Friday, January 27, 2006

THA Member Receives Honor: The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce bestowed the honor of “Hosiery Person of the Year” upon JON SHUGART, President of WY Shugart & Sons Inc., last night during the Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Banquet at the Dekalb Theater. The award is one of six Key People Awards that are awarded annually by the Fort Payne Chamber. Join us in congratulating Jon for receiving this prestigious award. CONGRATULATIONS, JON!!

2006 Seattle Trend Show – Show dates for 2006 have been released for the Seattle Trend Shows. This show is a regional tradeshow for the Pacific Northwest, featuring women's, children's and men's apparel and accessories. For 65 years this show has served independent retailers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Alaska and British Columbia. The shows will be held at the Qwest Field Event Center in Seattle, Washington . Dates are as follows: January 27-30, March 31-April 3, June 10-12, August 5-7 and October (TBD). For more information about this show, contact Patricia Hodges, Executive Director, Pacific Northwest Apparel Association: T – 206-767-9200, F – 206-767-0707, E – pnaa@earthlink.net , W – www.seattletrendshow.com .

NC State University's 2006 Continuing Education Schedule: NCSU has published their 2006 schedule of continuing education courses. “Introduction to Nonwovens Products and Processing” will be held on February 6-8 and is an excellent opportunity for you to learn about the many types of nonwovens products and what processes are used to manufacture them. Nonwovens are a leading growth industry in the US with a worldwide growth rate exceeding 7%/annum. On February 6-10, “Textile Fundamentals” will be held and is one of the most popular core programs in NCSU's “Fundamental Series,” which will provide you with a comprehensive, in-depth study of the entire textile process from fiber formation through finishing. Most of the courses are held on NCSU's Centennial Campus. To view the entire 2006 schedule or if you are interested in registering for one of these courses, visit www.ContinuingEducation.NCSU.edu .

Speed To Market: Allowing Innovation to Drive Your Future is the theme for THA's Marketing Conference - March 13–14, 2006 at the Charlotte Marriott Executive Park: Guest speakers include Robin Lewis, a strategic analyst and consultant, specializing in identifying opportunities and developing growth strategies in marketing, brand positioning and distribution primarily on the branded apparel and retail industries. He also writes and publishes the monthly Robin Reports. Bill D'Arienzo (WDA Associates) whose primary interest is to protect the integrity of the brands they manage and communicate that intrinsic value to consumers. Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run International, a global program that instills healthy physical and mental principles for girls in grades 3 – 8. Molly was recognized as Charlotte 2004 Woman of the Year and is featured in the current issue of O Magazine. Registration information will soon be available. For further event details, contact Sally Kay at 704.365-0913, ext. or email sally.kay@hosieryassociation.com .

THA's 101st Annual Convention – April 27-30 – The Mulberry Inn, Savannah, GA: Now posted on THA's website ( www.hosieryassociation.com ) are the Schedule at a Glance, Program Agenda, Speaker Biographies and a link for making Hotel reservations online. Hotel reservations can also be made by calling The Mulberry Inn directly at 877-468-1200 and specifying the “THA room block.” Room rates are $169/night (single or double). The DEADLINE for making room reservations is Monday, March 27 . So make your hotel reservations now to ensure that you get THA's special convention rate. Information on how to register for the convention will also soon be available. Scott Quesenberry, new Chief Textile Negotiator for USTR, and James “Jim” Leonard , Deputy Assistant Secretary of Textiles, Apparel for the US Department of Commerce, have agreed to speak on Friday morning, April 28, during the Global/Political Overview session. Other guest speakers include Marshal Cohen of the NPD Group and Dr. Nancy Cassill of North Carolina State Univiersity. Stay tuned for additional information as it is updated.

Limited Number of 2006 CHA Luncheon Sponsorship opportunities are still available. If your company is interested in sponsoring any of the 2006 CHA luncheons, please contact Mike Austell at 704-365-0913 ext 204. Call early before all dates are taken.

