TEXTILES GROUP SETS NEW MARKET TIMING BEGINNING IN AUGUST, 2006
NEW YORK -- The Home Fashions Product Association (HFPA) has set new dates for the New York Home Textiles Market beginning in August 2006. This represents a major shift in timing from the traditional April and October cycle. In effect, the group's informal twice-a-year "Mini-Markets" will become the major markets.
The first market under the new time frame will begin Friday, Aug. 4 and continue through Thursday, Aug. 9, 2006. Subsequent August markets will begin on the first Friday of every August, according to Frank Foley, president of HFPA and chief executive officer of CHF Industries.
For the first half of 2006, the HFPA will hold its showroom market dates in tandem with the New York Home Textiles Show, which is being held at the Jacob Javits Center from March 31 through April 3, 2006. The HFPA will also have its Winter Mini-Market in 2006 from Feb. 5 to 8.
The April market will be changed to February beginning with the 2007 event, which will begin Feb. 2, 2007, Foley said.
The change in market dates has been under consideration for some time, Foley explained, with the unofficial Mini-markets in February and August proposed as more suitable dates for major markets to meet today's retailing requirements.
"The current Mini-market timing -- February and August -- will become the major markets. It fits the international product development and production timeline required to mesh with current retail rollout schedules,€VbCrLf he said.
Penny Sikalis, vice president and group show manager of George Little Management, which is the organizer of the April-October New York Home Textiles Show at the Jacob Javits Center, commented on the move:
"We are pleased that HFPA has agreed to align its Spring 2006 market dates with the New York Home Textiles Show. As the industry continues to evolve, we will continue to monitor the needs of our constituents and work with the industry at large to ensure future market dates that best serve the industry as a whole."
Readers: Please tell us what you think of this development: Is it a good idea or bad? How will it fit in with your marketing and buying plans? Tell us whether you are an exhibitor or a retailer. e-mail us your opinion at Lwyman@rugnews.com