Friday, June 2, 2006

This edition of the Hosiery Insider is sponsored by

Kluber Lubrication....

Did You Know? Online advertising revenue reached $3.9 billion in the first quarter of 2006, according to the latest Advertising Revenue Report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau and PricewaterhouseCoopers. The study finds a 38% increase over revenue from last year's first quarter, which was $2.8 billion. Revenue also rose 6% from $3.6 billion in fourth-quarter 2005. Consumers continue to use the Internet to access and interact with products, according to the study. Marketers are investing more ad dollars in online ventures. Advertise on THA’s website…contact Mike Austell for details at 704-365-0913, ext. 204 or email: mike.austell@hosieryassociation.com.

Did you know…? THA receives numerous inquiries from retailers and other companies looking for various products and services. Recently, Walt Disney Entertainment contacted THA to assist them with a project. Thanks to the resources of THA’s membership, WDE is well on its way to achieving its goal. Contact THA to help you with your need.

Advertise in Hosiery News - special MAGIC insert for July/August. It will include a feature on MAGIC and those companies who are exhibiting their products during the show August 28-31 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Not only will retailers receive their copy prior to the show, the publication will be included in on-site press kits and dispersed via booth distribution. Regardless of whether you exhibit, don’t you want your company’s messages, products, brands distributed to retailers across this country and sixty others? For information on how you can be a part of this exclusive issue and include your message to this desired audience, please contact Mike Austell at THA, mike.austell@hosieryassociation.com or 704-365-0913, ext. 204.

Buy THA’s History Book at ½ price! Do you need gifts for employee and/or customer appreciation? Give 100 years worth of hosiery history which is captured in “THA’s Centennial: Keeping In Stride with the Industry for 100 Years.” $20 per copy. To order, visit the THA store on www.hosieryassociation.com or contact us at 704-365-0913.

THA Membership: Renewal notices for the 2006-2007 THA Membership Year will be mailed out over the next couple of weeks. Please keep an eye out for your company’s renewal notice.

CHA’s Golf Tournament: CHA will hold a golf tournament next Thursday, June 8 at Rock Barn Country Club. Rock Barn is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course and site of a fall Senior PGA event. You may access the registration form via THA’s website – www.hosieryassociation.com. Check-in for this Captain’s Choice tournament is at 8:00 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. The $90 registration fee will include golf, lunch and heavy hors d’oeuvres at the awards ceremony.

AL Chapter Luncheon – The AL Chapter of THA will hold its next meeting on June 15 at the Western Sizzlin’ in Ft. Payne. Unifi will be the sponsor.

CHA Supplier Luncheons: There will not be a CHA Supplier Luncheon in June or July. These luncheons will resume August 24 at the Hosiery Technology Center in Hickory, NC.

Industry Support with Style! Take Advantage of Complimentary Member Access While It Lasts…. With the thousands of consumers, retailers and industry professionals that visit us from across the globe on a daily basis, this new platform will offer its users with more functionality and more information readily at their fingertips than ever before. Keep up to date on the latest statistical, legislative and trend information available. We are offering “free” access until the end of this month...please visit us at our new website www.hosieryassociation.com. …the user name is tha and the password is hosiery. We invite you to work through the site and give us your feedback! 

Hosiery News Released…Do You Have Your Copy? This issue has now been distributed in print and electronic formats. THA’s official publication is issued worldwide to thousands, including all retailers in the United States and upon request by those abroad. It contains substantive articles and offers a fresh, modern look. Developed by a team of communications professionals, Hosiery News enables its readers to keep an innovative, fashion forward pulse on the legwear and footwear business.

Hosiery Insider Sponsorship: Do you want a cost effective venue for communicating your messages to thousands worldwide? Sponsor the next issue of Hosiery Insider. For details, contact Mike Austell at 704-365-0913 Ext 204 or mike.austell@hosieryassociation.com.

Nilit Unveils Fall/Winter 2007-2008 Trends - Nilit recently announced its new trend concepts for Fall-Winter 2007/08 which will be presented in the SENSIL® BODYFASHION TRENDBOOK. For Fall-Winter 2007-2008, Nilit sees more clearly than ever that seamless bodywear transcends being a simple item of clothing and embraces the whole spectrum of fashion and innovation to demonstrate its diversity and versatility. Trends are influenced by the lifestyles of consumers who demand practicality, adaptability and the freedom of expression to create a personal fashion message and style. For complete news release and visuals, please visit THA’s website, www.hosieryassociation.com and visit our Media Section under press releases.

Congratulations to Belk Inc. for being awarded as Accessories Magazine Retailer of the Year.

