Home Textiles Today - December 12, 2005

We don't normally address cultural contretemps here, but foes of the alleged “War on Christmas” are aiming squarely at retailers and have actually forced changes at some of the major companies targeted by their campaign. A precis is in order for those who eschew talking head cable TV shows, Fox News and political blogs of either stripe.

• Business Today
• December Sales Start Slowly
• Profits Jump At Costco
• Dillard's Moving in Right Direction
• Stronger Kmart, Weaker Sears Skews Earnings Pic
• Culp Loss Same as Last Year
• Retail Ventures Back in Black

• News
• Cotton Imports Up
• Heimtextile Featuring Festhalle
• Pillowtex Prepares for Next Phase
• Madden Reveals '06 Collection
• Velvet Blankets Showtime
• Retail Briefs
• Lampert Defends Sears
• Hollingsworth Opens Store
• Inventors Give Towels New Twist
• Security a Priority at Showtime
• Soft Home Strong at Parisian

• Opinion Today
• Everything Old is New

• People Today
• Schmidt To Lead Piece Good Sales
• McCabe Takes Reins At Biederlack
• Arrow Taps Folino
• High Country Adds Execs, Doubles Showroom
• P&A Marketing Doubles Space At 230 Vegas Market
• Carlson Retires From Richloom