Join Safavieh Thursday in Atlanta For Designer Presentation and Couture Launch
WINTER MARKET WATCH
Leaf Stripe by Jamie Drake and Paro Grid from David Easton are new from Safavieh's new designer division, Safavieh Couture.
Safavieh invites retailers to celebrate the launch of its new designer rug division, Safavieh Couture, and new licensing collaborations with three awarding winning interior designers: David Easton, Jamie Drake and Suzanne Kasler. At its Atlanta showroom, AmericasMart 4C-1, the designers will present a retail seminar on sales tips for designing with area rugs on Thursday January 8, 2009 at 4:00 followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and cocktail party from 4:30 to 6:00 pm.
Safavieh will introduce 10 rugs from each designer in a new Safavieh Couture gallery which will also display the Thomas O’Brien collection. All rugs in the new collections are hand knotted in Nepal. Safavieh has released the first photos of the new designs, shown above, including Paro Grid from David Easton and Leaf Stripe by Jamie Drake. The collections are transitional and classic, with designs inspired by the designers’ travels, architecture and textile cultures around the world.
Don't miss all of the company's additional introductions in categories that are fashion-forward and unique. Among these are several innovative weaves to be introduced in the Martha Stewart Rugs collection. Safavieh will serve breakfast and lunch daily at its showroom during rug market in addition to the party on Thursday, January 8. For more information visit www.safavieh.com.
cmi Announces Grand Opening of New Showroom at Atlanta AmericasMart
WINTER MARKET WATCH
Grand Opening Ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for January 8th at 6:00 pm
Pawtucket, RI-based cmi (Colonial Mills, Inc.), will unveil a new, larger showroom at the International Area Rug Market in Atlanta, from January 7-12. The expanded space, close to 1,700 square feet, is located on the 6th floor at AmericasMart 6E 1 & 2. cmi will be celebrating the showroom’s grand opening with a ribbon cutting on January 8th at 6:00 p.m. which is open to all market attendees.
The theme of the new showroom is “simplicity” and will feature classic displays of the company’s braided-texture rugs and large photo posters of room photography hanging on walls of solid color. One of the main displays will emphasize cmi’s new renaissance™ collection which utilizes a new recycled Sunbrella® yarn from Glen Raven Custom Fabric’s Renaissance Recycling program. The only rug on the market made of 100-percent Sunbrella® fiber, the indoor-outdoor, rectangular collection employs the inherent fade and stain resistance, styling sophistication and ease of cleaning characteristics of the popular performance fabric. The renaissance™ display will also include a teak lounge chair, a Sunbrella® umbrella and Sunbrella® pillows. Three of cmi’s other recently unveiled braided-texture rug collections — ridgevale™, shear naturalt™ and valencia™ — as well as the company’s point-of-purchase displays will also be prominently featured. For example, the company’s new Mini Sample Center, a less expensive merchandising option, will be on the showroom floor.
Couristan to Unveil a Robust Array of New Intros in Atlanta
WINTER MARKET WATCH
Sophisticated Neutrals, Sparkling Metallic Highlights, Innovative Fiber Blends and Fabulously Textured Constructions Become Key Design Trends
Just one of the new design updates from the Kenya Collection
Fort Lee, NJ – Designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of tastes, with value, versatility and durability in mind, Couristan is adding a fresh infusion of casual-contemporary looks to its handmade and power-loomed area rug assortments. With several new collections, as well as numerous line extensions, set to launch at the Atlanta International Area Rug Market (Jan. 7 – Jan. 12), Couristan is showcasing a commitment to statement-making style as the hallmark of 2009. During the show, dealers visiting the Couristan showroom at the Atlanta Merchandise Mart (Building 1, 6th floor, 6-D11) will have access to dramatic discounts on area rugs, broadloom samples and merchandising displays, with savings of up to 50% on qualifying orders.
With 50 new area rug selections now available, all of Couristan’s new introductions feature distinct aesthetics that are reflective of current trends in color, pattern and texture. Focusing on transitional looks at modest price points, Couristan’s latest design innovations are specifically made to attract cost-conscious buyers with an uncompromising taste for fashion-forward floorcoverings. Offering a casual-chic appeal, these dynamic area rugs have a variety of unique details, ranging from sparkling metallic Lurex blends to multi-purpose performance quality benefits, textured leather inlays to all-natural undyed wool surfaces.
