Tug-of-war leads to share standoff

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 6/16/2003 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Contested by a core group of retailers committed to the category, sales of soft window coverings grew ever so slightly last year, leading to a market share stalemate, according to HTT's The Facts report.

The soft window coverings business is dominated by a handful of chains — JCPenney, Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens 'n Things, Wal-Mart and Target, to name the leaders — with broad but notably less forceful participation by others. Despite that, it remains one of the few home fashions categories actively contested — with some success — by independent and smaller chains.

There were some major changes in the merchandise mix. Pinch-pleat draperies took a major hit, while scarves vaulted into double figures, a fact which may be tempered by the decrease reported in top treatments.