I’ve always felt that fall is the only good thing about the end of summer, but I just may have to add the New York Home Textiles Market to that very short list.

I was just another unsuspecting attendee of the recent textiles market. Sheets, pillows, towels here I come. There would be some new patterns, colors and maybe even new materials. Throw in some executive changes and a couple of new brands--call it a textiles show.

But something happened on the way to this fall market.

As unexpected as a riot at the library, this year’s market had real action—literally and figuratively—in the form of utility bedding. Like a hard-hatted construction worker on the job, utility bedding at the recent market had a job to do. It cleaned, it prevented allergic reactions, it made people more comfy.

Plus the category—and the show—was pretty much packed with powerful, well-known brands. Hanes, Arm & Hammer, Homedics, Claritin--are we really talking textiles here?

London Luxury introduced its Claritin bedding line at market. The collection is engineered to function as a barrier to dust mites, pet dander and other allergens. The company also showed its Arm & Hammer bedding, bath and kitchen textile products, targeting hygiene in the home. Both brands got some serious treatment in London Luxury’s showroom, too.

WestPoint Home expanded its licensed product offerings with Hanes-branded utility bedding and bath items. A line of towels was noticeably stretchy, yet bounced back into shape, reflecting the brand’s long-lasting reputation.

Hollander Home Fashions teamed with Homedics for a line of sleeping products including comforters, pillows and mattress pads. Homedics is known for its personal care products including massagers and spa items, and the textiles items will help keep its users feeling good.

Vendors were certainly betting on branded offerings at the show. Now retailers will bet that they work for them too.