Shalom Brothers Hires Graham Smith to Manage Business Expansion
Shalom Brothers announced the recent hire of industry veteran Graham Smith (Parlam LLC) to oversee business expansion.
“This is a great opportunity to work with a truly professional organization," stated Smith. "I have known and admired Shalom Brothers for many years. Shalom has always had a well defined program of mid- to high-end hand knotted rugs, well inventoried and always at the sharpest prices in the market. I look forward to being part of their expansion into a wider range of products and price points.
"These are challenging times for our industry, and there is an urgent need for more creative programs to address merchandise flow and inventory levels for both wholesalers, nd the customers we serve. We plan to offer a broad range of direct and contract programs to meet these challenges”.
Graham will be in the Shalom Brothers showroom (space 5-A-1) during the upcoming Atlanta market. For more information call (800) 3-SHALOM, visit www.shalombrothers.com.
Karastan Helps "Furnish a Future"
DALTON, GA-based Karastan
was a proud participant of the seventh annual Design Cares charity
auction sponsored by Metropolitan Home and the New York Design Center.
The holiday soiree helped raise money to support Furnish a Future, New
York City’s only free furniture bank for formerly homeless families.
In support of the non-profit program, Karastan donated a 5 x 8 Plum Blossom rug from the Studio by Karastan Artworks Collection.
The stylish rug, along with other luxury furnishings and accessories
from companies like Donna Karan Home, Knoll and W Hotels, were included
in a silent auction benefiting Partnership for the Homeless and their
Furnish a Future program.
“We were honored to participate in
such a worthy event,” says Connie Berry, director of marketing for
Karastan. “It gives us a chance to give back and to join with other
high-design companies to make a difference that can positively impact a
community.”
The Design Cares charity auction was open to the
public and held at the New York Design Center on December 9. Attendees
raised over $25,000 in support of the Furnish a Future program.
SURFACES 2009 Education Program Focuses On The Future of Floor Covering
WINTER MARKET WATCH
The 2009 SURFACES Education Program will again have an accomplished lineup of industry educators sharing their expert knowledge and offering real solutions aimed at increasing attendees’ bottom line and the success for the future of their businesses.
The Education Program, co-sponsored by Mannington Mills and Floor Covering Weekly, offers 43 educational sessions to choose from in five targeted tracks: Marketing, Business, Sales, Design and Installation. Retailers, installers, architects, designers, distributors and builders can get all the information they need to succeed, all in one place, at SURFACES 2009.
In an ever-changing economic environment, SURFACES continues to push the industry forward by offering numerous educational opportunities for floor covering professionals specifically targeted at the economic forecast and the future of the industry. Many of the program’s courses will provide attendees the tools and information they need to be profitable in today’s economy. Numerous business and core financial topics on maintaining and growing market share are incorporated throughout the program.
Visit Art Resources New Atlanta Contemporary Showroom
WINTER MARKET WATCH
Art Resources, a leading wholesaler in classic artisanal rugs, extends a special market invitation for Atlanta this the new year to visit their new showroom dedicated exclusively to contemporary rugs, with unique designs and color combinations.
"It is our passion to create and design incredible rugs, rich in fabric and tradition—utilizing natural dyes. Merging traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, we pride ourselves on delivering value, quality and innovation while offering rug makers opportunities that promote economic sustainability," said Ana De Lara of Art Resources.
Visit Art Resources from January 5-12, in showroom 3D10 and 3D9, situated on the 3rd floor of the AmericasMart, Building 1. For more information contact 323-658-9000 or visit www.artresources.us.
Rizzy Parent Receives ISO 9001 Certification, Adds Sales Managers, New Product
WINTER MARKET WATCH
Volare’ offers a range of styles from traditional to contemporary in 100% wool, hand made in Rizzy’s factories in India at price points that are more closely associated with machine-made rugs.
