Home Textiles Today - February 9, 2004

Fred's reported record sales for the fourth quarter and the full fiscal year ended Jan. 31, and the company said it expects more of the same in the new fiscal year. For the quarter, sales jumped 17 percent and comps rose 5.1 percent, on top of a 7 percent gain during last year's fourth quarter For the fiscal year, sales climbed 18 percent to $1.

• Business Today
• Index signals slow but steady growth
• Retailers enjoy strong comps in the new year
• Retail sales come close to targets
• Linens 'n Things rocks 'n rolls
• Retailer remains bullish on textiles, sees opportunities
• Mohawk's profits rise on strong sales

• News
• Nicole Miller signs with Bed Bath, won't go beyond
• PHI hits some new tones
• Federated moves to centralize home
• Lawrence plans something for everyone
• Winter Market
• The colors of Maison & Objet
• Sure Fit unveils new lineup
• Avian flu ruffles feather & down supplies
• Spiegel sales dive amid reorganization
• C & F Enterprises feels the holiday cheer
• Lacey Mills gets into the season
• Retail briefs

• Opinion Today
• Something strange is in the air
• Where are we headed?

• People Today
• Former Cotton Inc. svp Abes dies at 73
• Capelli New York launches home fashion department
• Ashford Court taps Garofalo as new vp
• Klein returns to Macy's East as chairman/CEO
• Bridgeford promoted to top strategic post
• Hunter Douglas wins award
• Kohl's net sales up, comps anemic