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Reports on 70-year-old family business, Max Salko Corp., of Elmsford, New York which was compelled to file for bankruptcy. Severe downturn in economy after September 11, 2001 and attempts to compete with mega-stores such as Bed, Bath & Beyond which contributed to the Chapter 11 filing; Possible repositioning of the business; Sales which plummeted; Salko's problems which are typical of many smaller bed and bath retailers; Chain bed-bath retailers and national larger discounters which account for two-thirds of sales recorded by manufacturers of sheets, towels and other textiles; Flood of lower priced Asian products which add to the woes of independent businesses.

This article profiles Venus Group of Cos. The company, headed by Kirit Patel and run with the help of his wife and brothers, produces apparel and home textiles that are sold in Europe, Africa, and the U.S. It maintains offices and showrooms in Bangalore and Mumbai in India, as well as New York and California. With vested interests in two Indian mills already, Venus has recently constructed a wholly owned and completely vertical 175,000 square-foot facility in southern India that includes a dyehouse, warehouse space, and factory. The company projects manufacturing$2.35 million worth of towels in its first year of production. As of 2004, Venus Home offers five lines of towels, each aimed at different price points. The top-of-the-line is everyday Embellished. So called because, with rare exceptions, all the embellishment is woven into the towel rather than being attached, thus, it can be laundered and used on a daily basis. Because of its manufacturing capabilities, Venus also ships multiple containers per month of handsome yarn-dyed jacquards at opening price points. A new high-end designer brand is to debut in 2005. To complete its towel ensembles, Venus also offers terry shower curtains and bath mats and will be introducing coordinating ceramic and metal bath accessories in 2005.

Reports that home textile firm Dohler USA has introduced a weaving technique to its line of spa and hotel towels and robes called the 2-in-1 fabric. Ability to withstand heavy and continuous washings; Combination of waffle and loop terry which are woven together.

Ranks the top bath towels vendors in the United States in 2001. Top position taken by WestPoint Stevens; Sales in 2000 and 2001; Springs Industries' alliance for bed and bath with Brazilian textiles mill Coteminas; Santens' sole focus on the jacquard, embroidered and holiday lines.

Ranks the top bath towel manufacturers in the United States. Top position taken by Pillowtex; Comparison between 1999 and 2000 sales; Adverse effects of import programs on the domestic towel market; Impact of plant slowdowns, consolidation and erosion of share.