Home Textiles Today - November 18, 2002

The world of basic bedding has become anything but basic as manufacturers and suppliers not only struggle with cautious consumers but with retailers they believe may not fully understand the products they are offering. The basic bedding segment has progressed far beyond the issue of whether natural fills are better than synthetic.

• Business Today
• U.S. manufacturing continues to decline
• Retail sales off to solid start in Nov.
• Home fashion sales help drive JCP turnaround
• Consolidated May sees profits fall
• New units drive Kohl's profits higher
• Leaner Crown Crafts sees flat earnings in 2Q
• Target Corp. boosts 3Q profits over 50%
• Federated cuts costs, ups 3Q profit
• Wal-Mart hits new highs

• News
• Nautica augments licensing mix
• JPMA marks 35 years in '03
• Bear Stearns extends retail coverage
• C&B at home in SoHo
• Sleep Innovations inks gel deal
• HFPA's Leo covers cargo security
• Down Lite does dec pillows now
• Retail briefs
• Target confident of holiday cheer
• Company C makes bedding debut
• 828 International among fastest-growing SC firms
• TJX taps into flexibility for added holiday sales

• Opinion Today
• On thin ice
• Blurring the lines

• People Today
• Company C hires new mktg. dir.
• Saks Inc. fills voids left by retiring execs
• Honeywell names vp
• HFPA elects new board
• Alexander rejoins WestPoint
• Ginn exits American Blanket
• Dollar Gen. taps Shaffer as acting ceo

• Special Report
• Global Roundtable
• A room with a view