SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )

Filed by the Registrant [X]

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]

Check the appropriate box:

[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12

SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

[X] No fee required.

[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

(5) Total fee paid:

[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:

[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

(1) Amount Previously Paid:

(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

(3) Filing Party:

(4) Date Filed:
2

[SPRINGS LOGO]

March 7, 1997

To Our Shareholders:

On behalf of your Company's Board of Directors, I extend to you an
invitation to attend the Annual Shareholders' Meeting to be held at the Fort
Mill High School Auditorium, Fort Mill, South Carolina, on Monday, April 21,
1997. Directions are provided by the map on the reverse side of this statement.

The accompanying Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement cover the details of
the matters to be presented. These matters include the election of Directors and
ratification of the appointment of the Company's auditors.

A copy of the 1996 Annual Report is included with this mailing.

REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, I URGE THAT YOU
PARTICIPATE BY COMPLETING AND RETURNING YOUR PROXY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. YOUR
VOTE IS IMPORTANT AND WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

/s/ Walter Y. Elisha
--------------------------------
Walter Y. Elisha
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer

Springs Industries, Inc.
205 North White Street, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715
3

SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.

205 North White Street
Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
------------------------------------------------------------------

TIME........................ 9:30 a.m., E.D.T., on Monday, April 21, 1997

PLACE....................... Fort Mill High School Auditorium
Fort Mill, South Carolina

ITEMS OF BUSINESS........... (1) To elect a Board of twelve Directors.

(2) To vote upon a resolution ratifying the
appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as
independent public accountants for the
Company and its subsidiaries for fiscal year
1997.

(3) To transact such other business as may
properly come before the Meeting and any
adjournment thereof.

RECORD DATE................. Holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock of record at the close of business,
March 3, 1997, are entitled to vote at the
Meeting.

ANNUAL REPORT............... The Annual Report of the Company for 1996, which
is not a part of the proxy soliciting material,
is enclosed.

PROXY VOTING................ It is important that your shares be represented
and voted at the Meeting. Please MARK, SIGN, DATE
AND RETURN PROMPTLY the enclosed proxy card in
the envelope furnished for that purpose. Any
proxy may be revoked in the manner described in
the accompanying Proxy Statement at any time
prior to its exercise at the Meeting.

C. POWERS DORSETT
Secretary

March 7, 1997
4

PROXY STATEMENT

MARCH 7, 1997

PROXY SOLICITATION AND
GENERAL INFORMATION

The accompanying proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of Springs
Industries, Inc., (the Company) for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders
(the Meeting) to be held on April 21, 1997, at nine-thirty a.m., and at any
adjournment thereof, at which shareholders of record at the close of business on
March 3, 1997, shall be entitled to vote. This proxy statement and the proxy
card are being mailed to shareholders on or about March 7, 1997.

On the record date, 12,754,228 shares of Class A Common Stock and 7,395,615
shares of Class B Common Stock were outstanding (collectively referred to as
Common Stock). The Class A Common Stock, which is entitled to one vote per
share, and the Class B Common Stock, which is entitled to four votes per share,
shall be voted together as a single class upon the items scheduled to come
before the Meeting.

In certain situations not expected to come before the Meeting, each class
of Common Stock votes as a separate class. These situations include proposals to
amend the Company's Articles of Incorporation that would change the number of
authorized shares of Class A or Class B Common Stock, change the par value of
either class, adversely alter or change powers, preferences or special rights of
either class, or require class voting under South Carolina law. Also, in the
case of certain business combinations involving the Company and persons or
entities controlling or under common control with the Company, holders of Class
B Common Stock would be entitled to cast only one vote per share.

Solicitation of proxies other than by mail may be made by telephone,
telegraph, or personal interview by officers and employees of the Company who
will not be additionally compensated. The Company has engaged Corporate Investor
Communications, Inc., (CIC) to make arrangements with brokers, nominees,
fiduciaries, and other custodians for distribution of proxy materials to their
principals and to solicit return of proxies from these institutions. The Company
will reimburse these institutions for their expenses in accordance with the
rules of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and will pay CIC a fee of $4,500
plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses for its services. The cost of
soliciting proxies for the Meeting will be borne by the Company.

If a shareholder directs that a proxy be voted in a specific manner or
specifies a choice with respect to a voting matter, the shares will be voted
accordingly. If no such specifications are made, shares represented by each
proxy will be voted FOR the nominees for directors and FOR ratification of the
appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP. If any other matters or business should
properly come before the Meeting (or any adjournment), the person or persons
acting under the proxy will vote in accordance with his or their judgment. The
Company is not aware of any other matters or business to be presented to the
Meeting.

Shareholders are reminded that they may, if qualified, present resolutions
which, if proper for inclusion in next year's proxy statement, may be considered
at the 1998 Annual Meeting. Any shareholder proposals so submitted must be
received by the Company by November 7, 1997.

Under South Carolina law and the Company's Articles of Incorporation, a
quorum is required to conduct business at the Meeting. A quorum is the presence,
in person or by proxy, of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the
meeting. Abstentions, votes withheld from director nominees, and broker
non-votes are counted for purposes of determining a quorum. If a quorum is
present, the twelve nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be
elected directors, and any other matter being voted on at the meeting will be
approved if a majority of

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the votes cast by shareholders are voted in favor of approving or adopting such
matter. Abstentions and broker non-votes are disregarded in tabulating voting
results.

It is important that your shares be represented at the Meeting. Therefore,
please mark, sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy card promptly to ensure
your shares will be voted. Your proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its
exercise by filing with the Secretary of the Company an instrument of revocation
or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by voting in person at the
Meeting.

DIRECTORS, NOMINEES, AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Pursuant to the Company's bylaws, the Board has established the number of
directors of the Company to be twelve as of the date of the Meeting. Each of the
twelve nominees named below was elected as a director of the Company at last
year's Annual Meeting. Each person has been nominated for election as a director
to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until a
successor is duly elected and qualified.

Shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be voted FOR the election of
the nominees unless authority is withheld for all or any of the nominees.
Although the Board of Directors does not contemplate that any of the twelve
nominees named will be unavailable for election, if a vacancy should occur, the
proxy will be voted for such substitute nominee or nominees as the Board of
Directors may recommend or the Board of Directors may reduce the size of the
Board.

Cumulative voting is permitted in the election of directors by which each
shareholder is entitled to cast the number of votes equal to (i) the number of
votes to which his shares are entitled multiplied by (ii) the number of
directors to be elected. A shareholder may give one nominee all of such votes or
may distribute such votes among the nominees to be elected in such manner as he
may desire.

- --------------------- JOHN F. AKERS, AGE 62, RETIRED CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
[PHOTO] OFFICER OF IBM CORPORATION. Mr. Akers served as chairman and
- --------------------- chief executive officer of IBM from 1986 until his
retirement in May 1993. A director of the Company since
December 1993, Mr. Akers is also a director of Lehman
Brothers Holdings, Inc. (New York), The New York Times
Company, PepsiCo., Inc., and W. R. Grace & Co., and a member
of the U.S. Advisory Board of Zurich Insurance Company.

- --------------------- CRANDALL CLOSE BOWLES, AGE 49, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING
[PHOTO] OFFICER OF THE COMPANY. Mrs. Bowles served as Executive Vice
- --------------------- President of the Company from April 1992 until January 1997,
when she was elected President and Chief Operating Officer.
A director of the Company since 1978, Mrs. Bowles served as
president of The Springs Company from 1982 to April 1992.
The Springs Company is owned by Mrs. Bowles and members of
her family and provides management services to certain of
its affiliates.

