covered banquettes or warm your feet by the fireplace. Whatever you do, you may want to avert your eyes from the paintings, which are of a somewhat, ahem, sexual nature.

GoldBar

389 Broome St (212) 274-1568 Shiny as a gold wedding band, the cocktail tables are actually patterned after rings. Gold skulls lining the walls lend a rathBY PETER SHERWOOD er more lurid cast to the otherwise glittering proceedings.

The Box Tenjune 26 Little West 12th St. (Washington St. & 9th Ave.) (212) 724-3900 Situated beneath the extraordinarily pricey STK Steakhouse in the Meatpacking District. You’re more likely to get a dinner reservation there than slink past the

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unflinching doorman at Tenjune. Bring a bevy of pretty girls.

Marquee 289 10th Ave. (27th St.) (646) 473-0202 From the high to not-so high brow, all are welcome at this chichi club with both intimate spac-

189 Chrystie St. (212) 982-9301 If you are thinking of going out to The Box in the Lower East Side, you may want to call first – whether it’s to make a dinner reservation or to see what kind of live entertainment they have booked in the theater.

Empire Hotel 44 West 63rd St (212) 265-7400 Should you not wish for some lobster at Ed’s Chowder House anchored here, head to the Lobby Bar instead and grab a signature cocktail or check out the Rooftop Bar & Lounge which looks down upon the stunning Lincoln Center.

The Hill 416 3rd Ave (212) 481-1712 Attention sports fans! There are certainly a lot of opportunities to catch all the action at The Hill with over 25 big screen televisions to watch. They also have a full menu available to keep you in the game.

Simyone Lounge ‘SL’ 409 West 14th St (646) 289-3940 Take your pick of two sprawling floors at this 2,200 sq-ft boutique nightclub that boasts a casual bar area in front, a grand back bar, and the exclusive Backroom, designed to light up wilder nights.

Polar Lounge 201 East 24th St (212) 292-7502 The Arctic-inspired atmosphere at Polar Lounge housed beneath

Hotel Marcel at Gramercy may appear to be chilly but the luxury of bottle service and the collection of thumping eighties and rock music definitely heat things up!

Salon de Ning at The Peninsula 700 5th Avenue (212) 903-3097 Club lounge meets bar and East meets West here at the chicly exotic, wildly attired Salon de Ning. So pull up a cocktail and get Shanghai’d, 30’s style.

Pacha 618 W. 46th St (212) 209-7500 What with the scenic city views and the fact that the 30,000 sq ft venue is layered with four distinctive levels, is it a wonder that Pacha is always packed?

Avenue 116 10th Ave (212) 337-0054 No holds barred, and no expense spared either at this $2.5 million “gastro lounge.” The party space has lots of places to sit and perhaps choose something from the abbreviated menu while having an intimate chat. Although there is a DJ, there is no dance floor.

8/30/2010 5:48:09 PM

Shopping

Buyers’ Handbook

September 6, 2010

Where to Shop Upper West Side north of 60th St., south of 95th St., west of Central Park

New Jersey, Metropolitan Window stocks thousands of brand name and designer fabrics at a discount. Window offers are both ready-made and custom.

With this first U.S. store, finished home furnishings are included in the collection. Fabulous fabrics and very reasonable prices.

Frette Bed Bath & Beyond

Schweitzer Linens

1932 Broadway (65th) A bit of an odd duck in terms of layout – visitors enter an empty lobby at street level, then ride an escalator down to enter the store.

457 Columbus (81st St.) This store carries a complete selection of linen for the home, including some juvenile merchandise. Also a location at 1053 Lexington Ave.(74th St.).

Gracious Home 1992 Broadway (67th St.) While not quite as sprawling as its Upper East Side cousin, the West Side story is nonetheless expansive, carrying everything from luxury linens to light bulbs.

Laytner’s Linens 2270 Broadway (82nd St.) Laytner’s carries a complete line of home textiles with hard accessories and some furniture. An expanded gift department is coming soon. Also visit the East Side store, located on 86th St. bet. Second and Third Aves.

Metropolitan Window Fashions 469 Amsterdam Ave. (82nd) (212) 501-8282 The New York arm of decadesold, family-run Fabricland of

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Upper East Side north of 60th St., south of 95th St., east of Fifth Ave.

799 Madison Ave. (67th St.) The fine Italian linen producer’s shop also features lifestyle pieces for body and home.

Gracious Home 1220 Third Ave. (71st St.) Luxuriant linen and basic to elegant hardgoods and home accessories, unpretentiously displayed at this decorating boutique. The retailer has another location at 1992 B’way at 67th St.

Barneys New York

Hermes

660 Madison Ave. (61st St.) Bigger and some say better, with an extended Chelsea Passage home department and more of those fabulous fish tanks.

691 Madison Ave. (62nd St.) The luxury French manufacturer’s flagship store — four floors of scarves, bags, bracelets and more, connected by a spiral staircase. Home furnishings are on the top floor.

DKNY 655 Madison Ave. (60th St.) (212) 223-3569 Cool, colorful merchandising of Karan’s clothes and neat gifts too.

Etro 720 Madison Ave. (64th St.) Italian department store and fabrics house, noted for its paisley.

IZ Design Studio 1230A Second Ave. (65th St.) High-end textiles retail shop has velvet goods and silks. Bedding, throws and pillows. It has also dabbled with silk lingerie. You never know what you’ll find.

Ligne Roset

1090 Third Ave. Their exclusive line of home furnishings from France. Other locations are at 20th St. and Park Ave., and 155 Wooster St. at Spring St.

Mackenzie-Childs Ltd. 824 Madison Ave. (69th St.) Home furnishings store in an Alice-in-Wonderland setting. The hardgoods and softgoods have been sold in various emporia across the country and are gathered here in their own store for the first time. Very, very colorful and charming.

ditional and romantic moods.

William-Wayne & Co. 850 Lexington Ave. (64th St.) Some of the best whimsical giftware in the city. Wonderful shopping music is guaranteed; Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong are store favorites. A smaller West Village store at University Place and 9th St.

Midtown West 24th to 59th Sts., west of Fifth Ave.

Pratesi Linens

Bergdorf Goodman

829 Madison Ave. (69th St.) A treasure trove of elegant luxury linen from Italy accented by home décor baubles. The only New York site for this eight-store specialty boutique.

754 Fifth Ave. (58th St.) One of New York’s original specialty shops; don’t miss the 7th floor home area with exclusive designer shops. For truly out-ofthis world linens, check out the luxury department.

Quintosol 937 Madison Ave. (75th St.) Sleek and stylish Mexican furniture and accessories shop run by four brothers.

Ralph Lauren 867 Madison Ave. (72nd St.) For Ralph devotees, a must-see. Lauren’s merchandise is showcased in a townhouse that truly conveys the designer’s more tra-

H&M 640 Fifth Ave. (51st St.) This Swedish import brings trendy, low-priced clothing and accessories to Manhattanites, though its minimalist interior and artfully arranged displays make it seem more upscale. Be prepared to fight crowds, however. Other locations include 34th St. and Sixth Ave. in Midtown, as well as

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Buyers’ Handbook

September 6, 2010

one on Broadway between Prince St. and Spring St. in SoHo.

Spring St. in SoHo.

Muji Henri Bendel 712 Fifth Ave. (55th & 56th Sts.) Bendel offers a boutique shopping experience in a larger, more luxurious store. Don’t bypass the first-floor gift and cosmetics departments.

Home Depot 40 W. 23rd St. (5th & 6th Aves.) Home improvement chain’s urban format foregoes much of the warehouse atmosphere in favor of a light industrial feel. A sister store is located on the Upper East Side at 59th St. and 3rd Ave.

620 8th Ave. (40th St.) The Japanese retailer of “good quality, not-branded” merchandise opened its U.S. flagship store here in 2008, its second in the country. More expansive in size that its SoHo location (455 Broadway between Canal St. and Grand St.), the assortment ranges from home textiles to kitchenware to apparel to storage and office goods.

Midtown East 24th to 59th Sts., east of Fifth Ave.

Shopping

(read: overstuffed furniture and slightly countrified styles). Also a newer location near SoHo, at Broadway and Houston St.

Palazetti

611 5th Ave. (50th St.) A legendary hallmark of luxury retailing. Marvel at exclusive designer collections, exquisite selection of shimmery gifts, and the dynamic window displays, most famous during holiday seasons.