PAYLESS SHOESOURCE ACQUIRES American Eagle Brand
Payless ShoeSource acquired the American Eagle brand for footwear and accessories from Jimlar Corp. for an undisclosed amount. This move is part of Payless' business strategy to build a "house of brands" retail chain offering the latest footwear and accessory styles featuring recognizable brand names. The Payless "house of brands" strategy is rooted in on-trend, relevant styles combined with well-known brands that are closely targeted to each discrete consumer segment. Through the agreement, Payless acquires Jimlar's worldwide rights to the American Eagle brand for footwear and select accessories categories. Over the years, Jimlar has provided a range of fashion-forward styles featuring the American Eagle brand to department stores and other retail channels both nationwide and in other countries. Beginning spring '07, the American Eagle brand of footwear and accessories will be available exclusively at Payless stores and on Payless.com. American Eagle joins Champion, Airwalk, Spalding, and Shaquille O'Neal endorsed Dunkman and the Dunkman Game Shoe lines.

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR NAMES New Director of Merchandising
Mountain Hardwear named Ted Ganio to the new position of director of merchandising. Ganio will be responsible for the global strategic vision and management of all of the company’s product design and development. He joined Mountain Hardwear in the fall of 2004 and until now has managed the company’s expansive outerwear and snow wear categories. The position will cover a large part of what was overseen by the company’s vice president and co-founder, Paul Kramer, who retired on May 12. Kramer will continue to work with Mountain Hardwear on a contract basis developing new products with a special concentration on new construction techniques and other technology based projects

ROCKY SHOES & BOOTS Changes Name to Rocky Brands
Rocky Brands, Inc. recently announced that the Company has officially changed its name from Rocky Shoes & Boots, Inc. to Rocky Brands Inc. The name change was approved by the Company’s shareholders at its annual meeting.

SEARS has made several enhancements to its sears.com site based on customers’ responses to a survey. One of the most frequently requested features was the ability to redeem gift cards on the Web site, a feature sears.com now offers. Plus, three new product categories have been added. These include tires as well as home health care and wellness products. In addition, shoes for the entire family are now available after a successful test.

Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. reported that revenues for the first quarter ended April 1 totaled $194.5 million compared to $221.9 million last year. Same-store sales dropped 10% during the same period.

Ever-Glory International Group recently announced that their enterprise production unit in China has passed the appraisal of Eddie Bauer's Product Quality Standard. Ever-Glory officially became one of Eddie Bauer's producers and signed a deal through an agent for $800,000 worth of production orders. In addition to the profit this deal will generate, Ever-Glory will bring about further standardization of the company's production management and improvements to its operational efficiency as being one of Eddie Bauer's quality producers.

Pacific Sunwear of California, Inc. reported that total sales for the four weeks of fiscal May ending May 27, 2006 were $85.1 million, an increase of 5.6 percent over total sales of $80.7 million during the same period last year. Total Company same store sales decreased 2.6 percent during the same period. By concept, PacSun same-store sales
decreased 2.2 percent and d.e.m.o. same-store sales decreased 5.0 percent compared to the same four week period last year.

ONLINE SALES to Surpass $200 Billion This Year
After soaring past the $100-billion mark in 2003, online sales will top $200 billion this year, according to The 2006 State of Retailing Online. The ninth annual Shop.org study, conducted by Forrester Research, surveyed 174 retailers. The report stated that 2006 online sales (including travel) are expected to rise 20% to $211.4 billion. Sales excluding travel will reach $138 billion. The largest non-travel categories this year will include computer hardware and software ($16.8 billion), autos and auto parts ($15.9 billion), and apparel, accessories, and footwear ($13.8 billion).

The National Association for the Sewn Products Industry
SEAMS is a not-for-profit organization comprised of manufacturing, contract manufacturing, and supplier companies in the sewn products industry located throughout the United States. SEAMS member companies provide valuable products and services to the sewn products industry. A Made in USA catalog was developed by the organization to showcase companies who manufacture sewn products in the USA. SEAMS itself works for the preservation of the sewn products industry through educational programs that improve the quality and productivity of the industry collectively and of each member firm individually, by keeping members informed on significant legislation in Washington, DC and through offering benefit packages that help control overhead expenses.

Membership in SEAMS is one way to enhance a company’s continued growth and success. The sewn products industry faces many challenges, and one of the best ways to impact the industry’s viability is to join forces with SEAMS business colleagues. SEAMS is dedicated to promoting a business climate which will enhance and support the retention of sound economic growth within the sewn products industry. The organization is constantly working to develop solutions to many of the challenges that companies face in today’s marketplace. Participation as an active member of SEAMS insures that the voice of the sewn products industry will be heard.

SEAMS offers sourcing for both manufacturers and sewing contractors. Through its computer database, manufacturers can be instantly referred to a SEAMS contractor member. SEAMS also offers a fax and email broadcast service to members that easily spreads the word about sourcing needs and results are available quickly. As a member of SEAMS, the company will be listed on SEAMS’ on-line directory. Information about capabilities and needs will be available around the clock to anyone in the world.

Additionally, SEAMS members have opportunities to receive and post notices of positions available or equipment needs. Notices of positions available are placed through the SEAMS office and are then transmitted to all SEAMS Members via broadcast fax, email and direct contact.