Management at RizTex USA, Inc., producers of Rizzy Rugs and Rizzy Home, announced the company’s parent corporation, Sheikh Bhullan Carpets (P) Ltd., has been awarded ISO 9001: 2000 certification for meeting all requirements associated with dyeing, manufacturing, and exporting handmade carpets and other floor coverage.
“This is a significant accomplishment,” remarked Mark Ferullo, RIZZY VP of Sales. “First of all, this certification establishes Rizzy rugs and its other home furnishing products are manufactured under the strictest guidelines with regard to product quality, treatment of the environment, and treatment of the company’s workers,” he says. Ferullo also stated that in today’s global marketplace, these are issues that are of valued importance to not only the retailers with whom the company does business; it is of equal or greater importance for the consumers of the retailer’s products.
WINTER MARKET WATCH
Be sure to stop by the new, expanded Amer Rugs' showroom in Atlanta, located in Building 1, space 5-A-11. New intros will include over 70 new styles in their tufted and knotted collections. Look for a contemporary Indo Tibetan line as well as flat woven hemp soumaks, plus wool viscose tufteds, pure silk rugs and much more.
As a fully integrated manufacturer, Amer strives to offer a competitive advantage by providing quality goods at affordable prices. New products displayed during the January Market will be ready to ship from company's Norcross, Georgia warehouse. To see their complete line up, visit www.amerrug.com.
SPHINX Readies for Atlanta, Winter Markets
WINTER MARKET WATCH
With a complete assortment of fashion forward area rugs, woven patterned broadloom, and additions to its new rug pad assortment, Sphinx is positioning itself for an exciting start to 2009.
New in area rugs for Atlanta will be the Supremacy collection. Featuring an innovative weaving technology and unique fiber blend, the line takes fashion and texture to a new level. This exquistite compilation of classic and casual patterns offers intricate detailing and striking elegance in a worry-free machine woven construction.
Also new in rugs this market are several line extensions. Top selling collections such as Genesis, Amherst, Nadira, and Lanai are expanding with new patterns and colors. Genesis is a special hard-twist polypropylene construction. Nadira is a Wools of New Zealand collection and will now include a selection of transitional designs. The hand-tufted Amherst line is also expanding with three new styles. Finally, the Lanai collection, Sphinx’s signature indoor/outdoor group, will now include four new fashion colorways to complement the latest in outdoor fabrics.
(Calhoun, GA—December 23, 2008) Surya Inc. was recognized by the Government of India and the Ministry of Commerce’s Federation of Indian Export Organizations (FIEO) for its excellence in exports. During a ceremony held on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, Satya Tiwari, President of Surya Inc. accepted the coveted “Niryat Shree” Gold Trophy for 2005-2006 in the Residual Products — SSI Category from the President of India, Hon’ble Smt Pratibha Devi Singh Patil. Also present to accept the award was Satya’s father, Surya, who founded the company in 1976.
The FIEO represents India’s entrepreneurial spirit of enterprise in the global market and helps to promote trade by acting as a liaison between its members and the Government of India. Established in 1965, FIEO members account for more than seventy percent of the country’s international exports.
Buyers in Atlanta are invited to visit Moosavi Rugs for an exclusive preview of a striking 'reversible' Soumak Collection. The collection features 12 transitional designs in a fashion-forward soft color palette. Each truly reversible rug is made from 100% wool in India. Visit Moosavi during the winter Atlanta Market from Jan. 8-12 in their second floor booth # N-10. For more information call 201-617-9500, online at www.moosavirugs.com.
Extensive, New Resources within World Market Center Las Vegas’ Building B
WINTER MARKET WATCH
(LAS VEGAS)—DEC. 15, 2008—Retailers and interior designers looking to maximize their experience at 2009 Winter Las Vegas Market, February 9 – 13, will find the latest and greatest conveniently located under one roof—Building B at World Market Center Las Vegas. The 1.6-million-square-foot Building B will be a true hub of activity during Las Vegas Market, including an assortment of new and expanded showrooms, educational resources and convenient services.
