Home Textiles Today - July 31, 2006

As heat waves kept consumers tethered to their air-conditioned homes, and gas prices pressed lower-income families, same-store retail sales were below target during the third week of July, up just 2.1%, the Johnson Redbook Index reported. Month-to-date, sales were up 2.6%, missing a target of 3.

• Business Today
• Consumer Confidence Holds Steady
• Builder Confidence Down 46% Year-to-Year
• Housing Sector Still Cooling
• Martha Stewart Sales Soar
• Quaker Fabric Loss Widens
• EbayExpress Caters to Inventory Concerns

• News
• Mohawk Up 22% in 2Q
• Wilbur Ross Selling Investment Firm
• Retail Briefs
• Anniversary a Hit for Las Vegas Market
• Areen Indian Craft Decor Collection Debuts in U.S.
• Springs Global U.S. Names Barbosa CFO
• Wal-Mart's Urban Strategy: Build Up, Not Out
• ITG Taps Monks for Dorma U.S. Launch
• Westgate Brand Key for ADF-HFI
• Martha Stewart Company Returning to Profitability
• Pillowtex Inks International Licenses
• Tuesday Morning Downtrends Home Décor
• Stark Fabric Unveiled
• Capel Intros Fresh Air
• Croscill Breaking New Ground
• Macy's Checks in With New Hotel Shop
• Westex Enters U.S. Market
• Avonhome Debuts New Lines
• Down & Feather Session Planned

• Opinion Today
• New York Readies for August Market
• A Good Start by Las Vegas Market

• People Today
• Shaw Living Co-founder Retiring, Showroom Expanding
• QVC Chief Merchandiser Ronning to Retire
• LNT Recruits Three Merchants
• Rovit New Sure Fit CEO
• Revere Mills Names Gregg to Top Sales Post

• Special Report
• Chargebacks: Search for Fairness
• Vendors Taking Measures
• One Out of Five Profit Dollars?
• Pillowtex: Hounded Beyond the Grave
• Chargebacks: Vulnerable Suppliers Seek Fairness
• The Vendors' Bill of Particulars
• Hansen Calls on Suppliers to Stiffen
• Chargebacks Case in Point: Linens'n Things