The 2006 AATCC Technical Manual is Now Available in both print and CD-ROM formats. The Manual contains 115 test methods and eight evaluation procedures. The CD-ROM is in searchable PDF format. Some of the methods updated for 2006, featured in both the printed and CD products, include: TM-20-2005, Fiber Analysis: Qualitative; TM 20A-2005, Fiber Analysis: Quantitative; TM 22-2005, Water Repellency: Spray Test; and the TM 124-2005, Appearance of Fabrics after Repeated home Laundering. To order the manual in print version, specify Order No. 03006; and to order as a CD-ROM, specify Order No. 3006CD. Order by Telephone 919-549-3526 , Fax 919-549-8933, or Email orders@aatcc.org .

DeSoto Mills Plans to Close US Operations : According to the Times-Journal, last week Russell, parent company of DeSoto Mills in Fort Payne, announced a planned shutdown of production at the plant sometime this year, eliminating 220 jobs. The article said that the job losses at DeSoto are the result of a “major restructuring” of Russell Athletics that involves a major shift toward offshore production.

Gap Inc Announces New International Agreements: Gap Inc. announced on January 18 agreements to expand its Gap and BananaRepublic brands to two key Southeast Asian markets. One of Gap Inc.'s subsidiaries has signed agreements with wholly-owned subsidiaries of F J Benjamin Holdings Ltd. Under the agreements, F J Benjamin will hold exclusive rights to operate Gap and Banana Republic branded apparel and accessories stores in Singapore and will hold exclusive rights to distribute Gap and Banana Republic products in Malaysia.

Gap Introduces Petite and Tall Sizes for Women: For female shoppers who fall into the 5'4" and under or 5'11" and over category, finding clothes that fit and are fashionable has been a frustrating chore ... until now. This month, Gap introduces the debut of petite and tall sizes for women, available exclusively at gap.com and designed to fit petite and tall women perfectly. "Petite and tall female consumers have traditionally been underserved by the apparel market, particularly women looking for casual styles," said Felix Carbullido, vice president and general manager of gap.com. "We're excited to introduce petite and tall sizes to better meet consumers' needs and offer them Gap's great casual styles in sizes that will fit them better than ever."

While the Tommy Hilfiger Brand was losing money and losing market share for years, Tommy always seems to be doing okay financially. The terms of his new pay package were recently released. Hilfiger is personally guaranteed an annual salary of $14.5 million for the first four years of his contract with Apax Partners who recently bought Tommy Hilfiger Inc. That is actually down from his previous contract that guaranteed him 20 million a year.

The Prada flagship store located in Soho was gutted by fire. American Eagel Outfiiters situated in the same building at 575 Broadway was also forced to close due to extensive smoke and water damage. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and Interview Magazine who both had offices upstairs were affected. Prada is racing to reopen the Rem Koolhaas-designed space which it hopes to do in a week or two.

Fashion and world class tennis do not seem to mix very well at the Australian Open. Last year Serena Williams was criticized for wearing a lime green court outfit and spaceboots at the Australian Open and denim at the US Open. Now William's arch rival Maria Sharapova is catching flak for showing up in a powder-blue empire line mini-dress which is being compared to lingerie and even maternity wear.

Avril Lavigne seems set on making the transition from punk to high fashion. She made her couture début at the Chanel show dressed from head to toe in the label with a shiny lambskin purse from the Luxury by Chanel collection. The singer even met with the man himself Karl Lagerfeld. She was shown around Paris by Katie Ford of Ford Models Agency after signing an exclusive modeling contract. Lavigne also appeared in a glamour pose on the cover of February's Harper's Bazaar showing off her new make over.

Sundancing Paris: Paris Hilton enjoys the festivities of the Sundance Festival…she won’t let cooler temperatures keep her from showing off her lithe figure…gams warmed by tights, to boot!