44 W. 53rd St. (5th & 6th Aves.) Across from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), this store is more than a gift shop. Products are MoMA-inspired, and most are modern and neat. Newer downtown location also, at 81

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Crate & Barrel 650 Madison Ave. (59th St.) Big and busy, with furnishings geared more to a New Yorker’s vacation home than apartment

Housing Works Thrift Shop

888 Broadway (19th St.) Six floors of home furnishings — from estate furniture to lush linens — in complete and original vignettes; cross-merchandising is its specialty. Carpet is in its location just steps across Broadway.

151 W. 34th St. (Broadway) The flagship store is a favorite of many out-of-town guests, who marvel at the sheer size of it. The home textiles department looks spiffier these days, with a new designer shop. Wear comfortable shoes.

MoMA Design Store

south of 23rd St., north of 14th St., west of B’way

ABC Carpet & Home

Saks Fifth Ave.

1000 Lexington Ave. (59th St.) The flagship store. See: 5th floor model furniture, 6th floor housewares and gifts, 7th floor domestics and bath. Note the clearance sheet bins: A pillowcase from each pattern is left out of its packaging so that customers can touch before they buy.

at 77th and B’way.

1010 Third Ave. (60th St.) The Design Center here debuted in summer 2008 as the first of a new prototype; features textiles and furniture in vignette room settings.

Macy’s Herald Square Bloomingdale’s

Chelsea & Flatiron

Ethan Allen

515 Madison Ave. (53rd St.) You’ll need smelling salts after you see the prices, but the furniture and decorative pillows are just stunning.

The Terence Conran Shop 407 E. 59th St. (First Ave.) Beneath the 59th St. bridge, this British designer shop marries fun and funky with functional for well-selected merchandise like glassware, kitchen utensils, furniture, rugs, and kid stuff.

Apartment 48 48 West 17th St. (between 5th & 6th Aves.) Eclectic home textiles and accessories cleverly displayed in an NYC apartment setting. There is even a furnished children’s room with great nostalgic finds.

Bed Bath & Beyond 620 Sixth Ave. (18th St.) This 80,000-square-foot monster devotes more space to “Beyond,” but “Bed” and “Bath” also shine. Filene’s Basement and T.J.Maxx are also in the building.

Fishs Eddy 889 Broadway (19th St.) Unique china and tabletop, firstquality from restaurants around the U.S., along with basic wares, all in a general store atmosphere. Also an Upper West Side location

143 W. 17th. St. (6th & 7th Aves.) One of the celebrities’ token charities, offers some extremely highdesign accessories and furniture — and the tackiest 1950s and ’60s homegoods. Great books & clothing, all for a good cause.

Pottery Barn Bed + Bath 100-104 7th Ave. (16th St.) Pottery Barn’s newest retail iteration for luxury furnishings: 70% of the merchandise is unique to the Bed + Bath format.

Restoration Hardware 935 B’way (22nd St.) Two stories joined by a grand staircase and full of the eclectic, yet sublimely and brilliantly focused merchandise assortment for which Restoration is known.

West Elm 112 West 18th St. (6th Ave.) The Williams-Sonoma Inc. brand offering more contemporary home furnishing designs for budget-conscious shoppers.

XYZ Total Home 15 E. 18th St. (5th Ave.) Cute little store with beautiful home furnishings.

8/31/2010 11:26:03 AM

Shopping

Buyers’ Handbook

September 6, 2010

Where to Shop The East Village south of 14th St., north of Houston St., east of B’way.

garden tools — and lush bedding, table linens, dinnerware, and throws to die for.

Galileo Alphabets 115 Ave. A (7th St. & St. Mark’s) This gift shop is located next to its sister T-shirt store. Fresh and funky merchandise sold at both. Also located in the West Village on Greenwich Ave. and the Upper West Side on B’way.

John Derian & Co. 6 E. Second St. (Bowery & Second Ave.) (212) 677-3917 The art of decoupage is romantically executed in this beautiful shop, applying antique papers and postcards to serveware, paperweights and other objects.

Lost City Arts 18 Cooper Sq. (5th St., 3rd Ave.) Design classics from the 1930s to the 1960s. the 1960s.

37 Seventh Ave. (13th St.) Tiny shop carries handmade luxury throws in mohair and vintage silks; chenille offerings; and a new line of decorative pillows created from French fabrics.

tiques and textiles in a forwardthinking store. The handbag selection for spring, with mind blowing fabrics and embroideryaccents, is awe-inspiring.

Cap-Sud 218 Lafayette St. (Spring St.) French-inspired decorating with elegant home accents, home textiles and furniture offering the charms of the pastoral side.

The Lively Set 33 Bedford St. (6th Ave.) Antiques and decoratives, with emphasis on ceramics, vintage fabric pillows, indoor/outdoor furniture and fun personal-care items. Very pretty, indeed.

435 Hudson St. (Leroy St.) Hong Kong-based lifestyle design house in its first retail concept. Clean, minimalist product with a fun twist. Bright kitchenware and dinnerware, washing machines, sheets, throws, felt basketweave area rugs, dog beds.

Kmart Astor Place (8th St.) The Bluelight still shines in the Village. Home goods are located upstairs in the three-level store. .. South of Houston St., north of Delancey St.

Amy Chan 247 Mulberry St. (Prince St.) Designer Chan creates a line of handbags to take you from the office to an elegant soiree.

259 Elizabeth St. (Houston & Prince Sts.) Wonderful dec pillows, Italian glassware, tabletop, candles, many other items. A very male point of view.

W. 16th St. south to Jane St., from the Hudson River to Hudson St..

B+N Industries 420 W. 14th St., Ste 2SE (Washington) (212) 912-3876 This fixturing shop was for nearly 30 years open to retailers only. But with the gentrification of the Meatpacking distrinct, it has open to the public for both browsing and buying.

Henry Beguelin

The West Village

NoHo

Calypso/St. Barth’s Store

south of 14th St., north of Houston St., west of B’way.

North of Houston St. & South of Astor Place

280 Mott St. (Houston & Prince Sts.) Fashion accessories start and end here at this definitive shop — the assortment is beyond cuttingedge. This is a MUST for visitors with teenage kids back home.

Chelsea Garden Center

Bond 007

435 Hudson St. (Morton St.) Beautiful plants, clay pots and

7 Bond St. (B’way & Lafayette) Clothing, eyewear, jewelry, an-

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Capitol Furnishings

Meatpacking District

Nolita Room Interior Products

P.S., the owner has opened a baby clothing store around the corner on Mulberry St.

18 Ninth Ave. (13th St.) (212) 647-8415 This is a leather-lover’s paradise. Reptile skins – check. Animal pelts – yep. The assortment includes handbags, women’s shoes, luggage and jewelry.

Lars Bolander 72 Gansevoort St. (Washington St.) (212) 924-1000 Designer Bolander’s interior shop offers antiques and vintage pieces from France, Sweden, England and other distinctive destinations for the serious design hound.

Vitra 29 Ninth Ave. (13th St.) (212) 463-5750 The U.S. outpost for the international design firm that has prized ergonomic, modern design for home and office for more than half a century. Also offers a great assortment of design books.

SoHo South of Houston St., north of Canal St.

Anthropologie 735 West Broadway (Spring St.) Crisp bed linen, wonderful bath and body products and distinctive decorative accessories fill this spacious home furnishings store. This Urban Outfitters division also has dresses and knickknacks at reasonable prices. Another location: 85 Fifth Ave. (16th St.)

8/30/2010 5:59:33 PM

Buyers’ Handbook

September 6, 2010

Shopping

The Apartment

Craft Caravan

Pearl River Mart

Harris Levy

101 Crosby St. (Prince St.) Feels like you’re visiting someone’s cool modern apartment, only everything is for sale, with products for every room.

63 Greene St. (Broome St.) Fun and funky crafts, jewelry, furniture, and textiles from Africa, Europe, South America. A favorite of New York magazine’s “Best Bets.”

277 Canal St. (Broadway) Like a trip to the Far East without the airfare. This value-priced department store is like a Chinese version of Kmart, with lots of Asian versions of everyday things, including beautiful pottery.

278 Grand St. (Forsyth St.) One of the oldest Lower East Side discounters. Family-run, has some of the lowest prices in town. Many items are exclusive imports. Recently redone, a charming testament with memorabilia from their many years in business. Established in 1894, it is currently operated by the fourth generation of the founders.

