Global Home Textiles a U.S. Portal for Producers

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 5/21/2007 12:00:00 AM

Orlando, Fla. —

The inaugural Global Home Textiles show here earlier this month was a good introduction, said exhibitors.

"What drew us to the show was to get the name out there, tell people we're going to be in this market," said Rafiq Loria, who consults with India towel manufacturer Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn, which is set to start sheet production in late summer.

Global Home Textiles ran next to the Gourmet Housewares Show; both are operated by George Little Management. They ran in tandem with the National Hardware Show (operated by Reed Exhibitions, a division of HTT's parent company).

Yantai North, a bedding company from China with several U.S. accounts, was seeking new customers, and company execs also wanted to get a firsthand look at product trends. "We will visit JCPenney, Wal-Mart, TJX, Target, and Sears while we are here," said Nancy Leng, department manager.

Jellery USA Corp., the U.S. unit of a Chinese hard window accessory maker, was keen on new business. Kristina Johnson, national sales manager said, "If you can get one or two customers, that makes it worth it."

Shaoxing Jiachunqui, a Chinese manufacturer of curtains, accessories, and trims, is looking to go beyond its European export business. "We're looking for larger customers because in the U.S.A. right now we just have a small quantity of business," said Javen Song, foreign trade manager.

Ethnic Home Trends and Fashion Ltd. is the newest division of an Indian supplier of bedding and curtains, mainly exporting to Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. "We have established this company especially for the U.S. market," said Somit Agrawal, ceo. "We are also searching for some agents."

R-international exports fabric and garments to the U.S. from India, and has a new line for infants, children, and tweens. "The U.S. market has always been on our mind — it's huge," said Alka Thakker, executive director. "We're quite open-minded about quantities — including catalogs, designers, and boutiques. All are welcome."

Egypt's United Textiles does work with smaller accounts, but is focusing on larger volumes. "The U.S. is a large market — it's a big cake. And I'm looking for a bigger piece of this cake," said Mohamed Adel Tolan.

Trend Setters sells in the U.S. market, specializing in duvet covers and sheets, but recently adding bed-in-a-bag production. The company lately bought into manufacturing in India, "so if a customer comes in needing FOB out of India we can do it," said Tushar Ruparelia, principal.