QIZs Lead to Growth in Egyptian Textile Industry: According to the Associated Press, trade between Israel and Egypt has grown 144% -- from $58 million in 2004 to $142 million in 2005 -- since the Qualified Industrial Zone (QIZ) agreement was signed a little over year ago. Under the QIZ program, which is a byproduct of the US-Israel FTA, goods manufactured in designated industrial areas in Egypt utilizing Israeli inputs receive duty-free treatment when imported into the US. The program covers hundreds of factories in four QIZs in Cairo, Alexandria, Central Delta, and the Suez Canal Zone. According to the article, the primary beneficiary of the QIZs has been Egypt’s textile and apparel industry, where wages have risen 25% and approximately 15,000 jobs have been created since December 2004.

FTC Clarifies Sock Labeling Law: The Hosiery Association and other industry groups met with representatives of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) last week to discuss the concerns over the new sock labeling law. The Miscellaneous Trade and Technical Corrections Act of 2004 amended the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act to impose special requirements for the country of origin labeling for most socks effective March 3, 2006. The provision, however, does not specifically address how products produced or shipped before that date are to be treated. For several months, members of the sock industry have sought advice and guidance from the FTC on its enforcement assessment of products that have been manufactured during the interim period of December 2004 and now, but still remain on retailers’ shelves and/or in inventories as of March 3, 2006. Without a clear understanding, it would be difficult to maintain a high degree of compliance and be disruptive in the marketplace. Industry received documentation from Lydia Parnes, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, FTC this week that should bring clarity to prosecutorial discretion that will be exhibited on these particular items. According to Parnes, “Specifically, we will not be recommending any action against retailers who are selling socks which fail to meet the new labeling requirements at the time of sale, if the socks were received before March 3, 2006, and are correctly labeled under the old requirements.” Industry was pleased with the response from FTC as it will enable them to assure retailers that product received by the retailer from the manufacturer prior to the March 3 date will not be subject to re-labeling and/or re-stickering.

Portman Says Korea and Malaysia FTAs Possible: US Trade Representative (USTR) Rob Portman appeared optimistic about the possibility of free trade agreement (FTA) talks with Korea last week, though he said he is not yet prepared to formally announce they will happen. Speaking at a press conference, Portman downplayed concerns over recent protests by Korean farmers in Hong Kong and pointed out that significant progress has been made in the last several months on a number of bilateral trade issues. Korea is the United States’ seventh-largest trading partner, and a US-Korea FTA would be the largest since NAFTA was signed more than a decade ago. Korea’s recent decision to partially lift a ban on US beef eliminated one of the major obstacles toward an FTA. Portman also said he was hopeful that FTA talks with Malaysia could begin in the near future. He mentioned that US service providers are interested in such an agreement and said he plans to meet with the Malaysian trade minister while he is in Davos, Switzerland in the near future.

China Urged To Assume Greater Role in Global Trade: China Business Council, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Karan Bhatia recently stated that, as China's economy matures, it must take on a more responsible and accountable role in its bilateral, regional, and global trading relationships. China's record is mixed after four years of membership in the WTO, Bhatia said, adding that a more serious level of bilateral and multilateral focus is required to move beyond this stage. Bhatia challenged decision makers in China to move beyond policies that favor selected industries, maintain state control, and protect local interests to become a "responsible stakeholder" and mature trading partner. The United States will continue to engage China as its economic transformation proceeds, Bhatia said. But the United States will use all appropriate means, including the WTO dispute settlement mechanism and trade remedies under U.S. law, he emphasized, to make sure that China lives up to its commitments.

United States and Turkey Meet Under Trade and Investment Framework Agreement:
U.S. Government officials met in Ankara, Turkey, with their Turkish Government counterparts this week for the fourth meeting under the United States-Turkey Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). The agenda covered priority trade issues for both countries, including improving market access for U.S. agricultural products, strengthening Turkey’s protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, and addressing taxation and business climate issues affecting U.S. companies. In addition, the two sides discussed key issues related to the WTO Doha Development Agenda negotiations. On the margins of the meeting, the U.S. delegation also met with Turkish officials at the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as with Turkish business representatives. Two-way trade in goods between the United States and Turkey totaled $8.3 billion in 2004, with the figure estimated to have climbed in 2005 to $9.5 billion.

The contents printed in this document are informational in nature. They are gathered from various industry sources and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or actions of THA.

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