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- --------------------- JOHN L. CLENDENIN, AGE 62, CHAIRMAN AND A DIRECTOR OF
[PHOTO] BELLSOUTH CORPORATION. Mr. Clendenin has served in these
- --------------------- positions since 1984 and served as chief executive officer
from 1984 until December 1996. A director of the Company
since 1990, Mr. Clendenin is also a director of Equifax
Inc., Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., Home Depot Inc., The
Kroger Company, National Service Industries, Inc., Providian
Corporation, RJR Nabisco, Inc., and Wachovia Corporation.

- --------------------- LEROY S. CLOSE, AGE 46, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
[PHOTO] OFFICER OF SANDLAPPER FABRICS, INC., A PRINTER AND CONVERTER
- --------------------- OF TEXTILE FABRICS, SINCE 1986. A director of the Company
since 1991, Mr. Close was a vice president in the Company's
Apparel Fabrics Division from 1983 to 1986. Mr. Close is a
brother of Mrs. Bowles.

- --------------------- CHARLES W. COKER, AGE 63, CHAIRMAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
[PHOTO] AND A DIRECTOR OF SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY (INDUSTRIAL AND
- --------------------- CONSUMER PACKAGING). A director of the Company since 1977,
Mr. Coker served as director, president and chief executive
officer of Sonoco Products Company until 1990 when he was
elected chairman and chief executive officer. Mr. Coker is
also a director of Carolina Power & Light Company,
NationsBank, N.A., and Sara Lee Corporation.

- --------------------- WALTER Y. ELISHA, AGE 64, CHAIRMAN AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE
[PHOTO] OFFICER OF THE COMPANY. A director of the Company since
- --------------------- 1980, Mr. Elisha served as president and chief operating
officer from 1980 to 1981. He was appointed chief executive
officer in 1981 and elected chairman of the board in 1983.
Mr. Elisha also served again as president from 1990 until
January 1997. Mr. Elisha is also a director of American
Telephone & Telegraph Company and Cummins Engine Company,
Inc. Prior to 1980, he was vice chairman and a director of
Jewel Companies, Inc.

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- --------------------- JOHN H. MCARTHUR, AGE 62, DEAN OF THE FACULTY, HARVARD
[PHOTO] UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, FROM 1980 UNTIL HIS
- --------------------- RETIREMENT IN 1995. A director of the Company since 1989,
Dr. McArthur is also a director of AES Corporation, BCE
Inc., Cabot Corporation, Glaxo Wellcome plc, Rohm and Haas
Company, and The Vincam Group, Inc.

- --------------------- ALDO PAPONE, AGE 64, SENIOR ADVISOR, AMERICAN EXPRESS
[PHOTO] COMPANY, 1991 TO PRESENT. A director of the Company since
- --------------------- April 1993, Mr. Papone served as chairman and chief
executive officer from 1989 to 1990, and as president and
chief operating officer from 1985 to 1989, of American
Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. Mr. Papone is
also a director of American Express Company, Guess?, Inc.,
Hyperion Software Corp., and The Body Shop International
plc.

- --------------------- DONALD S. PERKINS, AGE 69, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF JEWEL
[PHOTO] COMPANIES, INC. A director of the Company since October
- --------------------- 1995, Mr. Perkins previously served as a director of the
Company from 1984 to January 1995. He was Chairman of Kmart
Corporation from January 1995 to June 1995. Mr. Perkins is
also a director of Aon Corporation, Cummins Engine Company,
Inc., Current Assets LLC, Illinova Corp., Inland Steel
Industries, Inc., LaSalle Street Fund, Lucent Technologies
Inc., The Putnam Funds, Ryerson Tull, Inc., and Time Warner,
Inc.

- --------------------- ROBIN B. SMITH, AGE 57, CHAIRMAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER,
[PHOTO] AND A DIRECTOR OF PUBLISHERS CLEARING HOUSE. Ms. Smith
- --------------------- served as president of Publishers Clearing House from 1981
to August 1996, when she was elected Chairman, and has
served as its chief executive officer since 1988. Ms. Smith
has served as a director of the Company since 1993 and is
also a director of BellSouth Corporation, Kmart Corporation,
Omnicom Group, Inc., Texaco, Inc., and certain mutual funds
administered by Prudential Mutual Funds Co.

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- --------------------- SHERWOOD H. SMITH, JR., AGE 62, CHAIRMAN AND A DIRECTOR OF
[PHOTO] CAROLINA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY SINCE 1980. Mr. Smith served
- --------------------- as chief executive officer of Carolina Power & Light Co.
from September 1979 until October 1996 and as president from
1976 to 1992. A director of the Company since 1991, Mr.
Smith is also a director of Wachovia Corporation and
Northern Telecom, Ltd., and a trustee of Northwestern Mutual
Life Insurance Company.

- --------------------- STEWART TURLEY, AGE 62, DIRECTOR AND RETIRED CHAIRMAN OF
[PHOTO] ECKERD CORPORATION (RETAIL DRUG STORES). Mr. Turley has
- --------------------- served as a director of Eckerd Corporation since 1971. He
served as its chief executive officer from 1974 to February
1996, its chairman from 1975 until February 1997, and its
president from 1974 to 1993. A director of the Company since
1984, Mr. Turley is also a director of Barnett Banks, Inc.,
and Sprint Corp.

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9

INFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

During 1996, the Company's Board of Directors held six meetings. To assist
in the discharge of its responsibilities, the Board has established five
committees. All directors attended at least 75 percent of the total number of
meetings of the Board and committees of the Board on which they serve. Except
for the Audit Committee, these committees do not meet on a regular basis but
only as circumstances require. The Audit Committee(1) which is responsible for
review of the integrity of the Company's financial reporting, review of its
internal controls and recommendation of independent auditors, met three times
during 1996. The Management Compensation and Organization Committee(2) met four
times. This Committee recommends to the full Board the base salary of the Chief
Executive Officer and the President and has responsibility for approval of
compensation arrangements for key executives, approval of executive compensation
plans, ensuring management continuity and succession, and for recommending a
successor to the Chief Executive Officer in the event of a vacancy. The
Executive Committee(3), which is authorized to discharge certain
responsibilities of the Board between Board meetings, held no meetings in 1996.
During 1996, the Finance Committee(4), which is responsible for review of the
Company's financial policies and planning, review of methods of financing and
recommendations with respect to acquisitions and divestitures, and which has
certain fiduciary responsibilities under benefit plans, met four times. The
Springs of Achievement Committee(5) met twice in 1996 and is responsible for
monitoring the Company's 'Springs of Achievement' activities, ensuring that the
values of 'Springs of Achievement' are being internalized and sustained, and for
recommending new 'Springs of Achievement' initiatives to the Board of Directors.
All of the outside directors function as a committee to nominate candidates for
Board membership. The outside directors will consider any recommendations made
in writing by shareholders respecting possible candidates for the Board of
Directors. Such recommendations should be directed to the Secretary of the
Company.

- ---------------

(1) Consisting of Messrs. Clendenin (chairman), Akers, Coker and Smith and Ms.
Smith.

(2) Consisting of Messrs. Coker (chairman), Akers, Clendenin, Perkins and Smith.

