Search

The article discusses the views on change of Robert H. Bloom, author of "The New Experts: Win Today's Newly Empowered Customers At Their Four Decisive Moments." Bloom believes the shift of power in retail from retailers and suppliers to consumers is hidden by pre-recession business and financial excesses. He suggests that the way to make one's business or product is making the consumer's first choice at important decision-making times. He also stresses the importance of thinking like customers and staying connected to customers.

The article features the Iman Global Chic line of handbags, jewelry and fashions accessories launched by Somalia-born supermodel Iman in 2007. The Iman Home Collection with partners Iman Home fabrics includes the Urban Eclectic and Modern Glamour groupings. Calico Corners/Calico Homes includes over 100 stores in 32 states and its web site at calicocorners.com. It is noted that the fabrics provide its customers sophisticated designs at affordable prices.

An introduction to the issue which is dedicated to creations showcased during the New York Home Fashions Market in September 2010 is presented, including a range of categories such as bedding, bath, rugs and windows, and how to be more environmentally-friendly and increase sales using a particular internet site.

The article discusses the product collaboration between David Rockwell, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Rockwell Group, an architecture and design firm, and The Rug Company. The collection, launched in June 2010, features rugs, rendered in fine wool and silk, including Mixed Metals, Gold/Silver Rings, Kaleidoscope and Spotlight, and also Park Avenue Tulips tapestry, and mixed-motif wool bolster cushion. Rockwell also announces that a new lighting collection is being planned.

The article presents various reports published within the issue, including one on luxury home textiles in the "High-End Hopes" article, another on the new resources for Home Textiles Market Week, and one on new options in alternative windows in "Light in the Windows" article.

The article offers pieces of advice on how to use online social media networks to gauge the preferences of customers. It describes how the Bravo television network uses social media to find general trends among its target viewers and to look for ideas and story lines for its reality shows. Other strategies such as using Twitter and Facebook and customizing website options are also suggested.

The article features clothing designer Trina Turk and her brand of products for the home. Her products range from clothing apparel to home products such as placemats and table napkins. In May 2010, she expanded her apparel to bedding collection made by Peking Handicraft. She opened boutiques in California, Florida and two in New York. Her designs have been bought by high-end retailers and about 250 free-lance store owners for home decoration.

An introduction to the issue is presented in which the editor discusses the celebration of the Sweeps Weeks from April 29 to May 26, 2010, problem-solving pillows that accommodate varied sleep positions, and the continuing increase in the range of ecological-friendly products.

An interview with German designer Tom Schönherr is presented. Tom Schönherr explains the relationship between design and arts and culture. He also explains how he develops designs that elicit emotion. Moreover, he also elaborates the significance of emotionality in hospitality bath design.

The article offers information on several trade events including SURFACES 2010, sponsored by the World Floor Covering Association to be held at Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from February 1-4, 2010, and the Las Vegas Market at World Market Center to be held at Las Vegas, Nevada on February 1-5, 2010.

The article presents the author's view on the implication of social proof among companies and individuals. The author says that social proof is a human behavior that involves looking for clues in other people on how to respond to radical changes. She is critical on the behavior of the people and companies when changes are conceived and states that people based their choices on the acts of others and companies imitate innovations from successful and established companies.

The article focuses on the successes and developments of Nourison Industries Inc. in rug market since its inception in 1980. It states that Alex, Steven, Edmund and Paul Peykar made the company in the idea of satisfying voids that other importers do not address. It mentions that Nourison products are 90% biodegradable wool and use safe dyes. It adds that due to the demand of customers for reasonably priced products, they introduced the Elements Collection at a price that was never seen before.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses an article on the offerings during the New York Home Textiles Week and the Atlanta Market at AmericasMart, the advantages and disadvantages of online social networks for businesses, and the options ecologically-friendly products.

The article discusses the impact of the economic recovery on retail trade. Retail consultant Al Meyers says that one is fooling himself if he believes that the recovery will put retailing back the way it was like pre-recession. He emphasizes the importance to get to know customers because they have changed. The author stresses that recovery may come, but changes in retailing are inevitable, thus, one should open his mind to explore new ways to build business relationships.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses an article on ways to improve visual merchandising by Pam Levine, an article on the state of the hospitality sector and an article on sleep comfort.

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor mentions that the issue includes report on the effects of effects of the economic crisis on companies in the interior textile industry in the U.S., one on eco-friendly products and one on the color trends for 2010 in home textiles.

