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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We consent to the inclusion in this registration statement on Form S-4 of
our report dated March 5, 1998, on our audits of the financial statements of Afa
Holdings Co. and Subsidiaries, and our report on our audits of the financial
statements of W.T.I., Inc. and Subsidiaries. We also consent to the reference to
our Firm under the caption "Experts."
 
                                          COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Charlotte, North Carolina
May 12, 1998