(3) Consisting of Mr. Elisha (chairman), Mrs. Bowles and Messrs. Coker, McArthur
and Turley.

(4) Consisting of Messrs. McArthur (chairman), Close, Papone, Perkins and
Turley.

(5) Consisting of Messrs. Turley (chairman), Close, McArthur, Papone and Ms.
Smith.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth a summary of compensation for the Chief
Executive Officer and each of the four other most highly compensated executive
officers of the Company.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

ANNUAL COMPENSATION (1) LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
----------------------------- ---------------------------------------
AWARDS
OTHER ------------------------- LONG-TERM
ANNUAL RESTRICTED INCENTIVE
NAME PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMP STOCK (2) OPTIONS/SARS PAYOUTS (3)
- ---- ------------------ ---- ------ ----- ------ ---------- ------------ -----------

Elisha, W.Y. Chairman of the Board 1996 $667,506 $525.000 $60,800(5) 0 0 $171,617
and Chief Executive 1995 $637,503 $412,000 0 0 9,000 $234,580
Officer 1994 $600,000 $525,000 0 0 7,500 $ 36,501

Bowles, C.C. President and Chief 1996 $260,004 $ 70,000 0 0 0 $ 34,306
Operating Officer 1995 $243,756 $ 74,000 0 0 37,500 $ 43,516
1994 $225,000 $125,000 0 0 3,000 $ 4,303

Kelbley, S.P. Executive Vice President 1996 $290,004 $175,000 0 0 0 $ 41,967
1995 $286,254 $150,000 0 0 32,500 $ 59,835
1994 $275,004 $195,000 0 0 3,000 $ 10,198

Moser, R.W. Executive Vice President 1996 $275,502 $ 68,000 0 0 0 $ 39,696
1995 $267,501 $ 71,000 0 0 32,500 $ 53,308
1994 $260,004 $120,000 0 0 3,000 $ 8,713

O'Connor, T.P. Executive Vice President 1996 $275,004 $ 75,000 0 0 0 $ 39,696
1995 $267,501 $ 82,000 0 0 32,500 $ 53,308
1994 $260,000 $120,000 0 0 3,000 $ 8,157

ALL
OTHER
NAME COMP(4)
- ---- -------

Elisha, W.Y. $27,189
$24,699
$11,394
Bowles, C.C. $39,706
$42,384
$33,394
Kelbley, S.P. $52,263
$53,607
$42,194
Moser, R.W. $49,882
$48,451
$48,194
O'Connor, T.P. $45,221
$48,451
$48,194

- ---------------

(1) Includes amounts earned in fiscal year, regardless of whether deferred.

(2) Aggregate holdings and value of restricted stock and share units at the end
of the Company's last completed fiscal year for the named executive officers
are as follows based on a closing price of $43.75 at December 27, 1996 (the
last trading day prior to the Company's fiscal year end): Mr. Elisha held
25,449 shares of restricted stock valued at $1,113,394, and 2,823 shares of
deferred stock valued at $123,506 which vest December 30, 1997; Mrs. Bowles
held 524 shares of deferred stock valued at $22,925 which vest December 30,
1997; Mr. Kelbley held 720 shares of deferred stock valued at $31,500 which
vest December 30, 1997; Mr. Moser held 642 shares of deferred stock valued
at $28,088 which vest December 30, 1997; and Mr. O'Connor held 642 shares of
deferred stock valued at $28,088 which vest December 30, 1997. At the same
time and rate as dividends are paid to shareholders of unrestricted Class A
common stock, dividends are paid on the restricted stock and deferred stock.

(3) The amounts set forth for 1996 include (a) cash payments of $85,604 to Mr.
Elisha, $17,112 to Mrs. Bowles, $20,922 to Mr. Kelbley, $19,790 to Mr. Moser
and $19,790 to Mr. O'Connor and (b) the value, based on a closing price of
the Company's Class A Common Stock of $43.75 on December 27, 1996, of 1,966
shares of deferred stock for Mr. Elisha, 393 shares for Mrs. Bowles, 481
shares for Mr. Kelbley, 455 shares for Mr. Moser, and 455 shares for Mr.
O'Connor. These shares are subject to forfeiture if the recipient engages in
competition with the Company within the two-year period commencing December
28, 1996.

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(4) Includes company contributions to the Springs of Achievement Partnership
Plan, which is a tax qualified profit sharing and savings plan in which
substantially all of the Company's associates participate. Amounts credited
for 1996 are as follows:

SAVINGS PROFIT SHARING
FUND RETIREMENT FUND
------- ---------------

Mr. Elisha........................... $3,000 $7,098
Mr. Kelbley.......................... $3,000 $7,098
Mrs. Bowles.......................... $3,000 $7,098
Mr. Moser............................ $3,000 $7,098
Mr. O'Connor......................... $3,000 $7,098

Also included are credits to a contingent compensation plan. In this plan,
amounts credited to the participant's account are contingent upon continued
employment with the Company and vest at a rate of 10 percent per year until
termination of employment. A participant's entire account is fully vested
upon retirement on or after age sixty-five, death, or total disability. The
account balance may be adjusted each year by an adjustment factor selected
by the Board's Management Compensation and Organization Committee. Amounts
credited for 1996 are as follows:

Mr. Elisha............................................... 0
Mrs. Bowles.............................................. $15,000
Mr. Kelbley.............................................. $20,000
Mr. Moser................................................ $25,000
Mr. O'Connor............................................. $20,000

Also included are credits to an excess benefit plan and a deferred
compensation plan, which provide for credits equivalent to contributions
under the Springs of Achievement Partnership Plan for deferred compensation
and compensation in excess of limitations provided under the Internal
Revenue Code. Amounts credited for 1996 are as follows:

Mr. Elisha............................................... $17,091
Mrs. Bowles.............................................. $14,608
Mr. Kelbley.............................................. $22,165
Mr. Moser................................................ $14,784
Mr. O'Connor............................................. $15,123

(5) This amount represents corporate-provided transportation, the value of which
is taxable in accordance with federal income tax regulations.

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OPTION TABLE

The following table provides information about options and incremental
stock equivalents, which are similar to freestanding stock appreciation rights,
held by the named executive officers. No options were granted to these officers
in 1996.

AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES

VALUE OF
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED,
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS/ IN-THE-MONEY
SHARES SARS AT OPTIONS/SARS AT
ACQUIRED FISCAL YEAR END FISCAL YEAR END (1)
ON VALUE ---------------------------- ----------------------------
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- -------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------

Elisha, W.Y................ 0 0 2,500 355,500(2) 0 $6,486,773
Bowles, C.C................ 0 0 1,000 42,500 0 $ 119,198
Kelbley, S.P............... 0 0 19,000 49,500 $265,500 $ 286,823
Moser, R.W................. 0 0 19,000 49,500 $265,500 $ 286,823
O'Connor, T.P.............. 0 0 19,000 49,500 $265,500 $ 286,823

- ---------------

(1) Value is based on the difference between the closing market price of the
underlying Class A Common Stock at December 27, 1996, ($43.75) and the
exercise or base price.

(2) Includes 274,000 incremental stock equivalents granted under the Company's
Deferred Unit Stock Plan and stock options for 81,500 shares of Class A
Common Stock. The value of the incremental stock equivalents is payable over
a period of 10 years after termination of employment; however, Mr. Elisha
currently has the right to convert the value to deferred stock or restricted
stock.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS -- AWARDS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR

The following table provides information about awards of performance units
under the Company's Incentive Stock Plan to the named executive officers.

LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS -- AWARDS IN FISCAL YEAR

PERFORMANCE ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
NUMBER OF OR OTHER UNDER NON-STOCK PRICE-BASED
SHARES, UNITS, PERIOD UNTIL PLANS (2)
OR OTHER RIGHTS MATURATION ---------------------------------
NAME (1) OR PAYOUT THRESHOLD TARGET MAXIMUM
---- ------------------ ------------- --------- -------- ----------

Elisha, W.Y............................. 11,735 3 Years $154,022 $513,406 $1,026,812
Bowles, C.C............................. 2,407 3 Years $ 31,592 $105,306 $ 210,612
Kelbley, S.P............................ 2,792 3 Years $ 36,645 $122,150 $ 244,300
Moser, R.W.............................. 2,600 3 Years $ 34,125 $113,750 $ 227,500
O'Connor, T.P........................... 2,600 3 Years $ 34,125 $113,750 $ 227,500

- ---------------

(1) The number of performance units earned is based on total shareholder return
over a three-year performance cycle as compared to the Standard & Poor's
500. Achievement at the 30th percentile of these companies will

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result in payment of the threshold amount. The number increases
proportionately up to a maximum award at the 90th percentile. No payment is
made if achievement is less than the 30th percentile.

(2) The value of units earned is based on the fair market value of the Company's
Class A Common Stock at the last day of the performance period, which is
January 2, 1999, or, if greater, at the first day of the performance
period, which is December 31, 1995. The amount of estimated future payout
is based on the Class A Common Stock closing price at December 27, 1996, of
$43.75.

RETIREMENT PLANS

The Company's Senior Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan provides for
target retirement benefits and a death benefit after retirement to Mr. Elisha,
who is the only active participant in the Plan. The annual target benefit is
equal to a percentage of the participant's final average compensation at given
ages and years of service. The maximum benefit is earned at 20 years of service.
The benefit is offset by amounts payable under the profit-sharing fund of the
Company's Springs of Achievement Partnership Plan, by one-half of the
participant's Primary Social Security benefit, and by certain credits to
deferred compensation plan accounts. The benefits payable under this plan are
payable for the life of the participant with a 50% survivor's benefit being
payable for the life of a survivor's spouse. The estimated years of service for
Mr. Elisha are seventeen. The following table provides target benefits at age 65
for various levels of final average compensation and years of service.

PENSION PLAN TABLE

YEARS OF SERVICE
FINAL AVERAGE ------------------------------
COMPENSATION 10 20 OR MORE
- ------------ ------------------------------

$ 500,000 $225,000 $250,000
$ 600,000 $270,000 $300,000
$ 900,000 $405,000 $450,000
$1,200,000 $540,000 $600,000

In 1996 the Board of Directors adopted a Supplemental Executive Retirement
Income Plan for certain executives who are designated as participants by the
Management and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Target benefit
amounts payable under the Plan are reduced by social security benefits and by
the equivalent value of (i) profit-sharing and Company matching benefits payable
under the Company's Springs of Achievement Partnership Plan and Deferred
Compensation Plan, (ii) benefits under the Company's Excess Benefit Plan and
Contingent Compensation Plan and (iii) certain deferred compensation
attributable to a defined benefit plan previously maintained by the Company. The
years of credited service as of January 1, 1997, for the named executive
officers who participate in this Plan are as follows: Mrs. Bowles, five years;
Mr. Kelbley, five years; Mr. Moser, thirty-five years; and Mr. O'Conner,
twenty-eight years. The following table sets forth target benefit amounts
payable at age 65 for various levels of earnings and years of service:

PENSION PLAN TABLE

YEARS OF SERVICE
FINAL AVERAGE -------------------------------------
COMPENSATION 10 15 20 25
- ------------- -------------------------------------

200,000 48,000 72,000 96,000 120,000
225,000 54,000 81,000 108,000 135,000
250,000 60,000 90,000 120,000 150,000
300,000 72,000 108,000 144,000 180,000
400,000 96,000 144,000 192,000 240,000
450,000 108,000 162,000 216,000 270,000
500,000 120,000 180,000 240,000 300,000

10
14

MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION AND ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE REPORT

This report describes the compensation policies of the Management
Compensation and Organization Committee (the Compensation Committee) applicable
to the executive officers of the Company named in the Summary Compensation
Table, including the specific relationship of corporate performance to
compensation of executive officers for 1996. The report also discusses the 1996
compensation of Mr. Elisha, the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer, and the factors and criteria upon which it is based.

Compensation Philosophy

The Company's executive compensation program is linked to corporate
performance and return to shareholders. To this end, the Company has developed
an overall compensation strategy and specific compensation plans that tie a
significant portion of executive compensation to the Company's success in
meeting specified performance goals and to appreciation in the Company's stock
price. To allow monitoring of the strategy, a benchmark of median compensation
levels for median performance is used. The overall objectives of this strategy
are to attract and retain the best possible executive talent, to motivate these
executives to achieve the goals inherent in the Company's business strategy, to
link executive and shareholder interests through equity based plans, and to
provide a compensation program that recognizes individual contributions as well
as overall business results.

Management Compensation and Organization Committee

The Compensation Committee is composed of five non-employee directors and
is responsible for approval of compensation arrangements for key executives and
executive compensation plans. The Compensation Committee reviews base salary
recommendations from Mr. Elisha for key executives other than Mr. Elisha. Mrs.
Bowles' and Mr. Elisha's base salaries are approved by the board of directors
upon recommendation by the Compensation Committee.

The Compensation Committee periodically conducts reviews of the Company's
executive compensation program. The last full review was completed in August
1994 and was supplemented in December 1995 and February 1996. These reviews
included reports from an independent compensation consultant assessing the
effectiveness of the Company's compensation program and comparing the Company's
executive compensation to a peer group of public corporations recommended by the
consultants. The compensation peer group was recommended by the consultant in
1992 based on comparable total shareholder return and revenues. This peer group
is smaller than the peer group used for the performance graph and consists of 17
companies. Revenues of these companies range from approximately $800 million to
$7 billion.

The Compensation Committee reviews the selection of peer companies used for
compensation analysis and believes the smaller group is more suitable for
comparison purposes. The compensation reviews permit an ongoing evaluation of
the link between the Company's performance and its executive compensation as
compared to the compensation programs of other similarly positioned companies.

Compensation Program

The Company's compensation program reflects a weighting of annual base
salary and bonuses (the Annual Component) and equity-based incentives (the
Long-Term Component). Annual bonuses are weighted toward the achievement of
specific corporate financial targets, but individual performance is also
considered. To reflect longer term objectives, the program also includes
strategic equity-based components based on increases in shareholder value which
provide incentives to motivate executive behavior over the long term.

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15

(1) Annual Component: Base Salary and Annual Bonus

Base Salary: Base salaries for executive officers are determined with
reference to a salary grade level for each job. These levels are determined by
evaluating the responsibilities of each position and comparing it with other
comparable executive officer positions in the marketplace. In recent years,
salary adjustments for executive officers generally have been made in fifteen
month intervals under the Company's compensation policy. The amount of
adjustment is determined by the Compensation Committee for all executive
officers other than the Chief Executive Officer and President upon
recommendation by the Chief Executive Officer, within specified limits adopted
for all Company associates, based on his evaluation of personal performance. The
base salaries of the named executive officers generally are at or less than the
mid-point of comparable positions at those companies within the compensation
peer group. Increases in base salary for the named executive officers in 1996
were based on subjective evaluations of individual performance as well as the
need to maintain salaries at, or move salaries closer to, the midpoint of
comparable positions at the peer group companies.