The article offers the author's views regarding the changes of mindset of affluent consumers on purchasing luxuries. According to Pam Danziger founder of Unity Marketing, affluent consumers are now wiser and cautious in spending their money. Moreover, Danziger shared six ways to cope with the mindset changes of affluent consumers for luxury sector, including offering substance rather than image, creating urgency to act, and capitalizing on the internet.

In this article the author reflects on the change in the creative designs of home fashion products in light of recession. She states that the recession compels manufacturers and importers to create new technologies and designs that increase the use and benefit of products. She mentions about the innovation in towels and the punchbowl set introduced by Bob Weiss. She notes the challenge retail business faced in bringing the deeper value of versatile products to customers.

The article evaluates several commercial products including Annlika bedding from Yunus Textile, bed linens and towels from Dohler USA and pillows from Moltex.

The author reflects on the impact of the multi-task products in the U.S. She states that manufacturers nowadays are less distant and more moderate in their offerings, showing less energetic. She infers that producers are reacting to consumers' reducing pocketbooks through the addition of more value to products with increased benefits.

The article offers suggestions on how retail companies can survive the economic crisis. It is suggested that companies need to understand how the preferences of consumers have changed in this changed economic environment. It is stated that companies should form partnerships with other businesses. It is claimed that companies should undertake innovations and take risks as recession is a good time to do this.

The author presents her views on the economic environment in the retail industry. It is stated that, the retail sector is currently facing financial problems everywhere. It is stated that, the financial crisis today has changed the disposable mentality of consumers into a conserving one. The author says that, in such environment only those companies which have the ability to adapt will survive.

Several photographs of classic themes and 3d embellishments, including quilts, woven works, and pillows, are presented.

The article reports that Eve Blossom has established Lulan Artisans to bring luxury textiles to the U.S. It is said that Blossom has been creating luxury textiles and a sustainable market for the weaving industry. It is cited that Lulan Artisans based in South Carolina offers contemporary styled textiles that were produced with traditional loom weaving techniques.

The author reflects on the concept of bargain, which means cheap prices for quality goods. It is said that there are consumers who are savvy about marketing and promotion efforts, and were exposed to sale prices and discount coupons. It is cited that a broader concept of a bargain means a greater perceived value, a bonus or surprise service beyond the expectations of the consumers.

The author reflects on the manufacturers-retailers relationship. She argued that even such parties have different concerns, it is still better if they could work together. She also stressed out that strengthening the partnership between vendor and retailer will help them to gain both profits and customer loyalty. The author suggests that store owners should create promotional events and collaborate with other experts, for them to be able to reach out to their customers.

The article reports on the Clodagh Collection gallery and retail showroom in New York. Such gallery is the venue of the works from artists and artisans as well as private label and licensed products in furniture, lighting, fine art, textiles, carpets and home accessories industries. The explanation of the showroom manager, Daniel Moore about the gallery is also featured.

The article reports on the predictions as well as the future of the home furnishing industry. It discusses the different things and challenges that affect the future of such industry. Among the things that are said to be a dictating factor in the industry's future are heightened creativity, the prices of their products and others. Different views and perception of industry's personalities are also featured.

The article focuses on the green efforts of Alps Industries Ltd. and Welspun Group, manufacturers in India and exporters to the U.S. It notes that Alps Industries is one of the first companies to make organic cotton a commercially viable fiber and to standardize the use of natural dyes. It mentions that Welspun includes oil use reduction, recycling and biological treatment of waste as practices for the environment. It asserts that the movement toward green products is not a passing fad.

An interview with co-founder of Motif Designs, based in Mt. Vernon, New York, Lyn Peterson is presented. When asked about her inspiration in her 2008 French country Collection creation for Pierre Deux, Peterson states that she adopted the preference of French people which she learned when she lived in Paris. She points out that she wants to further establish her brand and hopes to represents wives and mothers to express their voices.

The article evaluates several household linens, including the Bamboo Collection of throw pillows from Textillery Weavers, the organic pima cotton baby blanket from Bella Bliss Organics, and 100 Percent Organic Cotton Collection from Selection Naturelle.

The article evaluates several house furnishings, including a honeycomb vase with champagne orchids from Immortalis Botanicals, the Sag Harbor Collection of sheets from Traditions By Pamela Kline, and the Blue Pinwheel hand-hooked rug from Michaelian Home.

The article evaluates several coastal-themed house furnishings, including the Sirens of the Sea quilts and shams from Claire Murray, the Snail Shell canvas wall decor from New Creative Enterprises, and the Asagi Koi guest towels from Anali Exquisite Needlework.

