Exhibit 99.1

Culp, Inc. Announces Retirement of Howard L. Dunn

    HIGH POINT, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 20, 2004--Culp, Inc.
(NYSE: CFI) today announced that Howard L. Dunn, Jr., vice chairman of
Culp, will retire from his management position effective December 31,
2004. Dunn (67) will continue to serve on the company's Board of
Directors.
    Dunn, one of the founders of Culp, has served in various senior
management positions with responsibilities for the areas of sales,
design and product development, and manufacturing. He served as
president and chief operating officer of Culp from June 1993 until May
2004 when he assumed the role of vice chairman. In this capacity, Dunn
held executive responsibility for Culp's China operations and has also
stayed involved in the company's design and product development
activities.
    Robert G. Culp, III, chairman and chief executive officer, said,
"Howard Dunn has been a great part of both the cultural and business
development of this company for over 32 years. Our growth and success
over the years speak directly to his leadership capabilities and his
vision for Culp. Since 1972, Howard has played a vital role in Culp's
evolution into a fully integrated manufacturer and one of the world's
largest marketers of mattress fabrics for bedding and upholstery
fabrics for furniture. We accept Howard's decision to retire with
regret but also with deep appreciation for his long service to the
company."
    Franklin N. Saxon was named Dunn's successor as president and
chief operating officer of Culp in May 2004. Commenting on the
announcement, Saxon added, "It has been a great privilege to work with
someone with the talent, drive and integrity of Howard Dunn. Our
development as a company reflects his steadfast commitment to
continually raising our standards of performance. Most recently, he
has been instrumental in helping us establish Culp's operations in
China and we are enthusiastic about the progress we have made under
his leadership. We appreciate his many years of dedication to Culp and
are confident we will continue to benefit from Howard's experience as
a valued member of our board."
    Culp, Inc. is one of the world's largest marketers of mattress
fabrics for bedding and upholstery fabrics for furniture. The
company's fabrics are used principally in the production of bedding
products and residential and commercial upholstered furniture.

    CONTACT: Culp, Inc.
             Investor Contact:
             Kathy J. Hardy, 336-888-6209
             or
             Media Contact:
             Kenneth M. Ludwig, 336-889-5161