Armani Casa 97 Greene St. (Prince St.) You wear his clothes, now your home can wear his furnishings.

Bellora 156 Wooster St. (Houston St.) American flagship store for this Italian maker of fine bed linen.

Boca Grande Furnishings 66 Greene St. (Broome St.) Arts and crafts from Central and South America, and Asia. Old and new textiles, some created using ancient weaving techniques.

Calypso Outlet 464 Broome St. (Lafayette St.) A haute-hippie array of colorful apparel and internationally inspired home furnishings.

Distant Origin 153 Mercer St. (W. Houston St.) A unique blend of home textiles, decorative housewares and accessories with a Mexican flair.

Language 238 Mulberry St. (Spring St.) Ecletic stylish garb, furniture and home accessories from South American, American and European designers. Also vintage stuff.

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600 Broadway (Houston St.) An oversized prototype, this store offers more, more, more reasonably priced homegoods and an in-store design center where shoppers can customize wares.

Terra Verde Trading Co. Muji 455 Broadway (Canal St. & Grand St) The international lifestyle brand’s first U.S. store is more compact than the flagship store uptown, but still offers a mix of fabrics, furniture, housewares, apparel and gadgets.

CB2 451 Broadway (Canal St. & Grand St.) The Crate & Barrel sub-brand’s only store in Manhattan harkens back to the parent company’s roots with a mix of unique and practical home furnishings.

Pottery Barn

Palma 521 Broome St. (Thompson St.) Beautiful feminine apparel, accessories and homegoods, including textiles and decorative items. Not frilly — just plain pretty.

120 Wooster St. (Prince St.) Ecologically sound department store. Housewares and softgoods for the home.

TriBeCa & Below (south of Canal St.)

35 North Moore St. (Hudson and Varick) Formerly known as Mosaic, this showroom features mosaic furniture and custom mosaic installations for kitchen and bath.

Donzella 17 White St. (Sixth Ave. & West Broadway) (212) 965-8919 A collection of 20th-century artifacts and antiques for that Moderne look. Just in case, be sure to call before you stop by; hours are erratic.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Interieurs

270 Greenwich St. (Warren St.) The retailer’s fourth Manhattan store anchors a mini retail cluster along with Barnes & Noble and Whole Foods. The newest version of The Palm restaurant is right around the corner on West Street and Warren.

149-151 Franklin St. (Varick & Hudson) The showroom and design studios features modern looks interspersed with antiques from across the globe. The aim is modern, soulful living.

Topshop478 Broadway (Broome & Grand) A destination for pioneering British fashion on the high street. The only store location in the US, coming over from London.

Karkula Century 21

Lower East Side

22 Cortlandt St. (Church St. and Broadway) The flagship Manhattan store is the mecca for label-obsessed bargain hunters. Home textiles tend to be overstocks and clearance items, but designer names are usually well-represented.

South of Houston St., north of Canal St., east of Bowery

Cheryl Hazan Gallery

48 Walker St. (near Broadway) The modern home furnishings here are known for their focus on natural materials, unique items and hand-made pieces. The assortment includes furniture for the living, bedroom and garden as well as rugs, lighiting jewelry and accent pieces. The prices range from reasonable to expensive.

8/30/2010 6:01:50 PM

> hometextilestoday.com

The national exclusive launch of Vera Wang bedding is featured with three of the beds on a national basis; the fourth will be in select stores. French Paisley, Love Knots and Bouquet are the national feature designs from Vera Wang’s collection by Revman.

News

September 6, 2010

Home Textiles Today

Folk art and flea market come together in the new rendition of Sky – a bedding coordinate program launched in June in a more casual mix-and-match grouping of bedding and accessories. The fall version expands the collection’s reach in design and product.

Natori’s Tanka collection sports an Eastern lotus and medallion motif, one of two new exclusive Natori designs for the store.

Rockland Mills Adds a Generation to Management B ALTIMORE — Darren Fradin

The new Charisma Celeste collection of bedding features a cutout eyelet in blue, part of the Charisma grouping of bedding for the store.

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will join Rockland Mills in midSeptember as a member of the management team. Fradin, the son of Rockland Mills president Stan Fradin, has a wide range of experience in the decorative fabrics business. He has been in sales

and sales management at Covington, P/Kaufmann, Fabricut, and Sunbury. His first stint with Rockland will be at the HD Boutique in Miami in mid-September. He then will be based at company headquarters here. He reports directly to Stan Fradin.

“His participation will be especially import ant in the Pacific Rim and the Middle East with significant customers,” the senior Fradin noted. “He also will bring us a different approach to our business based on his decorative fabrics experience.” HTT

9/2/2010 12:50:49 PM

Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

News

ITM Manufacturing Breaks into Licensing with Croscill, Organically Grown C U M B E R L A N D , R.I. — Enter-

ing into its third year of business, braided area and accent rug manufacturer International Textile Manufacturers (ITM) is taking its business into untapped territory – licensing – with two new branded collections launching at the New York Home Fashions market. This new effort is being spearheaded by Jeffrey Cohen, who joined ITM in August as the company’s national sales manager, a newly created post. ITM was founded in October 2007. ITM has partnered with Croscill/Excell/Glenoit to create a collection of coordinating bedside rugs and fabric storage baskets made to match with the Royalton and Serafina top-of-

bed programs by Croscill. The rugs and baskets are both made using the same fabric used to make the bedding components. The fabric is braided in an ovalshaped 27-by-45 rug or into a floor basket that can neatly store magazines, books or other bedroom-related items. “Braided rugs are a great option for our collections, as they can be a complement rather than a direct match, which can be too overwhelming when decorating a room,” explained Debbie Powell, vp of merchandising, rugs and table, Croscill/Excell/Glenoit. “ITM has a wide range of constructions and fabrications that will allow us extend winning styles into more coordinate products. They are also set up to drop ship

to consumer which is a great opportunity in larger room size rugs. We are excited for the fall launch.” Organically Grown is ITM’s other new licensing alliance, which calls for a new collection of juvenile accent and area rugs in braided constructions. The rugs come in two constructions: 100% certified organic cotton (GOTS certified); and eco-friendly yarns produced from recycled plastic beverage bottles – each 5-by-8 using 50 two-liter bottles. Tufted and formed into animal shapes that work in nurseries and children’s rooms, these rugs are designed to coordinate with Organically Grown-branded licensed bedding programs by Crown Crafts. HTT

Webinar Will Focus on Art Licensing Mistakes N EW YORK — The next Webi-

nar to be presented by the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association will throw a spotlight on “Art Licensors’ Top 10 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them.” The session, which will be hosted by Ketra Oberlander, founder of Art of Possibility LLC, will explore strategies and tactics to sidestep common roadblocks and offer practical solutions to typical challenges faced by those in the art licensing sector. The session will take place on Sept.14, from noon to 1:30 p.m. EST. Oberlander is a former writer and editor who began painting

at age 40 after becoming legally blind. She then founded Art of Possibility LLC in 2008 to represent artists who have physical disabilities. Despite last year’s troubled economy, the agency has grown steadily and today represents seven artists responsible for about 80 retail skus. Oberlander’s fine art paintings have received more than a dozen awards, including the Award of Excellence from the Kennedy Center-sponsored “Visions from the Heart” exhibit. Oberlander has been profiled in Décor magazine and is featured in the book “Beautiful Women” as an example of artistic vision in practice. “Art Licensors’ Top 10 Mis-

takes and How to Avoid Them” is part of the ongoing 2010 LIMA Webinar Series. Other upcoming sessions include “The ABCs of Creating A Style Guide,” presented by Stan Madaloni, Mada Design, on Sept. 27, and “Valuing Your Brand and Licensing Property,” presented by Wes Anson of Consor Intellectual Asset Management, on Oct. 12. Webinars are free to LIMA members and $99 for non-members. Visit www.licensing.org to sign up. For more information on the webinar program, contact Christina Attardo at cattardo@licensing.org or call 646744-3741. HTT

Consumers Name Favorite Online Shopping Sites WASHINGTON — Amazon is tops

among consumers’ online shopping destinations, according to a new survey. The Stores Media Favorite 50 Online Retailers survey, which was conducted by BigResearch, polled 8,486 consumers early June. They were asked two open-