The article evaluates several house furnishings, including The Chimes of Santa Fe from Woodstock Chimes, the Leopard hook pillow from PHI, and the Safari twin bedding from Kimberly House Ltd.

The article evaluates several bedding products, including the Porter Collection of pillowcase, sheet and duvet sets from Unison Home, the Saville 300-thread-count cotton-sateen duvet from Bliss Living, and Blue Eyes duvet cover and shams by Sferra.

The article contends that a businessperson's image and the image of his home textile store are as essential as the stock it carries. According to the author, it is pointless to feature the latest bedding if the store surroundings do not lure the customers to see it. She believes it is important to appear relevant to the times to be perceived an authority figure that customers of all ages will look to for knowledge of what is available and appropriate for their needs.

The article reports on how to reinvent the good life in past times through linens. It highlights how could modern living have a feel of the good life through linens that embody the simpler times. Matthew Lenoci of the Matteo LLC shares his passion of good quality linens that inspire timeless quality through natural fibers and his design.

The article reports on the strategies set forth by Macy's Inc. to curb the effects of the market slowdown. The author reviews the proactive strategies positioned to manage managing issues in answer to take control of the opportunities still present though on limited scales but poised to turn around when the market rolls up.

The article offers tips on what the textile industry must do during economic downturn. The author suggests evaluating everyday expenses, streamlining costs, exploring new sales opportunities, cultivating a network of non-competing, local home-related stores and companies for a referral and creating buying experiences.

The article offers information on the Green West Expo organized by Green Media Enterprises to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center in California on May 20 to 22, 2008.

An interview with interior designer Kathryn M. Ireland is presented. When asked about how she first began working in interior designing, Ireland reveals that it was not her primary interest but inevitably she pursued it after she married and began transforming her collection of antique fabric remnants into pillows. She talks about the recent release of her book "Classic Country." She also shares how she creates designs for her textile collections.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue including one by Wanda Jankowski on the latest expert insight into designs for hospitality venues that can fit into the retail sales market and another by Candace Sheppard on wallcovering trends.

The article looks at the status of eco-friendly luxury items in the U.S. market as of April 2008. Schlossberg USA president Christoph Kull states that eco-friendly products are easier to sell at the luxury level because affluent consumers are beginning to be more aware of the environment. Under the Canopy CEO Barbara Cavanagh notes that the pricing of eco-friendly products do not differ much from noneco-friendly products. SDH assistant sales manager Taina Garcia asserts that consumers are attracted to the quality of eco-friendly goods.

The author looks at the condition of the textile industry in Kansas. She notes that the manufacturing of products abroad is facing challenges in line with the devaluation of the U.S. dollar, the rising cost of fuel and shipping, and the questioning of quality control from some overseas factories. She suggests that the industry must adopt the philosophy presented in the television program "The Wizard of Oz." She notes that the fictitious character Dorothy chose to return to her homeland from the imaginary place Oz without regrets.

This section presents an introduction to this issue, citing articles about alternative window coverings, the Atlanta International Fine Linen & Home Textiles show and textile trends.

The article announces the awardees at the 12th annual Scholarship Awards Breakfast by the Fashion Institute of Technology, including Neil Cole for the Industry Leader of the Year Award, Arthur Tauber for the Outstanding Achievement Award and Fred and James Richman for the Life Achievement Award.

The article focuses on trends in the house and contract furnishing textile industry for 200-09. Annually, Messe Frankfurt publishes a trend book that tackles the four most prominent trends in color palettes, patterns, textures and materials. The 2008-09 book "It's Time To Be..." features the concepts Visionary, Original, Vibrant and Magical.

The author reflects on trends in the interior textile industry. She points out that market forecasts would not matter if the customer base does not want the products available. She mentions a study which showed that half of the consumers aged between 18 to 34 no longer use watches since they use their cellular phones to keep time. He argues that the industry must keep track of lifestyle developments that affect consumer preferences.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including one on trends that will shape retailing by the year 2015 and another featuring a comprehensive overview of area rugs and show previews of market events in the U.S. in January 2007.

The article focuses on the efforts that are being made to break through the confusion caused by combined marketing messages concerning environment-friendly products. It notes that the entirely ecological-friendly products are those made with biodegradable or recyclable materials through an environmentally safe process. It cites that the product label Oeko-Tex Standard 100Plus provides textile and clothing manufacturers the chance to show that they are making an effort in ecological production methods.