Home Textiles Today - January 15, 2001

"Buzzing" is a good word for this time of year. There are 27 trade shows in eight countries preceding the New York spring market, which itself is a mere 10 weeks away. The thought of it is enough to leave one panting with exhaustion.But busyness has a way of begetting vitality. And the first half of 2001 promises to be very vital, if not critical, for a number of companies.

• Business Today
• Same-store sales jump in first week of January
• Starts, resales steady home market

• Feature
• AREA
• Rug vendors anticipate second-half boost in '01
• The Facts: Accent and Area Rugs
• Sales exceed $5 billion in 2000
• Behind the numbers

• News
• U.S. vendors grow exports
• SureFit capitalizes on slipcover growth
• Barneys New York names Socol president and ceo
• ATMI touts U.S. export growth
• Correction
• Showtime sets stage for 2000
• Fabric makers enjoy traffic
• Comfortex augments cellular, pleated line
• WestPoint completes deal for Chatham blanket biz
• DuPont blends textiles biz into larger structure
• AREA
• Rug fashion trends range from texture to technology
• Diverse collections debut in Atlanta

• Opinion Today
• Hidden diamonds
• Silver linings