SEAMS works hard to bring together all facets of the sewn products industry to strengthen the industry and help its membership prosper. For more information about SEAMS, visit www.seams.org. SEAMS Executive Director, Sarah Friedman, is looking forward to the upcoming collaboration with [TC]2, HTC, and THA at the MAGIC Show in Las Vegas. “SEAMS continues to grow by forming partnerships with other groups who share our interests and goals. I see this venture as a great opportunity to keep spreading the word about Made in USA sewn products.”

Apparel Conference of the Americas will be held June 5-7 in Managua, Nicaragua. For additional information or to register, visit www.aapnetwork.net.

THA Members Receive 15% Discount: STTAS 2006 International Trade & Customs Seminar Series cordially invites you to attend their important, upcoming seminar

Importing into the United States: Understanding US Customs Law and Import Requirements

June 6, 2006 –Wyndham Gardens, Charlotte, NC.

Whether you are an active, occasional or prospective importer, the obligations that CBP imposes on companies to ensure compliance with all import requirements are exacting. This one-day seminar helps attendees develop a thorough understanding of the major areas of concern under the Customs laws. Topics include: establishment of an import program, review of import documentation, selection of and interacting with a customs broker, the Mod Act and its impact on US importers, principles of classification and appraisement, the use of tariff preferences and related programs to minimize duty exposure, alternatives to duty payment (foreign-trade zones, drawback, TIBs and bonded warehouses), country of origin marking and labeling, recordkeeping and audits, CBP enforcement activities (including penalties, seizures and liquidated damages), Administrative procedures and protests. For more information, e-mail to messages@strtrade.com, or call (800) 5TRADE5 or (350) 267-9200.

NC State University’s 2006 Continuing Education Schedule: June sessions include: “Basic Textiles” – June 6-8; “Meltblowing & Spunbonding Fundamentals” – June 12-16. 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.

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: June 10-12, August 5-7 and October 5-8. 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.

22nd World Apparel Convention’s Theme is “Leveraging Powerful Change in the World Apparel Fashion Chain.” The convention to be held in Thessaloniki, Greece June 18-20. Dr. Mike Fralix, [TC]²’s President, will moderate a Technology Workshop with panelists from Wacoal Corporation, Japan; Herriot Watt University, United Kingdom; The Woolmark Company, Germany; and the University of Geneva, Switzerland. A review of the program content indicates the international nature of the program topics and the diversity of featured speakers. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.iaf2006.com.

8th Annual IFFTI (International Foundation of Fashion Technology Institutes), “Fashion in the Digital Age” will be held at NCSU in Raleigh, NC June 18-22. For additional information, visit www.iffti2006.com.

Fashion International Trade Show – This show will be held at the Hangzhou Peace International Convention and Exhibition Center in Hangzhou, China on June 29 – July 1. For more information, visit www.fashionforchina.com.

Hosiery Companies Exhibit with THA at WSA! Join us as we team up with WSA to grow the hosiery (all legwear/footwear categories) component at its next show which will be held August 1-4 in Las Vegas. Each event attracts over 1,600 exhibitors representing 6,000 brands and 34,000+ industry professionals and buyers from department stores, specialty retailers, footwear chains, independent footwear retailers and boutiques across the globe. 97% of buyers took buyer action at the last show. 94% of attendees hold management positions with purchasing authority. 89% of buyers attend this show exclusively. The WSA show delivers the largest concentration of buying power in the footwear and accessories industry. WSA is offering cost effective pricing and incredible on site marketing tools for those companies who participate with THA. For more information on your company can participate in this new initiative, contact Sally Kay at (704)365-0913, ext. 212 or email sally.kay@hosieryassociation.com.

Dallas Market Center Show – The Men’s & Boys’ Apparel Market and the Women’s & Children’s Apparel and Accessories show will be held at the Dallas Market Center in Dallas, TX August 17-20. Dallas Market Center, the largest wholesale merchandise resource in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records, is the one location where retailers from around the globe source a wide range of products including textiles, fashion accessories and women's, men's, children's and western apparel. With more than 50 markets each year attended by more than 200,000 buyers, Dallas Market Center offers an array of services geared toward helping retailers expand business & increase profits. The final 2006 show date will be October 26-29. For more detailed information, visit www.dallasmarketcenter.com.

During August 28-31 at MAGIC 2006, The Hosiery Association (THA), the Hosiery Technology Center (HTC) and SEAMS (The National Association for the Sewn Products Industry) will team up with their industry member companies to exhibit numerous apparel, legwear and footwear products that are made in the United States. The main goal of this endeavor is to share with retailers worldwide the many opportunities they have via the US supplier base. The slogan “You Wear US Well” speaks to the fact that retailers should tap into the incredible variety fashion forward and innovative products offered by companies throughout the US. For further information, contact Sally Kay at (704)365-0913, ext. 212 or email sally.kay@hosieryassociation.com.

Material World Show – Material World will have one more show in 2006: September 26-28 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York, NY. “From Design to Delivery, the Premier Global Trade Event for the Sewn Products Industries.” Additional information can be found at www.material-world.com.

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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