Home Textiles Today - July 6, 2009

The July International Area Rug Market is typically slower than its January predecessor each year. But because the economy was at such a low point six months ago and so many retailers reluctant to write orders — or in some cases, even make an appearance — this month's event might prove stronger by comparison.

• Business Today
• Study Shows Kmart Gains with Layaway
• Another Lackluster Week for Comp Sales
• Consumer Confidence Down

• News
• Manual Woodworkers & Weavers Adds Collection
• Target's Core Commodities Brand is Revamped, Becomes "Up & Up"
• Hollander Seeks New Era of Growth
• Texworld USA Readies Seminar Series
• Sferra Partners with Allied Feather & Down
• GHTA Opens Doors to Members and Newcomers
• Retail Briefs
• JLA Expands Harbor House Brand
• Specialty Retailer Focuses on Luxury
• Nourison Debuts New Merchandising Program "50 to Infinity"
• Krantz to Head Berkshire Business Development
• Impairment Charge Pushes Crown Crafts into 4Q Loss
• New Kmart Site Profiles Design Process for Home, Apparel
• Creative Accents Teams with Wools of New Zealand
• Faribault Plant Struggling
• What's New at the Atlanta Rug Show

• Opinion Today
• Making Sense of Branding
• Something's Happening Here

• People Today
• Blonder Taps New Team to Expand its Distribution, Product Mix
• Balta Group Appoints cfo
• Cole Brown New Diversity Chief for Walmart U.S.