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ended questions: “What website do you shop most often for apparel items?” and “What website do you shop most often for non-apparel items?” No names of merchants were listed or suggested. The full list can be found at www.stores. org. The top 10 are as follows: 1. Amazon.com

2. Walmart.com 3. eBay.com 4. BestBuy.com 5. JCPenney.com 6. Target.com 7. Kohls.com 8. Google.com 9. Overstock.com 10. Sears.com HTT

> hometextilestoday.com

Linon Opens New York Showroom M INEOLA , N.Y. — Home fur-

nishings company Linon Home Décor Products will this fall for the first time participate in the New York Home Fashions market with a new showroom space to showcase it growing area and accent rug lines. The company’s new showroom is in suite 816 of 230 Fifth Avenue. It measures 1,300 square feet. Linon will open the space from September 13 to 15. “The focus of this market is to provide only fashionable quality area and scatter rugs at value driven prices” said Jim Ziozis, Linon president. The company has a “need” for a presence at the New York market, said Steve Mazarakis, who heads the company’s

rug division. “Many of our key accounts only go to New York for rugs, so we needed to be there. I will have a rack with key products for my appointments. I also will be showing scatter rugs for those same key accounts.” New products being launched will include powerloomed as well as hand-tufted area rugs in contemporary and transitional designs, new colorways in flokati and berber rugs from Greece, Brazilian cow hides styles and a new scatter rug program in an assortment on constructions that includes leather, cotton, chenille, jute and others. Linon also operates showrooms in High Point, Las Vegas, and Atlanta. HTT

Crown Crafts Infant Products Aligns with ProjectNursery.com C O M P T O N , C A L I F . — Crown Crafts Infant Products Inc. is launching a partnership with ProjectNursery.com to better connect online with new and expectant parents who purchase its NoJo brand of nursery bedding. Founded and edited by mothers and design enthusiasts Melisa Fluhr and Pam Ginocchio, Project Nursery originally began as a blog dedicated to nursery design but has since grown into a forum for lifestyle ideas, tips and information for families. “This partnership is just one of the ways we’re enhancing our social media presence to reach the increasing number of moms and families who are embracing websites like ProjectNursery.com to conduct product research, exchange ideas with peers and more,” said Nanci Freeman, president of Crown Crafts Infant Products, a whollyowned subsidiary of Crown Crafts Inc. She added: “The tie-in with Project Nursery will provide consumers with a wealth of

ideas and practical advice on how to make the most of NoJo products, taking advantage of the broad expertise and incredible visions that Fluhr and Ginocchio have to share.” To kick off the joint venture, Babies “R” Us stores nationwide will host on Sept. 18 a “Design with Style” in-store event sponsored by the NoJo brand and developed with Project Nursery’s Fluhr and Ginocchio. An interactive seminar will offer ideas for decorating the nursery, preview the latest NoJo bedding line and distribute a comprehensive room design brochure. Fluhr will attend the event at the Babies “R” Us store in Tustin, Calif. “The best way to market to moms today is by marketing with moms,” Fluhr said. “Research shows that moms are now more empowered than ever. They want to partner with companies they believe in and help spread the word about products they enjoy. ProjectNursery. com encourages parents to share those recommendations.” HTT

9/2/2010 1:56:21 PM

Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

News

> hometextilestoday.com

Bigresearch: Consumers Less Confident, But Also Less Practical in Spending COLUMBUS, OHIO — Consumer

confidence in August flat lined at 27.8% as two in five consumers surveyed by Bigresearch said they are worse off financially than a year ago, but fewer shoppers are feeling “practical,” sparking some hope for a better backto-school season. Bigresearch’s most recent monthly Consumer Intentions & Actions (CIA) Survey was fielded between Aug. 3 and 10. T h e f i n di n g s f o r t h i s month’s survey offered a mixed bag, with some low points offset by some highlights in consumers’ attitudes and expectations for the U.S. economy. “While confidence and the U.S. unemployment rate – remaining at 9.5% – both failed to improve over the past 30 days, consumers are feeling a bit brighter about outlook for the job market,” Bigresearch reported, as fewer than one in three people surveyed, or 28.9%, said they expected there will be

“more” layoffs over the next six months, down two points from July’s 30.8%. More than half (53.1%) said they feel layoff levels will remain the same, up slightly from 52.2% last month, while about one in five (18.0%) hope for fewer, rising a point from a month ago (17.0%). Those concerned with becoming laid off remains stable at 3.9%, the same figure posted in June and July 2010. T h e c u r r e n t r e a di n g “remains quite an improvement over August 2009” at 7.8%, Bigresearch said. Giving retailers more to be concerned about is the finding that 40.6% of surveyed consumers said they feel “worse off” financially compared to a year ago – “and let’s face it, 2009 wasn’t a great year,” Bigresearch noted. Just over one in 10 said they are better off, while 45.2% said they are the same financially. Still, students headed back to school may have an easier time this year convincing their

“While confidence and the U.S. unemployment rate – remaining at 9.5% – both failed to improve over the past 30 days, consumers are feeling a bit brighter about outlook for the job market.” —BIGRESEARCH

“penny-pinching parents that they need a new netbook, ereader, or mobile device.” More than half, or 53.5%, still said they are focused on necessities when shopping, but this percentage has lowered from last month’s 58.0% and August 2009’s 55.9%. Home Depot at 29.8% and Lowe’s with 26.2% as preferred shopping desitinations “continue to hammer the competition” in the home improvem e n t c a t e g o r y. Wa l m a r t

ranked third place, with 6.1% of consumers shopping there most often, while Menards garnered 4.1% and ACE Hardware 2.9%. As it relates to spending, a lesser focus on practicality and needs over wants “appears to be having a positive impact,” Bigresearch found, on the 90-day outlook compared to July’s results. This outlook is also an improvement over August 2009 and August 2008 versus the pre-recession August 2007 rates. By retail merchandise category, home improvement, home décor and home furniture were all up in July 2010. The only home-related business that was reported as down for the period was lawn & garden. More good news is that consumers’ six-month purchase intentions continue to track ahead of August 2009 levels for big-ticket items, which in the home category comprises furniture. HTT

ForecastIQ Finds Comp Outlook Better Than ’09 But Weak Month Over Month C O L U M B U S , O H I O — While

same-store sales outlook has improved from this time last year, it has retreated month over month, with more stores almost certain to see a decline in the next 75 days, compared to last month, and fewer saying they are almost certain to experience an increase, according to the most recent report from ForecastIQ. A d di t i o n a l l y, g r ow t h “appears sideways, not up, as consumers realign their spending,” observed ForecastIQ, which was developed b y P r o s p e r Te c h n o l o g i e s and Greg Allenby by analyzing more than eight years of data from the BIGresearch

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“For some, this realignment seems to mean shopping more discounters. For luxury buyers, it may mean stepping back into high-end retailers.” —FORECASTIQ monthly Consumer Intentions & Actions surveys and the same store sales of more than 27 publicly held retailers. “For some, this realignment seems to mean shopping more discounters. For

luxury buyers, it may mean stepping back into high-end retailers,” ForecastIQ concluded from its latest findings. “Indicators for September and October forecast that value-focused retailers Ross and TJX are almost certain to see growth. Neiman Marcus is almost cert ain and Nordstrom is likely to see an increase, and although Saks is not up, this high-end retailer is not down either.” Of the ret ailers offering home textiles and home furnishings who said they are “almost cert ain to see an increase” in same-store sales in the coming two and

Global Interiors Home Collection Show Market Kick Off Party Sponsors India Pavilion sponsored by

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a half months was Costco in the company o off-price chains TJMaxx and Ross Stores. Those “likely to see an increase” included BJ’s and Fred’s. The Bon-Ton Stores was categorized as “likely to see a decline.” Among those “almost cert ain to see a decline” in same store sales were Dillard’s, JCPenney and Stein Mart. ForecastIQ noted that an “almost cert ain increase” indicator for August means that in September and October, retailers are almost certain to experience same-store sales growth from the same period a year ago. HTT

9/2/2010 11:44:47 AM

FALL MARKET KICKOFF PARTY PENTHOUSE LOUNGE & ROOFTOP CLUB Sunday, September 12, 2010 6pm – 8pm Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres Industry business card required for admittance.