Annual Bonus: Executive bonuses in 1996 were earned pursuant to the
Company's Achievement Incentive Plan (the AIP). The AIP links compensation to
the performance of the Company. Under this plan, a bonus pool is established
based on achievement of return on assets employed for each of the Company's
divisions and subsidiaries relative to a targeted return. In addition, the bonus
pool may be increased based on improvement in return on assets employed over the
previous year. A bonus pool based on the combined achievement of the Company's
divisions and subsidiaries is established for corporate executives. For 1996,
62.7% of the corporate bonus pool was based on achievement of targeted return on
assets employed and 37.3% was based on improvement in return on assets employed
over the previous year. Key executives of the Company receive discretionary
bonuses from this pool based on individual performance. The maximum bonuses
range from 50% to 150% of annual base salary depending on the executives' salary
grades.

(2) Long-Term Component

To align shareholders' and executive officers' interests, the Company's
compensation program includes long-term compensation in the form of performance
unit awards and stock options. The value of these awards is related to the value
of Company common shares. These awards are made under the Company's Incentive
Stock Plan.

Performance units are granted in three-year cycles. If the value of the
units earned based on the fair market value of the Company's Class A Common
Stock on the last day of the performance period is less than $500,000, then the
amount earned is paid in cash; otherwise one-half of any units earned are paid
in cash based on the higher of the fair market value, as defined in the
Incentive Stock Plan, of the Class A Common Stock on (i) the first day of the
performance cycle or (ii) the last day of the performance cycle and the other
one-half is credited as deferred stock, which is subject to an additional
two-year vesting period. To determine the number of units earned, performance is
measured by ranking the Company's total shareholder return over the three-year
cycle within the total shareholder returns of the companies included in the
Standard & Poor's 500 Index (the "S&P 500 Index"). No payment is made for
performance below the 30th percentile of the S&P 500 group, and the maximum
payment is made at the 90th percentile. Long-term incentive payments for the
performance period ending in 1996 were based on achievement of total shareholder
return at the 30.8 percentile of the S&P 500 Index.

As a result of a review of the long-term compensation component of the
compensation peer group, which revealed that the value of the long-term
incentive compensation of the Company's executive officers was generally below
the median of the compensation peer group, a program of option grants was
established in 1993 in addition to grants of performance units; however, no new
options were granted in 1996 to any of the named executive officers.

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16

CEO Compensation

Under the Compensation Committee's policy regarding CEO compensation, over
one-half of Mr. Elisha's compensation opportunity is at risk based on the
Company's performance and the Committee's evaluation of his performance. In
reviewing Mr. Elisha's total compensation, the Compensation Committee, along
with the rest of the outside directors, reviews and considers Mr. Elisha's
recent performance, his achievements in prior years and his performance trend
and his accomplishment of specific goals established by him. In addition, with
respect to the Long-Term Component of the compensation program, the Compensation
Committee granted performance unit awards in 1996 to Mr. Elisha under the
Incentive Stock Plan as disclosed in the table on page 9.

Mr. Elisha's salary rate was increased in July 1996 to maintain Mr.
Elisha's salary near the median level for chief executive officers of companies
in the compensation peer group. In addition, the Committee reviewed and
considered, without assigning any relative weighting, the Company's record sales
and record earnings in 1995, significant profit improvement over the previous
four years, successful continuation of a major cost reduction program and
consolidation of facilities, successful sale of the Company's Clark-Schwebel
subsidiary, introduction of new products, and improvements in business systems.

The Committee's decision relating to Mr. Elisha's AIP bonus for 1996 was
based primarily on the Company's achievements in 1996 relative to the
performance criteria set forth in the AIP, which is described on page 12, but
the Committee also considered, without assigning any relative weighting, the
Company's achievement under Mr. Elisha's leadership of record sales in 1996, the
strengthening of the Company's home furnishings segment through the integration
of businesses acquired in 1995, improved and more market-focused use of the
Company's assets and human resources, continuing the relocation of many of the
Company's marketing functions to be more closely aligned with manufacturing,
continued advances in the development and effectiveness of information systems,
and continued enhancement of the Company's brand and marketing effectiveness.

In addition to leading the Company through a successful year, Mr. Elisha
has continued to strengthen the confidence, trust and commitment of the
Company's associates. Under his leadership, the Springs of Achievement program
continues to serve as a framework for operating the business and dealing with
all its constituencies. Mr. Elisha is aggressively positioning the Company and
its culture for continued success in the future through strategic acquisitions,
hiring key personnel, and establishing a long-term strategic focus.

The Compensation Committee has concluded that Mr. Elisha's performance
warrants the compensation for 1996 as reflected in the Summary Compensation
Table on page 7.

The Compensation Committee has considered the limitations on deductibility
of certain compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The
Compensation Committee's current policy is to assure that all compensation is
deductible under Section 162(m) when paid.

Management Compensation and Organization Committee

C. W. Coker, Chairman
J. F. Akers
J. L. Clendenin
D.S. Perkins
S. H. Smith, Jr.

13
17

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

Messrs. Akers, Coker, Clendenin, Perkins, and Smith served as members of
the Compensation Committee in 1996. Mr. L.S. Close served on the Compensation
Committee until April 29, 1996. Mr. Close was a divisional officer of the
Company from 1983 to 1986, and is affiliated with Kanawha Insurance Company,
which received $3.5 million in 1996 for administrative services to the Company's
self-funded medical plan and for group life insurance premiums, and The Springs
Company and affiliated or related entities, which received $49,764 from the
Company for rent, railroad track maintenance and miscellaneous goods and
services, and which paid the Company $47,505 in 1996 for administrative,
maintenance, and other services.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

Mr. Elisha was employed pursuant to an employment agreement which expired
on March 31, 1990. Certain death benefits provided under the agreement and a
provision that Mr. Elisha will not engage in direct competition with the Company
for a period of two years after termination of his employment by the Company or
three years after termination of employment for any other reason survive the
termination of this agreement.

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

Comparative Five-Year Total Returns*
Springs Industries, Inc., S&P 500, Peer Group

Springs In-
Measurement Period dustries- S&P 500
(Fiscal Year Covered) Class A - Index Peer Group

1991 100 100 100
1992 118.35 107.62 111.14
1993 127.64 118.46 118.64
1994 129.56 120.03 108.47
1995 149.64 165.13 114.90
1996 160.05 203.05 115.03

Assumes $100 invested at the close of trading on the last trading day
preceding the first day of the fifth preceding fiscal year in the Company's
Class A Common Stock, S&P 500, and Peer Group.
- ---------------
* Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.

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18

The peer group is composed of those fifty S&P 500 companies with market
capitalizations closest to the Company's as of the beginning of the Company's
1996 fiscal year, which the Compensation Committee believes is the most
representative group for purposes of comparing the Company's shareholders'
return. The Compensation Committee believes a representative group of reporting
companies cannot be identified in the same industry or lines of business as the
Company and that published industry indexes are not representative of the
Company and its lines of business. See Exhibit A for a list of companies in the
Peer Group and for a list of companies deleted from last year's Peer Group.

DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION

Directors who are not employees of the Company (Outside Directors) receive
an annual cash retainer of $18,000 and, as described below, restricted shares of
the Company's Class A Common Stock under the Company's Restricted Stock Plan for
Outside Directors (the Directors' Restricted Stock Plan). In addition, each
Outside Director receives a fee of $2,500 for attendance at each special meeting
of the Board and $1,000 for each special meeting conducted by telephone.
Chairmen of Board Committees each receive an additional annual fee of $1,000.

Under the terms of the Directors' Restricted Stock Plan, each Outside
Director receives an annual grant of shares of Class A Common Stock (Restricted
Shares) as of the day before each annual meeting of shareholders having a market
value equal to the annual cash retainer fee earned by the director for the
preceding year, subject to forfeiture and to the restrictions described below,
without payment of any consideration.

The Restricted Shares are issued each year effective as of the day
immediately preceding the annual meeting of shareholders of the Company. The
market value of the Restricted Shares is based on an average market price of the
Class A Common Stock during the ten trading-day period ending on that day.
Restricted Shares issued under the Plan may be either authorized and unissued
shares of Class A Common Stock or previously issued shares reacquired by the
Company.

During the restriction period provided under the Plan (the Restriction
Period), the Outside Director has the right to vote the Restricted Shares and to
receive and retain all regular cash dividends which are paid or distributed on
the Class A Common Stock, and to exercise all other rights as a holder of Class
A Common Stock. Prior to the end of the Restriction Period, however, the Outside
Director may not sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of the Restricted Shares
and the Company retains custody of the certificates representing the Restricted
Shares and all distributions other than regular cash dividends.

The Restriction Period ends, and all Restricted Shares granted to an
Outside Director become vested, upon the termination of the Outside Director's
service on the Board on account of (i) retirement in compliance with the Board's
mandatory retirement policy; (ii) failure to be re-elected; or (iii) death or
disability. In addition, the Restriction Period may end with the approval of the
Board on a case-by-case basis if an Outside Director terminates his or her
service as a member of the Board (i) for reasons of personal or financial
hardship; (ii) to serve in any governmental, diplomatic or any other public
service position or capacity; (iii) to avoid or protect against a conflict of
interest; (iv) on the advice of legal counsel; or (v) as a result of any other
extraordinary circumstances that the Board determines to be comparable to the
foregoing.

Upon the completion of the Restriction Period, all Restricted Shares
granted to an Outside Director and any distributions thereon retained by the
Company during the Restriction Period become vested. If an Outside Director
leaves the Board for any reason other than as set forth above, then all
Restricted Shares issued to such Outside Director would be forfeited to the
Company.

15
19

An Outside Director may elect deferral of compensation under the Company's
Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors. Under this plan, an account
for an Outside Director who elects deferral is credited with units equal to the
number of shares of Class A Common Stock which could have been purchased with
the amount deferred. Credits representing dividends are made each quarter to the
Director's related dividend account in the amount of dividends paid on an equal
number of shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock. Further credits to the
dividend account are made quarterly for interest at the prime rate. After
termination of services, each Director who has deferred compensation receives
over a selected period a number of shares of Class A Common Stock equal to the
number of units in his deferred account and cash from his related dividend
account. In lieu of distributing Class A Common Stock, the Company may
distribute cash payments based on the value at distribution of the number of
shares which would have been distributed. Outside Directors may also elect to
have deferred compensation credited to a measuring fund account or interest
account. The measuring fund consists of a managed portfolio of investments that
are assets of the Company and is adjusted quarterly for income and appreciation
or depreciation. The interest account is credited quarterly with interest at the
prime rate.

Prior to May 1, 1986, each Outside Director had the opportunity to elect
deferral under the Outside Directors COLI Deferred Compensation Plan of up to
$18,000 per year of compensation to be earned during the four-year period ending
April 30, 1990. Upon death or retirement from the Board, a Director or his
beneficiary will be entitled to payments based upon the amount of compensation
which has been deferred and the period of deferral. Subject to certain
conditions, a participant's deferred compensation account is credited with
interest at an annualized rate equal to Moody's Seasoned Corporate Bond Yield
Index, plus 2% to age 55 and plus 4% thereafter. If a Director dies before any
distribution of his benefits has commenced, his beneficiary may receive a
specified death benefit or the participant's accumulated account balance,
whichever is greater. The Company has purchased life insurance policies to fund
its obligations under the plan. Four Directors participate in the Plan.

Credits under the COLI Plan and the Deferred Compensation Plan are only
contractual obligations of the Company and create no rights superior to other
unsecured, general creditors.

During 1996, Mr. Papone provided consulting services to the Company for
which he was paid $65,300. These services included meetings and consultations
with the Company's Market Strategy Group regarding consumer advertising and
contacts with the Company's primary advertising agency. In addition, Mr. Papone
reviewed certain of the Company's printed and television advertising programs
and consumer packaging. Mr. Papone will provide similar services in 1997 and has
been paid a retainer of $50,000. The retainer may be adjusted depending on the
extent of consulting services provided in 1997.

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT
OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors,
the Board has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP (Deloitte) as independent
certified public accountants for the Company to audit the consolidated financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for the 1997 fiscal year.

Deloitte has acted for the Company in this capacity since 1940. Its
representatives will attend the Meeting, will be given the opportunity to make a
statement if they desire, and will respond to questions directed to them
relating to their audit or to the Company's financial statements.

The Company's Board of Directors recommends ratification of the appointment
of Deloitte as independent certified public accountants for the Company to audit
the consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries for
the 1997 fiscal year. If a majority of the votes cast at the Meeting, in person
or by proxy, should not

16
20

approve such appointment, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors of the
Company will reconsider the appointment of independent certified public
accountants.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT AS OF FEBRUARY 16, 1997:

CLASS A CLASS B PERCENT OF
NAME COMMON STOCK(1)(2)(3) COMMON STOCK CLASS B
- ---- --------------------- ------------ ----------

DIRECTORS & NOMINEES
J. F. Akers...................... 2,054
C. C. Bowles..................... 1,765 135,600(4) 1.8%
J. L. Clendenin.................. 2,490
L. S. Close...................... 2,290 129,199(4) 1.7%
C. W. Coker...................... 3,790
W. Y. Elisha..................... 12,875(5) 40,201 0.5%
J. H. McArthur................... 2,290
A. Papone........................ 2,404
D. S. Perkins.................... 22,412(6)
R. B. Smith...................... 1,604
S. H. Smith...................... 2,474
S. Turley........................ 3,290
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
S. P. Kelbley.................... 19,373(7)
R. W. Moser...................... 26,429(7)
T. P. O'Connor................... 22,325(7)
All Directors, Nominees and
Executive Officers as a
Group.......................... 193,313(7) 305,010 4.1%

- ---------------

(1) Each of the persons named above holds less than 1% of the Class A Common
Stock. All Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers as a Group hold 1.5%
of the Class A Common Stock.

(2) Includes shares held under the Directors' Restricted Stock Plan as follows:
Mr. Akers, 1,054; Mrs. Bowles, 487; Messrs. Clendenin, Close, Coker,
McArthur, and Turley, 2,290 each; Mr. Papone and Ms. Smith, 1,404 each; Mr.
Smith, 1,974; and Mr. Perkins, 200. The directors have sole voting power as
to these shares but do not have investment power until lapse of
restrictions on the restricted shares.