Expansions abound
To accommodate the many new product introductions planned for 2009 and growing retail business at Las Vegas Market, many World Market Center Las Vegas showrooms have moved to expanded spaces in Building B. Such companies include Dovetail Furniture and Designs, one of the largest importers and distributers of eclectic handmade furniture, accessories and textiles from around the world; Peninsula Home Collection, which features uniquely painted and distressed furniture handcrafted in South America; Crestview Collection, showcasing a full line of portable lighting, accent furniture, accessories and wall decor for today’s home; and Richter Designs, premier manufacturers of high-end custom upholstery, are all moving their show-rooms to larger spaces within Building B.
Wools of New Zealand Brand Area an Eco-Fabulous Destination for Surfaces 2009
WINTER MARKET WATCH Surfaces attendees will experience eco-luxury at its best as Wools of
New Zealand Brand partners fill the convention floors with sustainable
fashions. Together, these companies occupy 33,424 square-feet of space
brimming with diverse designs that take advantage of wool’s natural
beauty. Wools of
New Zealand Brand partner broadloom intros include Bloomsburg Carpet, Crescent Carpet Importers, DC Mills, Decorative Carpets, Eclipse, Glen Eden Wool Carpet, Helios Carpet, J. Mish, Luzern Limited, Nourison, Rodeo Carpet Mills, Saxony Distributors, Schumacher, Tisca Tiara, and Woolshire Carpet Mills.
Look for Allure, new from Nourison, combining the soothing attributes of densely tufted of
cut-pile New Zealand wool with the shimmering qualities of Luxcelle™ creating a subtle
pinstripe effect. The
composition provides the perfect balance of luxury and comfort in a
carpet that easily integrates into a variety of residential and
commercial settings. Available in a soft palette of 8 dusty hues. See Nourison in Booth #5318.
For more information, visit: www.woolsnz.com. Phone: (800)-367-0462.
ORRA Events Set for Atlanta Rug Market
WINTER MARKET WATCH
The Oriental Rug Retailers of
America (ORRA) and Americasmart Atlanta will sponsor a series of
educational events during the International Rug Market, January 7 to 12. ORRA events are scheduled as follows:
Friday January 9, 2009; 3:00-5:00 p.m. “Unique and Antique Rug Forum” — Back by popular demand! Show and Tell. Bring in you favorite textile and join us for an Informal presentation and discussion of Unique, Antique & Unusual Oriental Rugs. a panel of Judges will award prizes for best in show. Contact ORRA for more details. Pre-register by calling 804-270-3195 or e-mail: . Meet in Building 1, 4th floor, room 4-G-7 (next to Café).
Saturday January 10, 2009; 11 a.m. “Walk the Market with Phil” — A great opportunity to visit selected importers and learn about the latest innovations in carpets. Meet in Building 1, on 2nd floor, at Booth 1200Tour will depart at 11a.m. sharp.
Visit the ORRA booth in Building 1, booth #1200, on the 2nd floor. AmericasMart has a full lineup of seminars and events specific to the area rug industry, visit www.americasmart.com for more information.
Industry Shows Strong Support of SURFACES 2009
WINTER MARKET WATCH In a strong showing of industry support, Oriental Weavers, Monticello International and Tarkett Residential among others will return to SURFACES after a brief hiatus. This commitment further proves the significance of SURFACES and its importance to the floor covering industry despite the challenging economy.
“This is great news for SURFACES and the entire industry,” says Dana Teague, Show Director, SURFACES. “The investment by these companies and other returning companies demonstrates their dedication to their customers, our attendees, and their understanding of the value that SURFACES brings to the industry when it needs it the most.”
These companies join almost 900 leading manufacturers participating in this year’s event including Anderson Hardwood Floors, Armstrong World Industries, Beaulieu of America, BR-111 Exotic Hardwood Flooring, Dal-Tile, Dixie Home, Faus Group, Home Legend, Inc., Interceramic, Johnson Premium Hardwood Flooring, Johnsonite, Kronoswiss, Kronotex USA & Formica Flooring, Mannington Mills, MAPEI Corp., Quick-Step, Royalty Carpet Mills, and US Floors Inc. among many others. Visit www.Surfaces.com to view a complete list of exhibiting companies.