Sponsored by:

For sponsorship information, please contact Joe Carena at 203.321.0232

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9/2/2010 11:46:35 AM

Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

> hometextilestoday.com

PEOPLETodaY Loftex Hires Hernandez

NEW YORK — Luis Hernandez has joined Loftex USA as director of sales for the US Market. He will report to Gretchen Dale, chief operating officer of Loftex USA, and will be based in the company’s New York office. Prior to joining the company, Hernandez was director of sales and marketing for the Solarium Division of Richloom Fabrics from 2001 to 2010. He has also

held positions at John Wold and Ametex/Robert Allen. “As we have grown over the last five years we really have not expanded our team, but we felt it was now time to bring in someone with a strong selling background in textiles to work with our outstanding marketing and replenishment team members to continue to grow our business while maintaining

our innovative approach in the towel arena,” said Dale. Hernandez said he is excited about entering a new product category, adding: “This is a wonderful opportunity to work with an extremely talented and entrepreneurial group of individuals and a world class operation committed to expanding their footprint within the industry.” HTT

Holland Retiring from JCPenney PLANO, TEXAS — Veteran home

textiles merchant Alan Holland will retire Sept. 24 from JCPenney, where he has most recently served a merchandise marketing director for window coverings. Holland began his retailing career 42 years ago at the former Gimbels in New York starting as assistant buyer, moving up to associate buyer and then buyer in window coverings. He

then served as buyer in various positions for Lit’s and F&R Lazarus. He later served as divisional merchandise manager for the former Joske’s, Rike’s and as well as Dillard’s and The Home Front until 1987. He joined JCPenney 17 years ago where he first was senior buyer of pillows and blankets. He later became senior buyer for drapery hardware, hard win-

dow and ready-made draperies. He left Penney in 1999 to join Expo Design Center, a unit of Home Depot, as global project manager. He returned to Penney in 2005 where he served as senior buyer in window and moved to his current post in 2007. In his current post he reports to Susan Gregson, divisional vp, dmm window HTT

New Product Winners Announced For NYIGF NEW YORK — Five exhibitors in the At Home Featuring Home Textiles division of the New York International Gift Fair/Home Textiles Market Week were awarded for their new production introductions. Designers Guild received the “Best of Market” award for its Orangerie Cushion. Bodmer Blankets won Best New Product in the bedding category for its Jaspé Blanket, which is designed and handwoven by Craig Bodmer. Finalists in the category were Sefte and The Thai Silk Association/ Pimplus Co., Ltd. In bath, the winner was Brahms Mount for its linen towels, which are woven in North America from 100% linen. Finalists were Scents & Feel and Mastro Raphaël. I n t h e di ni n g c a t e g o r y, Blissliving Home took the prize for its Samsara Table Linens, which feature traditional embroidery borrowed from the

htt100901_026 26

Top row, left to right: Danielle Johnson, At Home Sales Manager, Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF Director and GLM senior vp and Kristen Hamilton, At Home sales representative, with the summer 2010 Home Textiles Market Week winners: David Kaufman; Craig Bodmer; Mareike Fink; Andrew Nicholson; Jennifer Nobis. Left to right, bottom row: Claudia Brahms, Alicia Adams, Mei-Xu,and Christine Sullivan.

company’s Samsara decorative pillow. Finalists were Scents & Feel and Sferra. The home accessories award went to Alicia Adams Alpaca for its Travel Set (blanket, eye mask and pouch) made of 100% baby alpaca. Finalists were Bahms Mount and Bodmer Blankets.

“The winners and finalists in each of these categories raised the bar in terms of design creativity,” said Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. Judging was done by a group of editors from trade and consumer publications. HTT

Patriarch Partner Exec Steps in as Interim CEO at Croscill/ExCell/Glenoit NEW YORK — In the wake of ceo Barry Leonard’s departure from the helm of Croscill/Excell/ Glenoit, Emil Giliotti, managing director of the Consumer Goods Platform for majority stakeholder Patriarch Partners, has been named interim ceo. “I look forward to continuing to lead these companies with creativity, clarity and commitment. I am passionate about the design, the new product development and especially pleased to be working even more closely with our retail partners,”

said Giliotti. Patriarch founder and ceo Lynn Tilton described Giliotti as “the finest operator with whom I have worked, and I have witnessed his magic for many years, and I expect that he will leave his indelible touch on these operations as well. Through his position at Patriarch, Emil has become intimately familiar with all of these companies, and I expect the transition will be seamless. “ The company will search for a permanent ceo, she added. HTT

Former Kmart Executive Samper Joins Allied Home VERNON, C ALIF. — Industry veteran Carlos Joaquin Samper has joined Allied Home as vp international, with an immediate focus on Latin American key accounts and global sourcing. Samper previously held executive positions at Sears and Kmart, Fieldcrest Cannon, Springs, Li & Fung and Louisville Bedding. Allied Home was formed earlier this year as a sister company of Allied Feather & Down Corporation, a major supplier of natural and synthic fill to the apparel and home industries operating company-owned factories in China, Los Angeles and North Carolina. Its products, which will be shown at the upcoming New York Home Fashions Market, includes down

and down-alternative comforters, basic bedding, pillows, blankets, mattress pads and micro fleece blankets. Samper will report to Dave Fraser, president national sales, another seasoned industry veteran who most recently was with JLA, Pillowtex and Fieldcrest Cannon. Allied Home is headed by Andy Schantz, principal and ceo. Schantz is an industry veteran who has held executive positions at JLA and Hollander Home Fashions, among others. Allied Home will present its new collections – including the JNL FitHome, built around fitness model and lifestyle coach Jennifer Nicole Lee – at the Princeton Club, 15 West 43rd St., during market week. HTT

S. Lichtenberg Adds New Titles N EW YORK — A series of executives title changes have been made at window treatments supplier S. Lichtenberg & Co. Richard Lichtenberg is now chairman of the board. Michael

Lichtenberg has become president, and Scott Lichtenberg chief operating officer. Carl Goldstein now vice chairman. Scott Goldstein’s new title is executive vp. HTT

9/1/2010 11:33:11 AM

FT_GIHC Advertorial sprd.indd 2-3

SEPTEMBER 12-16, 2010

GLOBAL INTERIORS HOME COLLECTION SHOW

OVERSEAS SUPPLIERS OPTIMISTIC ON On Sunday, September 12, Home Textiles Today will open the 2nd edition of its Global Interiors Home Collection Show at 7 West 34th St. – Suites 841, 1021 and 1023. HTT Publisher, Joe Carena outlines: “The show will run Sunday, Sept. 12, through midafternoon, Thursday, Sept. 16, and it will feature 12 highly innovative suppliers from around the world. We have worked closely with the management staff of 7 West 34th St. to arrange our exhibitors in three showrooms. Each showroom will have refreshments and a private conference room. 7 West has also arranged for extra spaces for private meetings to be held if needed. We look forward to both retailers and wholesalers visiting our exhibitors.” Nine of the ﬁrms are from India, exhibiting with the support from The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council, Pradip Overseas Ltd. (Texprocil). One ﬁrm is from the U.K – Chortex Ltd., well known for its collection of bath towels, and the other is Chinese-owned ZZ Home (also known as Zheng Zhang) world-famous for its extensive line of adult and juvenile quilts. Ravi N, Manager, Texprocil, says – “Since its inception in 1954, TEXPROCIL has been the international face of Indian Cotton Textiles, successfully facilitating exports around the world. For the foreign buyer, Texprocil has opened the entire range of Indian Cotton yarns, fabrics and made-ups, including home textiles in all their varied hues, and has become a one-stop

source for these commodities. For the discerning Indian sellers, it has brought within reach the opportunities offered by the global market. The ever-increasing quantum of exports and diversity of the markets explored bear testimony to the success of TEXPROCIL. By organizing group participation of member companies at New York Home Fashions Market Week, we hope to enhance business opportunities. Texprocil has successfully established the industry as a reliable source of cotton textiles in the international market.” Ben Noonan, U.S. Manager for Pradip Overseas Ltd. says “Pradip Overseas continues its emphasis on luxury bedding, announcing the expansion of its Cotton Rich sheet sets beyond 600 thread counts, making Cotton Rich constructions available in 700, 800 and 900 Thread Counts. Both the Cotton Rich sheet sets as well as 100% Cotton sets are available in

Sree Amman Exports solids, prints, sateens and Damask stripes. In addition to higher-end cotton rich sheet sets, we will also be introducing a complete range of biodegradable Tencel Home Textile products with their unique hand and easy care properties.

