A drop in sales for fashion comforters and significantly weaker performance in quilts and duvet covers set back the Top of the Bed category in 2007.rnCoupled with cautious consumer spending, most brick-and-mortar retail channels also felt the loss of momentum in the category. In all, retail sales for top-of-bed products slipped 1.4% for 2007, for a total of $3,094 billion, vs. $3,138 billion in 2006.rnWhile some difficult business trends kept gains from materializing, two fashion trends gave the category a needed shot of adrenaline: Bedding sets remain strong, and increasing interest in bedspreads and coverlets are continuing to define top of bed.rnA long way from simple matching sheets and comforters, bedding sets today include coordinating accessories like multiple pillows and even matching throws. "They'll be packing a lamp in there soon," joked one industry exec. In all, the category-gained steam and ended 2007 up 1.9% to $1.86 billion.
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