COTTON KNITS MORE SHARE: Cotton continues to gain strength in knitted women’s wear, according to the newest data from Cotton Incorporated. The report was completed last week by NPD, Port Washington, N.Y., a consumer research group. The study is one of several continuing projects NPD does for Cotton Inc.
The survey says that cotton’s share of the total apparel market grew to 55 percent in 1993 on a fabric-weight basis, up from 54 percent in 1992. It then zeros in on knits, stating that cotton commanded 54 percent of the market, up from 52 percent in 1992. Breaking the knitted apparel into categories, the report states that cotton’s share, on a fabric weight basis, in knitted shirts and blouses rose to 73.8 percent in 1993, up from 71.5 percent in 1992, while its share in sweaters grew to 35.6 percent, up from 33 percent two years ago. Cotton’s market share in socks in 1993 climbed to 65.7 percent, up from 64.2 percent in 1992, and the fiber’s share in knit skirts and dresses was 44 percent in 1993, up from 41.4 percent in 1992. The only knitted apparel market cited in which cotton’s share declined was in underwear and panties, slipping to 87 percent, against 87.1 percent in 1992.
At retail, knitted apparel sales in 1993 were $54.2 billion, with cotton contributing $29.5 billion. In 1992, knitted apparel sales were $51.8 billion, $24.7 billion coming from cotton knit apparel.
LECTRA’S NUMBERS: Net profits for Lectra Systems nearly quadrupled last year to reach $2.03 million (11.7 million francs) at current exchange. Earlier this year, Lectra said that 1993 consolidated sales rose 1.6 percent to $125.6 million (725.2 million francs), up from 714 million francs in 1992.
CARROLL JOINS MAJESTIC: Majestic Mills, a New York converter of corduroy, velveteen and other bottomweight fabrics, has named William Carroll vice president, merchandising. It is a new post.
Carroll will be in charge of all market development and domestic product sourcing activities. He reports to Fred Baumgarten, Majestic’s president.
Most recently, Carroll was president of gray goods sales for United Merchants & Merchandising. He has also held executive posts with Mount Vernon Mills and Greenwood Mills.