Litton Wants to Make 295 Fifth Ave an All-Textiles Location
April 3, 2001
New York – Claude Litton has witnessed the multitude of changes in the home textiles industry since 1978.
When he joined the building as general manager in 1978, United Merchants had 70,000 square feet and Hygiene Industries, Bloomcraft and Home Curtain all had full floors at 295 Fifth. Today, those companies either no longer exist or are part of another firm.
"In 1978, 295 Fifth Avenue was just as full as it is today," Litton said. "However, there were 50 industry showrooms in the building with a total of 500 showrooms in New York City.
Today there are 300 industry showrooms in New York and 295 Fifth has 165 of them.
"Back offices are essentially gone, for example, computer rooms, fabric dealers and sales rep back offices. We are the premiere manufacturing showroom location for the textile industry," said Litton.
He said that over the years, market weeks have grown shorter. "At one time markets were two weeks long and were held twice a year. Today, the market week starts on a Saturday and ends by Wednesday. However, mini market, held in February, seems to be gaining importance.
He sees rents continuing their upward spiral and feels that in the next five to six years smaller companies will be taking space at 295 Fifth Avenue as leases expire. "Non-industry members will be asked to leave the building. We have a long-term game plan to make this the most important textile showroom building in New York in spite of downsizing within the industry."
When he joined the building as general manager in 1978, United Merchants had 70,000 square feet and Hygiene Industries, Bloomcraft and Home Curtain all had full floors at 295 Fifth. Today, those companies either no longer exist or are part of another firm.
"In 1978, 295 Fifth Avenue was just as full as it is today," Litton said. "However, there were 50 industry showrooms in the building with a total of 500 showrooms in New York City.
Today there are 300 industry showrooms in New York and 295 Fifth has 165 of them.
"Back offices are essentially gone, for example, computer rooms, fabric dealers and sales rep back offices. We are the premiere manufacturing showroom location for the textile industry," said Litton.
He said that over the years, market weeks have grown shorter. "At one time markets were two weeks long and were held twice a year. Today, the market week starts on a Saturday and ends by Wednesday. However, mini market, held in February, seems to be gaining importance.
He sees rents continuing their upward spiral and feels that in the next five to six years smaller companies will be taking space at 295 Fifth Avenue as leases expire. "Non-industry members will be asked to leave the building. We have a long-term game plan to make this the most important textile showroom building in New York in spite of downsizing within the industry."