BRINGING INNOVATIVE STYLING TO U.S. MARKETPLACE Finally we will also be featuring comforters and comforter sets ﬁlled with siliconized bonded ﬁber, providing a luxurious silky feel for today’s discerning consumer”.

Chortex Ltd. Vidho S. from Sree Amman Exports reports that his firm specializes in the design and manufacture of premium home textiles. A major part of our business is developing a product tailored specifically to our customer’s design specifications and price-point requirements. With over 45 years of manufacturing experience, SREE AMMAN EXPORTS has developed a competitivelypriced, broad line of home textiles and accessories. We offer a unique range of items featuring 100% cotton, poly/cotton, and organic cotton. We currently custom produce 100% cotton table linens, kitchen towels, aprons, oven mitt/pot holders, throws, duvets, bed skirts, shams, bath towels, bath robes, cushions, curtains and other home decor items for many U.S.

retailers, grocery chains and business-to-business. Mr. Majeet Singh, CEO of R.P.Overseas, comments, “R.P.Overseas is quality conscious and famous for our new developments. We are committed to showing new designs in bath mats R.P. Overseas and bath rugs and we are introducing a unique development we call 100% cotton room / beach sleepers.” Ms. Claire Smithson, Business Development Manager, Chortex Limited explains her ﬁrm is planning to show several new towel collections this market. Claire reports: “We are delighted to re-launch our famous towel range ‘Rhapsody Royale.’ “This is back by incredible demand from repeated website inquires. This luxurious Egyptian towel weighs 660gsm and is available in six colors.” We also look forward to presenting our new Micro cotton and Supima ranges. All our dyestuffs now come with Dyestar E conﬁdence hangtags supporting colorfastness quality. We look forward to welcoming you to our plain and decorative collections featuring new fashion jacquards”.

Best Textiles Ltd. Sanjeev Dhawan, Managing Director, Best Textiles Ltd., says “Best Textiles Ltd. is a company specializing in making designer sheets, duvets, comforters and quilts and

supplying all the major retailers and luxury hotels world wide. We are presenting at this show our latest collection of designer bedding, sheets, and duvets styles for retailers and designers.” Paresh Bhuta, Oracle Exports Home Textiles Pvt. Ltd., says ‘We have created a presence on the global home textiles scene in terry towels. Our vision is clear. “Think Jacquards. Think Oracle.” We are planning to exhibit at the U.S. Market Week. You’ll ﬁnd our exclusive range of terry beach and bath towels as well as

Rateria Exports our latest Summer Collection designed for 2011. Look for a big display of colors, designs and ﬁnishes.’ Manish Singhal, Director of Bhavik Terryfab – This leading towel manufacturer will be showing several new towels, including a new yard-dyed mosaic collection. Also, our hotselling quick dry and colorfast range of towels. Rajbala Singh of Rateria Exports says “We are manufacturers of middle and high-end home furnishing products. We work with Laura Ashley, Zara Home, Anthropologie, just to name a few. At the Home Fashion Show, we’ll be showing some of our new collection of linen beding inclusive of quilts and duvet covers. We’ll also be showing a vast range of kids’ bedding and decoraBhavik Terryfab tive cushions.” O

8/31/10 11:30:28 AM

Home Textiles Today

> hometextilestoday.com

September 6, 2010

BUSINESS TodaY Sears Canada Profits Plunge TORONTO — Job-related fears and

sagging consumer confidence continued to plague sales and earnings for Sears Canada. Revenues for the 13-week period ending July 31 were C$1.21 billion, down 3% from the same period a year earlier, as samestore sales fell 2.4%. Net earnings for the company, Canada’s largest home furnishings retailer, plummeted 41% to C$31.9 million or 29 cents per share. Operating EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) declined to C$74.3 million, from C$108.7 million a year earlier.

First-half revenues of C$2.28 billion were down 3.6% from the comparable 2009 period as same-store sales fall 2.2%. Firsthalf earnings skidded 34.3%, to C$39.1 million or 36 cents per share. Operating EBITDA for the half was C$120.9 million versus C$171 million a year ago. “Our results reflect a continuing downward trend in consumer confidence caused by high unemployment and other factors,” Sears Canada president and ceo Dene Rogers said in a statement. He said the company is

launching several initiatives to boost sales, including new financing terms that will offer customers zero interest and payment deferral for up to 36 months, along with Sears Club loyalty points and other benefits. This fall, the merchant will launch a new “modern shop” to bring new brands to the floor including Kensie, Mac & Jac and Guess. Sears Holding is the majority owner of Sears Canada. The Chicago-based company is also parent to the Sears, Roebuck & Co. and Kmart chains in the United States. HTT

Home Sales Drop Sharply W A S H I N G T O N — With home

buyer tax credit no longer available, month-over-month sales of existing homes dropped 27.2% in July, although home prices continued to rise. Compared to July 2009, sales of existing single-family houses, townhomes, condos and co-ops fell 25.5%, according to the National Association of Realtors. “Sales are at the lowest level since the total existing-home sales series launched in 1999, and single family sales – accounting for the bulk of transactions – are at the lowest level since May of 1995,” according to the associ-

ation. That is likely to remain true for several months, said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “Consumers rationally jumped into the market before the deadline for the home buyer tax credit expired. Since May, after the deadline, contract signings have been notably lower and a pause period for home sales is likely to last through September,” he said. “However, given the rock-bottom mortgage interest rates and historically high housing affordability conditions, the pace of a sales recovery could pick up quickly, provided the economy consistent-

ly adds jobs. He added: “Even with sales pausing for a few months, annual sales are expected to reach 5 million in 2010 because of healthy activity in the first half of the year. To place in perspective, annual sales averaged 4.9 million in the past 20 years, and 4.4 million over the past 30 years.”. The national median existinghome price for all housing types was $182,600 in July, up 0.7% from a year ago. Distressed home sales are unchanged from June, accounting for 32% of transactions in July. They were 31% in July 2009. HTT

Same-store sales

Redbook: August Comps Hit Target NEW YORK — Same-store sales in August rose

ly indicative for the season.” Redbook’s preliminary forecast for September comps is a 2.8% gain year-over-year and a 1.0% increase from August. HTT

2.8% compared to 2009 and were up 1.0% over July, according to the Johnson Redbook. For the week ended Aug. 28, comps at discounters increased 3.5% and department store comps moved Johnson Redbook Index up 2.0%. Fourth week of August, year-over-year % change Noting the back-to-school seaWEEK ENDED 8/7 8/14 8/21 8/28 MONTH son has not yet concluded, Department stores* 2.0 1.7 1.8 2.0 1.8 Redbook analyst Catlin Levis Discounters 3.5 3.2 2.9 3.5 3.3 said: “Some retailers believe Redbook Index 3.0 2.7 2.6 3.0 2.8 hot weather may be delaying *Including chain stores and traditional department stores back-to-school activity. Early Source: Johnson Redbook Index sales figures may not be whol-

htt100901_030_032_034 30

TARGET

1.5 3.4 2.8

Urban Outfitters Profit Soars P HILADELPHIA — Urban Outfitters Inc. announced record second quarter sales and earnings growth for its retail brands Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, Terrain, Free People and Leifsdottir. Earnings jumped 46% to $72 million, or 42 cents per share for the quarter ended July 31. Sales rose by 20% over the same quarter last year to $552 million. Accessories and housewares were the strongest performing category for the Urban Outfitters brand, which saw net sales increase by 15% for the quarter and 16% for the first half of the fiscal year, compared to last year’s numbers. Anthropologie’s net sales for the second quarter rose 26% over the second quarter of 2009 to $256 million, led by strength in women’s apparel. For the six months ended July 31, 2010 Anthropologie’s net sales rose 31%, from $368 million in 2009, to $481 million. “We are delighted to announce record second quarter sales and earnings, with every brand, channel, region and shared service group delivering exceptional results,” said ceo Glen Senk. “Given the context of an uncertain economic environment, the company continues to focus on superior creative

execution combined with disciplined inventory and expense management.” Anthropologie opened three new domestic stores during the quarter bringing the global store count to 145. Comparable retail segment sales, which include the direct-to-consumer channel, increased 13%. During the second quarter, the company committed to a distribution and fulfillment center based in the UK Midlands that will support long-term growth for both the retail and directto consumer channels for all brands in Europe. The center is approximately 240,000 square feet and is expected to open in mid-year 2011. In the company’s second quarter conference call, Senk said Urban Outfitters Inc. is also laying the groundwork for a 2012 entry into Tokyo, will continue to invest in and shape the Terrain garden brand, and the company’s new Wedding concept remains on target for a Spring 2011 launch. During the six-month period, Urban Outfitters Inc. opened a total of 16 new stores including five Urban Outfitters, eight Anthropologies, and three Free People stores. The company expects to open approximately 45 new stores during the fiscal year. HTT

Cost Plus Trims Loss OAKLAND, C ALIF. — Cost Plus narrowed its loss considerably during the company’s first quarter and is targeting a return to profitability in 2011. Net loss for the quarter ended May 1 was $10.3 million, or 47 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $41.6 million, or $1.88 per share in the year-ago quarter.

