Home Textiles Today - May 10, 2004

Louisville Bedding has named Al Farias vice president of sales and marketing. He replaces Steve Elias, who was promoted to president last month. Farias has been a sales representative for Louisville Bedding since 1976 and is currently representing the company's interests with 29 accounts, primarily JCPenney, Costco, Mervyn's and May Company.

• Business Today
• Manufacturers see 11th month of growth
• Tough retail month as chains' sales sputter
• Cotton prices may drop
• Mother's Day provides sales lift to department stores, discounters
• Martha records huge loss

• News
• Penney struts Madden's stuff
• David & Goliath at the beach
• Anna's celebrates Florida openings
• Carnation moves into 261 Fifth Ave.
• Financo takes look at 'sick' industry
• Lenzing AG acquires Tencel group
• Are bedspreads bracing for a comeback?
• Ralph taps Calvin for new head of home
• Baltic Linen enters licensing arena
• Poll: Americans have poor pillow maintenance
• Shull resigns from Hanover
• ASG launches raschel bedding line
• Retail briefs
• LNT: We're tough, but fair
• Design students honored
• Frey snaps up Fadini

• Opinion Today
• Penney's in my thoughts
• Going ethnic takes effort

• People Today
• IFDA showcase on the way
• Bronstein's role broadened
• Cotton Inc. promotes Protonentis
• ShopKo names new vice presidents, director of sales
• Neuburger hires vp
• Neiman promotes Gold