Friday, December 16, 2005

The Hosiery Association Centennial:
In Step With The Industry For 100 Years – There are 2 THA SHOPPING DAYS left until the holidays are upon us. Give your employees, coworkers, friends in the industry a unique piece of hosiery history. Purchase copies of THA’s centennial publication . This is the only commemorative book that captures the Association’s 100-year history of leaders, events, programs and services. Information on how to order is available on our web site. ORDER NOW TO GET THEM IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. These unique gifts and are only available through THA. Requests to have the author, Sally Kay, sign your copy are also being taken via the order form. Visit www.hosieryassociation.com or contact THA staff at 704-365-0913 to obtain your history book order form.

Last issue of Hosiery Insider for 2005 – This will be the final issue of Hosiery Insider for 2005. THA will resume publication of this weekly newsletter in January 2006.

In Remembrance – THA is saddened to report that a former colleague of Lea-Wayne Knitting Mills, Mr. Mike Duke, was killed early in the morning on December 14 in a single-car accident only 1/2 mile from his home in Morristown, TN. Our prayers are with his wife, Diane, and children, Lindsey, Michael and Curtis. Funeral arrangements are as follows: On Saturday, December 17, the family will be receiving friends from 12:00-2:00 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Mayes Mortuary, 444 West Main Street, Morristown, TN 37814 (423-586-3211). On Sunday, December 18, the family will again receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the graveside service beginning at 1:00 p.m. at North Chapel, 5301 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343 (423-698-2541). In lieu of flowers, the Duke family requests donations be made to: Morristown Parks & Recreation Department, 415 West Louise Avenue, Morristown, TN 37814 (423-586-0260).

THA is also saddened to report that Gerald Hunt, who worked in the Knitting Department for Kayser Roth in Lumberton for many years, passed away Wednesday, December 14 of cancer. Mr. Butch Wade in Lumberton will know more information if needed (910-739-8111).

THA’s Holiday Schedule: Please note that The Hosiery Association’s office will be closed on the following days in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays: Friday, December 23; Monday, December 26; Friday, December 30; and Monday, January 2. All of us at THA, wish each and everyone of you a Happy Holiday Season!

NC State University’s 2006 Continuing Education Schedule: NCSU has published their 2006 schedule of continuing education courses. The first two courses offered are: “Six Sigma Executive Overview” on January 6, and “Lean Six Sigma” on January 10-13. The “Six Sigma Executive Overview” will be hosted by Dr. A. Blanton Godfrey, Dean, College of Textiles. He will discuss: what Six Sigma is, the positive financial impact for companies practicing Six Sigma and the managerial roles for the deployment of Six Sigma. Additional presentations will be given by industry practitioners on how Six Sigma can be successfully implemented in today’s competitive environment. Most 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.

THA Issues Committee: THA Board of Directors recently appointed an Issues Committee to address industry and environmental factors which impact the Association’s viability. Its first meeting will be held January 17 at THA’s office. The Committee consists of the following: Committee Chairman, Bill Redding of Acme-McCrary Corporation; Bobby Cole of Prewett Associated Mills; Bruce Duncan of Sara Lee Hosiery; Eddie Ingle of Unifi; Bill Nichol of Kentucky Derby Hosiery; Kevin Toomey of Golden Lady/Kayser-Roth Corporation and Mark Zerona of Shogren Hosiery. All members are encouraged to share their views with any and/or all of these members throughout this process.

Save The Date – 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 (Please note new dates): Guest speakers include Columbia Business School’s Clifford Schorer who will address leveraging innovations and transforming industries. 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. 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 will be featured in next month’s issue of O Magazine.

THA’s 101st Annual Convention: The 2006 Annual Convention will be held April 27-30 at The Mulberry Inn located in Savannah, GA. Detailed information regarding the program, speakers, and hotel registration will be available in the January/February issue of Hosiery News and also will soon be posted on the THA website. Hotel reservations can be made now by calling The Mulberry Inn 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 soon be available. Stay tuned for updated information.

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. All luncheons are held on the 4th Thursday of the month and alternate between Hickory (Feb, Apr, Aug & Oct)* and Greensboro (Jan, Mar, May & Sept)*. *Please note that the months have been switched for the Hickory and Greensboro sites to avoid past conflicts.

THA Does Not Have 2006 Pocket Calendars to Distribute This Year – Many of you have requested the 2006 THA pocket calendars. Unfortunately, 2005 was the last edition as we had no sponsors offer to help us in underwriting the costs. If someone is interested in helping us continue this tradition by becoming a calendar sponsor, please contact Vicki Camp at the THA office, 704-365-0913, ext. 216 or email vicki.camp@hosieryassociation.com.

Sales in the    Lingerie Market    Fall Due to    Increased   Competition    and the Movement of Production to Lower Costing Countries: (www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/c29246) has announced the addition of Global Market Review of Lingerie and Intimate Apparel - Forecasts To 2012 to their offering. The value of the world lingerie market in 2004 is estimated at US$29.15bn, 1.6% lower than the figure for 2003. This fall is due to ageing populations in the developed world, fierce retail competition driving prices down and the continued movement of production to lower cost countries. Today, the fundamental marketing issue in the lingerie business is about the battle for share that takes place between global brands and retailers' own labels worldwide. It is also about consumers' expectations and brand aspirations, lifestyle in the western world and whether the developing world will buy this lifestyle.