Sales rose 2.7% to $189.2 million, with comps up 5.6%. In last year’s 2Q, comps fell 8.9%. In home – which accounts for 60% of the merchandise mix – sales of non-furniture categories was strong during the quarter, executives said during the company’s quarterly conference call. HTT

9/1/2010 4:19:20 PM

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9/1/10 4:18:51 PM

Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

Business

Jo-Ann Stores 2Q Hits Record Sales and Earnings HUDSON, OHIO — Jo-Ann Stores churned record sales and earnings during the second quarter. It was also the first time in five years the fabric and crafts chain generated positive 2Q earnings. “Our sales are a lot stronger than expected, driven by the performance of our new stores, our store remodels and our outstanding new product assortments,” said Darrell Webb, chairman and ceo, during the company’s quarterly conference call. For the second quarter, ended July 31, net income was $5.4 million, or 20 cents per share, compared with a net loss of $3.2 million, or 13 cents per share, for the second quarter last year. Sales rose 4.7% to $439.3 million from $419.4 million for the same period last year. Comps were up 4.4% compared with a 1.8% same-store sales increase for the second quarter last year. By store segment, large-format stores’ sales for the quarter increased 3.9% to $238.2 million and comps increased 3.0%. Small-format store sales climbed

5.4% to $192.4 million, with comps up 6.2%. Internet sales through Joann.com rose 16.0% to $8.7 million. Webb noted that sales growth in Jo-Ann’s smaller format stores continue to outpace larger format stores. “This reflects how well our remodel and optimization programs are working in our smaller format stores as well as the disproportionate benefit they received from Walmart removing fabric departments,” he said. By product category, sales growth “was well proportioned across our sewing and non sewing business,” Webb said, in particular sewing machines, quilting, and sewing notions as well as craft textiles, among others. Net income for the first have more than quadrupled to $23.6 million, or 87 cents per share, from $5.3 million, or 21 cents per share, in the first six months of 2009. Sales for the same period rose 4.6% to $919.6 million, and comps were up 4.2% Large-format store sales increased 3.9% to $496.1 million, with comps

up 2.4%. Sales at small-format stores rose 5.1% to $404.5 million and comps were up 6.6%. Internet sales increased 11.8% to $19.0 million. Jo-Ann Stores also announced it will step up new store openings in fiscal year 2012. The retailer will increase capital spending for new stores next year for at least 50 new units and remodels at 50 existing sites. The average size of the new stores will be 20,000 square feet, and at least half will be located in new trade areas. For fiscal 2011, the company expects to open approximately 30 new stores and close about 25 stores, and plans to remodel at least 40. In addition, Jo-Ann raised its outlook for the full fiscal year. Same-store sales are expected to increase 3.0% to 4.0% for the year versus the previously announced range of 2.5% to 3.5%, and gross margin rate improvement is projected at 70 to 90 basis points versus the earlier range of 40 to 70 basis points. HTT

Fred’s Inc. Sees Comps and Traffic Increase in 2Q M EMPHIS , TENN. — Southeastern regional discount chain Fred’s Inc. benefitted from “several solid accomplishments” in its comparable store sales growth and increased traffic, both in the second quarter and the year to date. Sales for the second quarter, ended July 31, increased 4% to $449.5 million from $434.2 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales increased 2.5% compared with a decrease of 1.3% in the second quarter last year. The 674-unit retailer’s net income jumped 17% to $5.0 million or 13 cents per share compared with net income of $4.2 million or 11 cents per share in the year-earlier period. For the six months, sales increased 3% to $921.1 million from $892.6 million for the same period last year. Comparable store sales increased 2.4% on top of an increase of 0.8% in the first half of 2009.

htt100901_030_032_034 32

Net income rose 2.3% to $13.1 million or 34 cents per share compared with net income of $12.8 million or 32 cents per = share in the yearearlier period. The role of the joint apparel and linens business remained essentially unchanged over the two periods. In the quarter, apparel and linens accounted for 7.2% of sales compare with 7.8% in the 2009 second quarter. For the year to date, apparel and linens made up 7.5% of total sales versus 7.8% in the first half of last year. General merchandise – home in particular – is increasing in relevance, creating “a healthier, more profitable mix of sales,” said Bruce A. Efird, ceo. Expected to further boost Fred’s financial performance going forward is the company’s current store-upgrade effort, which includes improvements in home-related goods. “The implement ation of

our Core 5 program to upgrade our stores remains on plan and continues to deliver the expected positive results,” he said. “While our general merchandise departments are building traction, our pharmacy department is now feeling the impact of industry headwinds, in spite of Fred’s achieving above-industry comparable script growth.” Fred’s Inc. expects the momentum to continue in the back half of this year, “and we remain confi dent in the company’s forecast for 2010 financial performance,” he added In the third quarter, Fred’s expects sales to increase 4% to 5% and comps to grow 2.0% to 4.0. Earnings per share are anticipated to range from 16 cents to 19 cents for the period versus earnings per share of 13 cents a year ago. Based on that outlook, the company continues to expect full year EPS in the range of 72 cents to 79 cents. HTT

> hometextilestoday.com

Tuesday Morning Sees New Day in 4Q D A L L A S — Tuesday Morning

closed its fourth quarter and fiscal 2010 with “solid improvements,” including its third consecutive quarter of positive comp sales increases, a turnaround in its net income and strong sales results for both periods. The 852-unit closeout retailer reported net income for the quarter ended June 30 of $1.3 million, or 3 cents per share, compared to a net loss of $1.6 million, or a $0.04 loss per share, for the same period last year. Sales rose 6.4% increased to $200.8 million. Comparable store sales rose 6.0%, comprised of a 5.7% increase in traffic and a 0.3% increase in average ticket. Gross profit increased $17.9 million, or 6.0%, to $314.0 million for fiscal 2010 compared to gross profit last year of $296.1 million, primarily as a result of higher sales volume. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased to 37.9% for fiscal 2010 compared to 36.9% in fiscal 2009. This increase of 1.0% in gross profit percentage was primarily due to decreases in markdowns resulting from tighter inventory control as well as decreases in product cost, shrink and improved leverage of distribution costs. “This top-line improvement driven by a steady increase in traffic demonstrates that our customers continue to be attracted to our value proposition,” explained Kathleen Mason, president and ceo. “Our balance sheet has remained strong as we have effectively controlled expenses and managed inventories resulting in higher cash balances. At June 30, 2010, our

cash balance was $23.5 million compared to $5.8 million at the same time last year with no outstanding debt year over year.” For the full fiscal year, sales were up 3.3% to $828.3 million, and comp sales increased 2.2%. The increase in comparable store sales was generated by a 3.4% increase in traffic offset by a 1.2% decrease in average ticket. Earnings per share were 25 cents versus $0.00 last year. While the fourth quarter and fiscal 2010 results were encouraging, Tuesday Morning is cautious about the new fiscal year. “Although the economy is uncertain, we are confident and well positioned as we move into our fiscal 2011 year,” Mason said. “We expect the retail environment to continue to be economically uncertain during fiscal 2011. As a result, we have considered such challenges in our forecasts for our fiscal year 2011.” The company’s guidance for fiscal 2011 includes: net sales to range between $870 million and $880 million; comps in the low single digits; earnings per share between 39 cents and 43 cents; and capital expenditures $17 million. The company also expects to open 18 new stores in the new fiscal year for a new total of 870 units by yearend. “We plan to continue to relocate, expand and close stores during fiscal 2011 in a manner and quantity consistent with prior years,” Mason said. “The relocated stores have historically shown double digit improvement in sales as well as better profit margins.” HTT

Ross Stores Earnings Up PLEASANTON, CALIF. — Despite a

heavily promotional second quarter, Ross Stores’ earnings got a 30% boost. Net income for the quarter ended July 31 was $129.3 million, or $1.07 per share, compared to $103.4 million, or 82 cents per share in the second quarter of 2009. Sales rose 8% to $1.1 billion, with comps up 4%. Gross margin grew by 110 basis points and selling, general and administrative expenses shrank by 30 basis ponts.

