Home textile suppliers in the US have a busy season ahead. Back-to-College season is a significant event for vendors, who have created bedding, bath and accessories collections specific to dorm rooms and college apartments. This year, most back-to-school shoppers plan to start shopping at least three weeks before school begins.

College and graduate students spending on dorm or apartment furnishings make the category the third largest behind electronics and clothing/accessories. For the harvest season, running from late September through Thanksgiving, home textile suppliers of decorative pillows and bath accessories have created novelty capsule collections. This is when table linens and kitchen textiles imbued with autumnal hues take the spotlight.

The holiday shopping season is prime time for blankets, throws, flannel sheets, holiday-themed table linens and whimsical bathroom décor. When it comes to Christmas trimmings, home textile suppliers are also in the mix with stockings and tree skirts whose motifs range from tongue-in-cheek to formally elegant.

Total holiday sales at retail across all categories last year rose 5.5 per cent. That marked the largest increase since the 5.2 per cent year-over-year gain seen in 2010. Holiday sales at furniture and home furnishings stores climbed 7.5 per cent unadjusted year-over-year, a strong showing.