Report: Three offers expected for fashion company Tommy Hilfiger: Fashion company, Tommy Hilfiger Corp., which put itself on the auction block in August, is expected to have three offers by today, according to a report published on Monday, December 12. According to The Wall Street Journal, the expected bidders are an alliance between investment company Apax Partners Ltd. and clothing company Phillips-Van Heusen Corp; an alliance including Hong Kong logistics company Li & Fung Ltd., Iconix Brand Group Inc., the owner of Joe Boxer-brand, and investment firms Oak Hill Capital Partners LP and Perry Capital LLC; and private equity firm Sun Capital Partners Inc. The Wall Street Journal cited sources familiar with the matter. Furthermore, according to the report, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is involved in the auction's final negotiations, pursuing a licensing deal with the eventual winner that would put the brand on the shelves of the discounter. The move would fit into the world's largest retailer's strategy of bolstering its image by selling high-end electronics and more fashionable clothing.

Wal-Mart acquires more stores in Brazil in deal for $757 million: Wal-Mart Stores Inc has bought 140 stores in Brazil from Portuguese conglomerate Sonae for $757m (635m). The acquisition has expanded the global retail giant's store portfolio to 295 chains in 17 of the country's 26 states, and has accelerated expansion efforts into emerging markets. The Sonae outlets strengthen Wal-Mart's status as Brazil's third-biggest retailer.

Former Wal-Mart exec takes helm at Japanese retailer Seiyu: A former Wal-Mart executive on Thursday took the helm at Japanese retailer Seiyu Ltd., which will become a subsidiary of the U.S. chain later this month, in a bid to grab a bigger share of Japan's lucrative but finicky retail market. Seiyu shareholders approved the appointment of Ed Kolodzieski, Wal-Mart International's former senior vice president and chief operating officer, as Seiyu's new chief executive, the two companies said Thursday at a Tokyo news conference.

Survey Reveals Seven Shopper Strategies: The first two weeks of December are the most popular holiday shopping time, according to Kurt Salmon Associates' (KSA) recent Holiday Shopping Survey. While retailers hoped to get a jump on shoppers' dollars with early promotions, 81% of respondents said the first two weeks of December are the most popular holiday shopping days for them. Other findings reported by the global consulting firm include: 2) Price and budgets at forefront of shopping plans; 3) Toys, games, plus apparel in this year's plans; 4) Luxury shoppers' hot buttons are apparel and "experience" purchases, often online; 5) Snazzy gift cards leap into the mainstream; 6) Out of stock, out of mind; 7) Edited Equals Easy for Men.

Survey Methodology: The survey was conducted online in the contiguous United States in four rounds, with a minimum of 1,000 completes per round. The sample consists of adults 18 years of age or older selected from the online segment of Synovate's Consumer Opinion Panel, and is balanced to be representative of the general population based upon region, gender, age, and household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The selected individuals receive a customized e-mail inviting them to participate. Results are tabulated by two standard demographic banners and provided in a weighted format to compensate for variations in return patterns. CONTACT: Beth Souther of Kurt Salmon Associates, +1-910-383-2848 or +1-404-898-7819, cbs@kurtsalmon.com.

The Christmas tree in Bryant Park is topped with a 30,000 dollar Canadian Polar Bear Diamond in the shape of a globe. The spectacular gem is part of the We All Have AIDS awareness campaign dreamt up by Kenneth Cole. Its purpose is to raise money for research and to fight the stigma often associated with the disease. A replica of the Polar Diamond ornament is available on eBAY. Act quickly because the auction ends on December 19th!

Marc Jacobs unveiled Gisele Bundchen as the new face of Louis Vuitton last week. She replaces screen icon Uma Thurman. Jacobs said that he wanted to go with a model this time after using celebrities such as Madonna and Jennifer Lopez for the last few years.

Internet clothing retailer Asos is a victim of the recent Buncefield refinery explosion that rocked London. Because of damage to its warehouse located nearby it could not meet the high demand for its goods over the Christmas season. It officially shut down its website this week. The company specialized in selling celebrity inspired clothing emulating such people as Madonna and Victoria Beckham.

CITA Establishes 2006 Quotas for Chinese Textile and Apparel Products: This week the Committee for the Implementation of Textile Agreements (CITA) issued a directive to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to establish the 2006 quotas on Chinese textile and apparel products pursuant to the November 8 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the US and China. In the MOU, the two governments established quotas for certain cotton, wool, manmade fiber, silk blend, and other vegetable fiber textiles and textile products produced or manufactured in China and exported to the US during three one-year periods beginning on January 1, 2006, and extending through December 31, 2008. The quotas set forth in this directive are effective on January 1, 2006, and may be adjusted during the course of the year for carryforward under the terms of the MOU. In addition, the US and China established an Electronic Visa Information System (ELVIS) arrangement. The arrangement provides for electronic transmission of visa information describing the shipment and including the visa number assigned to the shipment to CBP by the government of China for textile products exported to the United States. The transmission certifies the country of origin and authorizes the shipment to be charged against any applicable quota. The government of China is required to issue an ELVIS transmission for shipments of certain textile products produced or manufactured in China and exported on or after January 1. China will be free to issue additional documents, such as paper visas or certificates of origin, and while such documents will not be a requirement of entry into the US, CBP may review them on a case-by-case basis. CITA notes that baby socks in HTSUS 6111.20.6050, 6111.30.5050, and 6111.90.5050 will be counted in dozen pairs for quota and ELVIS purposes. These baby socks are subject to the quota level for category 332/432/632-T and the sublevel for category 332/432/632-B, but the correct category designation 239 will be required at the time of entry for quota and ELVIS purposes.

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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