'Made in Spain' is plainly in the main

VALENCIA, SPAIN — The 34th annual Textil Hogar fabric show here was a showcase for the Spanish home textiles sector and gave 20,000 buyers a look at decorative fabrics, rugs and finished products from about 500 international companies.

A great alternative for buyers frustrated by the timing of Heimtextil in Frankfurt, Germany, at the same time as Showtime in High Point, Textil Hogar is especially strong in the better end of the market where buyers look for European design, color and innovation, as well as high quality.

Because most Spanish mills are small, they are flexible and able to make quick adjustments to the market. They offer small minimum orders, can often deliver in three weeks and are experienced and adept at exporting products around the world, where the "Made in Spain" logo maintains a high level of prestige.

Retailer Barry Amarant of Windsor Fabric in Melbourne, Australia, was delighted with the show. He had attended Textil Hogar in the past, but the show has expanded significantly since his last visit several years ago, he said.

"The product at this show is special," Amarant said. "There's nothing ordinary here — these are quality goods with a great look. There's plenty of opportunity here, especially for the middle to upper end in the United States."

Another buyer from Australia, Rick Brown of Marco Fabrics in Victoria, agreed and said the show gave him a head start on his competition. "These Spanish companies have so much to offer, and they aren't doing a lot of business yet in the Australian market," he said.