(3) Includes shares held in the Springs of Achievement Partnership Plan as
follows: Mrs. Bowles, 278; Mr. Elisha, 375; Mr. Kelbley, 373; and Mr.
O'Connor, 369. These persons have sole voting power as to these shares but
do not have investment power until the shares are distributed.

(4) See text under the caption "Close Family Ownership" on page 18 for
additional information about ownership of Class B Common Stock.

(5) Does not include 30,000 shares of Class A Common Stock held by a trust for
the benefit of Mr. Elisha's children and grandchildren of which Mr. Elisha
was the settlor. Mr. Elisha disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.

(6) Mr. Perkins holds shared voting power as to 18,800 of these shares as a
trustee of the Putnam Funds.

(7) Includes beneficial ownership of Class A Common Stock that may be acquired
within 60 days pursuant to stock options awarded under the Incentive Stock
Plan as follows: for Mrs. Bowles, 1,000; Mr. Elisha, 2,500; Mr. Kelbley,
19,000; Mr. Moser, 19,000; and Mr. O'Connor, 19,000.

17
21

Close Family Ownership

Mrs. Anne Springs Close and members of her family, including Mrs. Crandall
Close Bowles and Mr. Leroy S. Close, (collectively the Close Family) and certain
related entities, own as of February 20, 1997, a total of 7,349,192 shares
(99.4%) of the Company's Class B Common Stock and 117,019 shares (1.0%) of Class
A Common Stock as shown in the following table and accompanying notes:

CLASS A CLASS B PERCENTAGE
NAME(1) COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK OF CLASS B
------- ------------ ------------ ----------

Anne Springs Close.................... 112,964(2)
Crandall Close Bowles................. 1,765 135,600 1.8
Leroy S. Close........................ 2,290 129,199 1.7
Close Family Trusts................... 5,020,158(3) 67.9
The Springs Company................... 1,401,930(4) 19.0
Central Reassurance Corporation....... 175,000(5) 2.4

- ---------------

(1) The address for the named parties is P.O. Drawer 460, Lancaster, South
Carolina 29721.

(2) 0.9 percent of Class A Common Stock.

(3) These shares are held in different trusts by Mrs. Close, and by certain
children of Mrs. Close, as trustees for the children of Mrs. Close. While
Mrs. Close, Mrs. Bowles, and Mr. Close each disclaim beneficial ownership
of these shares, they have shared voting and dispositive power with respect
to 4,115,156, 2,655,610, and 1,849,743 of these shares, respectively.

(4) In addition to the Class B shares shown, The Springs Company holds 487,305
shares (6.6%) as the trustee of management trusts for certain members of
the Close Family. All outstanding stock of The Springs Company is owned by
trusts for the benefit of certain members of the Close Family. Mrs. Close,
Mrs. Bowles, and Mr. Close are directors of The Springs Company.

(5) All outstanding stock of Central Reassurance Corporation is owned by trusts
for the benefit of certain members of the Close Family. Mrs. Bowles is a
director of Central Reassurance Corporation.

TRANSACTIONS WITH CERTAIN PERSONS

For many years the Company has transacted business with certain companies
that are controlled by members of the Close Family. Mrs. Bowles and Mr. Close
are affiliated with these companies. The amounts paid or received by the Company
for these transactions are set forth below.

The Company paid The Springs Company and certain of its affiliates $49,764
for rent, track maintenance, and miscellaneous goods and services in 1996.

Kanawha Insurance Company writes certain group insurance policies for the
Company and provides administrative services under the Company's self-funded
medical plan. Premiums paid to Kanawha for the group policies totaled
approximately $1.9 million in 1996. The Company also paid Kanawha approximately
$1.6 million in 1996 for administrative services under the Company's medical
plan.

In the opinion of the Company's management, the services, property, and
facilities described in the foregoing paragraphs, which have been reviewed by
the Audit Committee, have been obtained by the Company on terms as favorable as
those available from unaffiliated parties.

18
22

Charges by the Company for services in 1996 to affiliates or related
interests (excluding charges to charitable organizations for materials and
services related to their local charitable and educational programs, and
excluding materials and services acquired from outside sources for the benefit
of related entities for which the Company received full reimbursement) were
approximately $47,505 to The Springs Company, its affiliated or related
entities, and to the Close family. These services consisted primarily of
recordkeeping, administrative, maintenance, and courier services.

The Company, as a service to its employees and pursuant to individual
authorization, provides at no charge a payroll deduction program for payment of
premiums on individual insurance policies purchased directly from Kanawha
Insurance Company.

In 1987 the Company entered into a 50-year agreement with Springland, Inc.,
a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Springs Company, to lease the Founder's House
in Fort Mill, South Carolina, which is listed in the National Register of
Historic Structures. The Company uses the Founder's House to provide quarters
for visiting directors, associates, and guests of the Company. The Founder's
House is also used for meetings by the Company.

The Company is obligated to pay rent of $1 per year under the lease and to
pay for all utilities, insurance, maintenance, and taxes on the Founder's House.
Springland has the right to terminate the lease upon six months' notice after
the year 2019. If Springland elects to terminate the lease, it must pay the
Company the unamortized book value of improvements made by the Company computed
on a straight line amortization basis over a forty-year useful life.

SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

The Company is aware that Mr. Samuel J. Ilardo, the Company's Treasurer,
inadvertently filed a Form 5 ten days late relating to the allocation of 14.31
shares of Class A Common Stock to his account under the Springs of Achievement
Partnership Plan.

OTHER MATTERS

The minutes of the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 29, 1996, and
reports by Mr. Elisha will be presented at the Meeting, but it is not intended
that action taken under the proxy will constitute approval of matters referred
to in such minutes or reports.

The Company's management is not aware of any other matters to be presented
at the Meeting. If other matters should arise, however, it is intended that the
shares represented by the proxies will be voted, in the absence of contrary
instructions, in the discretion of the persons named in the proxy.

19
23

ANNUAL REPORT AND FORM 10-K

The Annual Report to Shareholders, including financial statements of the
Company for the fiscal year ended December 28, 1996, is included with these
proxy materials. The Annual Report is not a part of the proxy soliciting
material.

A copy of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K to the Securities and
Exchange Commission may be obtained by shareholders without charge by writing:
Springs Industries, Inc., P. O. Box 70, Fort Mill, South Carolina 29716,
Attention: Secretary.

FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
C. POWERS DORSETT
Secretary

March 7, 1997

20
24

EXHIBIT A

PEER GROUP COMPANIES

Alberto-Culver Company -- CL B
Armco, Inc.
Asarco, Inc.
Autodesk, Inc.
Ball Corporation
Bethlehem Steel Corporation
Beverly Enterprises, Inc.
Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Caliber Systems Inc.
Centex Corporation
Charming Shoppes, Inc.
Cincinnati Milacron, Inc.
Coors (Adolph) Company -- CL B
Crane Company
Darden Restaurants Inc.
Data General Corporation
Eastern Enterprises
Echo Bay Mines, Ltd.
EG&G, Inc.
Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
Fleming Companies, Inc.
Giddings & Lewis, Inc.
Great Atlantic & Pacific
Tea Company, Inc.
Harland (John H.) Company
Helmerich & Payne, Inc.
Inland Steel Industries, Inc.
Intergraph Corporation
Jostens, Inc.
Kaufman & Broad Home Corporation
King World Productions, Inc.
Longs Drug Stores Corporation
McDermott International, Inc.
Meredith Corporation
NACCO Industries, Inc.
Navistar International Corporation
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation
Oneok, Inc.
Peoples Energy Corporation
Potlatch Corporation
Pulte Corporation
Russell Corporation
Safety-Kleen Corporation
Santa Fe Energy Resources, Inc.
Scientific-Atlanta, Inc.
Shared Medical Systems Corporation
Stride Rite Corporation
Timken Company
Trinova Corporation
Unisys Corporation
USLIFE Corporation

COMPANIES IN LAST YEAR'S PEER GROUP THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT PEER
GROUP

Alexander & Alexander Services, Inc.
Armdahl Corporation
Bally Entertainment Corporation
Community Psychiatric Centers
Consolidated Freightways, Inc.
Cray Research, Inc.
ENSERCH Corporation
Luby's Cafeterias, Inc.
NorAm Energy Corporation
Ogden Corporation
Rowan Cos., Inc.
United States Surgical Corporation
USAir Group, Inc.

A-1
25

[CRC MAP]
26

EXHIBIT B

CLASS A COMMON STOCK CLASS A COMMON STOCK

SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.
205 North White Street
Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON APRIL 21, 1997

The undersigned hereby appoints as Proxies Walter Y. Elisha and Crandall Close
Bowles, with the power of substitution to each, and hereby authorizes each to
represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all shares of Class A
common stock of Springs Industries, Inc. (the "Company") held of record by the
undersigned on March 3, 1997, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
on April 21, 1997, and at any adjournments thereof.

THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO DIRECTION
IS GIVEN WITH RESPECT TO A PARTICULAR PROPOSAL, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
SUCH PROPOSAL.

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN, AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY, USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
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Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on the books of the
Company. Joint owners should each sign personally. Trustees, custodians,
and other fiduciaries should indicate the capacity in which they sign,
and where more than one name appears, a majority must sign. If the
shareholder is a corporation, the signature should be that of an
authorized officer who should indicate his or her title.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED? DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?

- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------

[X] PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE

------------------------
SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.
------------------------
CLASS A COMMON STOCK

1. Election of Directors.

John F. Akers, Crandall Close Bowles, John L. Clendenin,
Leroy S. Close, Charles W. Coker, Walter Y. Elisha,
John H. McArthur, Aldo Papone, Donald S. Perkins, Robin B. Smith,
Sherwood H. Smith, Jr., and Stewart Turley

[ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD [ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT

NOTE: If you do not wish your shares voted "For" a particular nominee, mark
the "For All Except" box and strike a line through the nominee's(s')
name(s). Your shares will be voted for the remaining nominee(s).

2. Ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors.

[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN

Mark box at right if an address change or comment has been noted on the
reverse side of this card. [ ]

Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy.

__________________________________________
Date

__________________________________________
Shareholder sign here

__________________________________________
Co-owner sign here

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETACH CARD

SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.

Dear Shareholder,

Please take note of the important information enclosed with this Proxy Ballot.
There are a number of issues related to the management and operation of your
Corporation that require your immediate attention and approval. These are
discussed in detail in the enclosed proxy materials.

Your vote counts, and you are strongly encouraged to exercise your right to
vote your shares.

Please mark the boxes on this proxy card to indicate how your shares will be
voted. Then sign the card, detach it and return your proxy vote in the
enclosed postage paid envelope.

Your vote must be received prior to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
April 21, 1997.

If this mailing does not include an Annual Report, you should receive the
report in another mailing, as we have consolidated our mailing of proxy
materials to avoid duplicate mailings.

Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of these matters.

Sincerely yours,

Springs Industries, Inc.

EXHIBIT C

CLASS B COMMON STOCK CLASS B COMMON STOCK

SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.
205 North White Street
Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON APRIL 21, 1997

The undersigned hereby appoints as Proxies Walter Y. Elisha and Crandall Close
Bowles, with the power of substitution to each, and hereby authorizes each to
represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all shares of Class B
common stock of Springs Industries, Inc. (the "Company") held of record by the
undersigned on March 3, 1997, at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held
on April 21, 1997, and at any adjournments thereof.

THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO DIRECTION
IS GIVEN WITH RESPECT TO A PARTICULAR PROPOSAL, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
SUCH PROPOSAL.

HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED? DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?

- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------

[X] PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE

------------------------
SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.
------------------------
CLASS B COMMON STOCK

1. Election of Directors.

[ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD [ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT

2. Ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors.

[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN

Mark box at right if an address change or comment has been noted on the
reverse side of this card. [ ]

Please be sure to sign and date this Proxy.

__________________________________________
Date

__________________________________________
Shareholder sign here

__________________________________________
Co-owner sign here

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETACH CARD

SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.

Dear Shareholder,

Your vote counts, and you are strongly encouraged to exercise your right to
vote your shares.

Please mark the boxes on this proxy card to indicate how your shares will be
voted. Then sign the card, detach it and return your proxy vote in the
enclosed postage paid envelope.

Your vote must be received prior to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
April 21, 1997.

If this mailing does not include an Annual Report, you should receive the
report in another mailing, as we have consolidated our mailing of proxy
materials to avoid duplicate mailings.

Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of these matters.

Sincerely yours,

Springs Industries, Inc.

EXHIBIT D

CLASS A COMMON STOCK CLASS A COMMON STOCK

SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.
205 North White Street
Fort Mill, South Carolina 29715

VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS ON APRIL 21, 1997

The undersigned hereby directs Bankers Trust Company, or its proxy, to vote as
directed on the reverse side of this card shares of Springs Class A Common
Stock allocated to my account under the Springs of Achievement Partnership Plan
at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 21, 1997, and any
adjournments thereof, and in its discretion to vote upon any other matters that
properly come before the meeting.

HAS YOUR ADDRESS CHANGED? DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS?

- ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------

[X] PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE

------------------------
SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.
------------------------
SPRINGS OF ACHIEVEMENT PARTNERSHIP PLAN
CLASS A COMMON STOCK

1. Election of Directors.

[ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD [ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT

2. Ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors.

[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN

Mark box at right if an address change or comments has been noted on the
reverse side of this card. [ ]

Please be sure to sign and date this Voting Instruction Card.

__________________________________________
Date

__________________________________________
Shareholder sign here

__________________________________________
Co-owner sign here

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETACH CARD

SPRINGS INDUSTRIES, INC.

Dear Participant:

Please take note of the important information enclosed with this Voting
Instruction Card. There are a number of issues related to the management and
operation of your Corporation that require your immediate attention and
approval. These are discussed in detail in the enclosed proxy materials.

Your vote counts, and you are strongly encouraged to exercise your right to
instruct voting of shares allocated to your account under the Springs of
Achievement Partnership Plan.

Please mark the boxes on this proxy card to indicate how your shares will be
voted. Then sign the card, detach it and return your proxy vote in the
enclosed postage paid envelope.

Your vote must be received prior to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders,
April 21, 1997.

If this mailing does not include an Annual Report, you should receive the
report in another mailing, as we have consolidated our mailing of proxy
materials to avoid duplicate mailings.

Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of these matters.

Sincerely yours,

Springs Industries, Inc.