“Key drivers of our improved profit margins for both the second quarter and year-to-date periods were higher merchandise gross margin, a timing shift in distribution expenses related to packaway levels, lower shortage costs and leverage on other operating expenses,” said Michael Balmuth, vice chairman and ceo. For the full fiscal year, the company is projecting earnings per share in the range of $4.18 to $4.27, which would represent growth of 18% to 21%. HTT

9/1/2010 4:16:25 PM

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Home Textiles Today

September 6, 2010

Business

> hometextilestoday.com

Home Quiet in Tepid August Comps BY JAMES MAMMARELLA NEW YORK — Sometimes known

for its “dog days” doldrums, August was not unkind to retailers, as department stores continued their comparable store sales turnaround, although at a slowing pace, while other formats maintained modest comp rates, with some scattered good news in the home department. Of the 13 merchants tracked monthly by HTT, 10 saw comp

message declared only, “Home was the strongest category, with a high single digit comp, led by small electrics and luggage.” JCPenney posted a 2.3% comp gain in August, about half the rate it achieved earlier this summer. The 1,107-unit retailer touted its big volume in apparel and fashion accessories as leading the way for August. The home division “had positive sale gains this month online,” the company noted in its sales re-

10.0% 8.5%

August Same-Store Sales Johnson Redbook Index

7.0%

3.2%

AUGUST SALES FOR KEY RETAILERS Four weeks ended August 28 (dollar amounts in millions) a 2010 SALES

2009 SALES

TOTAL %CHG.

SAME-STORE %CHG.

BJ’s Wholesale Club b The Bon-Ton Stores Inc.

$794.6 $187.2

$757.6 $197.0

4.9 (5.0)

2.4 (4.6)

Costco Wholesale Corp. c Dillard’s Inc.

$5,900.0 $426.8

$5,400.0 $431.1

9.0 (1.0)

7.0 0.0

Duckwall-ALCO Stores e 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.

$33.4 $134.3 $1,439.0 $1,416.0 $1,638.0 $608.0 $80.9 $5,023.0 $1,700.0

$33.0 $128.0 $1,428.0 $1,315.0 $1,542.0 $557.0 $76.1 $4,856.0 $1,600.0

1.1 5.0 0.8 7.7 6.2 9.0 6.3 3.4 6.0

(0.8) 3.6 2.3 4.5 4.3 5.0 8.5 1.8 2.0

30 WEEKS

2010 year-over-year

5.5%

2010 SALES

4.0% 2.5% 1.0% -0.5% -2.0% -3.5% -5.0% AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Source: Johnson Redbook Retail Sales Average, a unit of Instinet, a Reuters company.

store gains in the month and only two reported slight comp declines. Dillard’s had a flat performance The 4.3% comp gain for August at Macy’s Inc., squarely in the middle of the pack, featured a 22.2% year-over-year increase in online sales (the company includes its e-commerce in its comps). Terry Lundgren, chairman, president and ceo, said back-to-school volume was marked by “great performances” in the chain’s exclusive Madonna-licensed Material Girl brand for juniors, and in American Rag, “our largest private brand in juniors and young men’s.” No mention was made of home. It was a different story for home at Kohl’s, which posted a 4.5% comp gain for the month. Kevin Mansell, chairman, president and ceo of the 1,067-unit mid-tier retailer, stated: “From a line-of-business perspective, the home business reported the strongest comparable store sales for the month.” However, domestics may not have been a key part of that performance; the company’s recorded sales

htt100901_030_032_034 34

WINNERS Same-store sales % change

WINNERS Stein Mart Costco Ross Stores Kohl’s Macy’s Fred’s BJ’s Wholesale JCPenney TJX Cos. Target

8.5% 7.0 5.0 4.5 4.3 3.6 2.4 2.3 2.0 1.8

LOSERS Duckwall-ALCO Bon-Ton Stores

(-0.8%) (-4.6)

cording, which JCP said reflects its streamlining of jcp.com navigation and shopping tools. Bon-Ton Stores saw a comp decline of 4.6%, which eroded the year-to-date comp gain to 0.8%, or half the 1.6% yearto-date level the company had reached two months ago. Tony Buccina, vice chairman and president - merchandising of the 278-store retailer did not mention soft home in his category report. He noted that although August sales were below expec-

2009 SALES

TOTAL %CHG.

SAME-STORE %CHG.

BJ’s Wholesale Club b The Bon-Ton Stores

$6,065.7 $1,457.1

$5,523.3 $1,450.8

9.8 0.4

5.5 0.8

Costco Wholesale Corp. d Dillard Dept. Stores Duckwall-ALCO Stores 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.

$76,300.0 $3,217.3 $260.6 $1,055.0 $9,306.0 $9,551.0 $12,749.0 $4,455.0 $657.9 $35,307.0 $11,700.0

$69,900.0 $3,214.4 $270.0 $1,021.0 $9,255.0 $8,760.0 $11,905.0 $4,018.0 $683.2 $33,786.0 $10,700.0

9.0 0.0 (3.5) 3.0 0.6 9.0 7.1 11.0 (3.7) 4.5 10.0

7.0 1.0 (4.5) 2.6 1.4 5.7 5.0 7.0 (1.7) 2.2 6.0

a. Reporting periods vary from chain to chain. b. BJ’s: Merchandise comp sales excluding gasoline increased 1.9% for the 4 weeks and 3.3% for the 30 weeks. c. Costco: 4-week period ending Aug. 29. Excluding the positive impacts of inflation in gasoline prices and strengthening foreign currencies, comparable club sales for August were up 5% in the U.S. division, 7% in the international division, and 5% for the total company.

tations, “We had a much improved conversion to fall merchandise as compared with the prior year.” Dillards reported that “sales in the home and furniture category were significantly below trend,” as it posted flat comps for August; the southern regional department store operator is tracking at a 1.0% comp gain year-to-date. Food and healthcare-andbeauty were the merchandise segment champions at Target, as the upscale discounter saw August comps gain 1.8%. Target’s home division scored middling gains; the company stated in its recorded sales message: “Comparable store sales in home increased in the low single digit range, led by sales in the back-to-school category, with the softest performance in decorative home.” The HomeGoods division

d. Costco: 52-week period ending Aug. 29. Excluding the positive impacts of inflation in gasoline prices and strengthening foreign currencies, comparable club sales for the 52-weeks fiscal year were up 2% in the U.S. division, 8% in the international division, and 4% for the total company. e. Duckwall-ALCO: 4-week and 30-week periods ending Aug. 29.

of off-pricer TJX Cos. turned in a 5% comp gain for August — on top of the “very strong” 9% comp gain by the unit in August 2009, pointed out Sherry Lang, TJX senior vp of global communications. Seriously sizzling, however, was the action at the big MarMaxx Group (Marshalls and T.J. Maxx), where home fashions were up 10% for the month, actually pulling along a weak apparel performance, to produce an overall divisional comp gain of 3%. The overall corporate comp gain for August: 2.0%. Ross Stores comps climbed 5% in August, to maint ain 2010’s steady year-to-date 7.0% comp gain rate. “Dresses, home and shoes were the strongest merchandise categories,” said Michael Balmuth, vice chairman and ceo. He added that Ross continues “to forecast same store sales of up 1% to 2% for

September and flat to up 1% for October.” “Sales of new product in our reinvented home area were strong,” reported soft lines specialty chain Stein Mart, where comps grew by an impressive 8.5% in August. This continued the trend as the 264-store chain re-establishes its home business. Stein Mart also noted that sales were helped “by a clearance event accelerated into the last weekend of the month.” With an August comp gain of 7.0%, warehouse membership club titan Costco completed its 2010 fiscal year with a consistent 7.0% comp increase. Adjusting for gasoline price inflation as well as foreign currency impacts, Costco U.S. division results were a 5.0% comp gain both for August and the full year. Eastern regional club BJ’s SEE SALES PAGE 39

9/2/2010 2:58:44 PM

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