Safavieh's new design partners David Easton, Suzanne Kasler and Jamie Drake
Port Washington, NY-based Safavieh is launching Safavieh Couture, a new designer brand and division, during the January 2009 Intl. Area Rug Market in Atlanta. The new division is an umbrella brand for all of Safavieh’s licensed designer rug collections, which began with the record-breaking Thomas O’Brien line, launched in January 2006. A ribbon cutting ceremony and cocktail party will kick off the debut on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 4:30 in the company’s Atlanta showroom (4C1).
At the event, three new designer licensing programs will be introduced, showcasing the work of world-class interior designers Jamie Drake, David Easton and Suzanne Kasler. Each designer will debut 10-12 hand-knotted rugs in their Safavieh Couture collections, which will feature high-quality wool or combinations of wool and silk. The retail price for a 6x9 rug will start at $1,500.
WINTER MARKET WATCH Momeni will be relocating to a new expanded space for the upcoming January Atlanta Rug Market. For over 20 years, the company has been located across the hall from their new showroom in space 5-B-4, with approximately 2,300 sq/ft of showroom and office area. The new showroom occupies space 5-A-2 at 13,000 sq/ft. and features an open floor plan for the rug displays and a large area for one-of-a-kind products.
The company has a distribution center in Atlanta and is committed to the rug markets in AmericasMart; according to Reza Momeni, President: “We have always held a special affinity for the Atlanta markets as they have always been very good to our industry on countless levels. They are where the real rug players come to show their newest and best products and where buyers will always come to see these goods. This move will allow us to show the breadth of the Momeni assortment without compromise and to create a comfortable environment for our customers and staff. We are very excited about this new phase of our development.”
Dallas, TX—Feizy Rugs® is closing in on the launch of the newest version of its website, www.feizy.com, which will launch in January 2009. The new site was completely revamped and was one of the last projects Jeanne Carroll, Feizy’s Director of Advertising and Marketing, oversaw.
“Feizy® has always been a leader in the industry with its award-winning designs, and we thought the website should be just as visually stunning as the rugs we sell,” she said. “Our Marketing, Design and IT Teams have done an incredible job creating a beautiful site that is user-friendly and fits the Feizy Rugs style.”
Kalaty Rug Corp. Introduces the Terrazzo Collection
WINTER MARKET WATCH Kalaty Rug Corporation introduces the Terrazzo Collection, a group of densely woven, borderless rugs featuring a number of elegant floral motifs. The Terrazzo collection offers a fresh design perspective for both modernists and traditionalists alike.
All rugs in the new collection are hand tufted from 100% hard-twist wool and then treated with a special wash to impart today’s all-important vintage look and feel. Terrazzo utilizes a palette of colors with broad appeal for designers as well as for discerning consumers.
"We are finding that both designers and consumers are asking for traditional patterns that offer something a bit different. We feel the borderless patterns in Terrazzo fit beautifully into this niche,” says company spokesman Ariel Kalaty.
For more information contact Ariel Kalaty or Kamran Kalaty at 212-683-7222. Visit www.kalaty.com.
Shalom Brothers announced the recent hire of industry veteran Graham Smith (Parlam LLC) to oversee business expansion. 
DALTON, GA-based Karastan
was a proud participant of the seventh annual Design Cares charity
auction sponsored by Metropolitan Home and the New York Design Center.
The holiday soiree helped raise money to support Furnish a Future, New
York City’s only free furniture bank for formerly homeless families.
Surfaces attendees will experience eco-luxury at its best as Wools of
New Zealand Brand partners fill the convention floors with sustainable
fashions. Together, these companies occupy 33,424 square-feet of space
brimming with diverse designs that take advantage of wool’s natural
beauty. Wools of
New Zealand Brand partner broadloom intros include Bloomsburg Carpet, Crescent Carpet Importers, DC Mills, Decorative Carpets, Eclipse, Glen Eden Wool Carpet, Helios Carpet, J. Mish, Luzern Limited, Nourison, Rodeo Carpet Mills, Saxony Distributors, Schumacher, Tisca Tiara, and Woolshire Carpet Mills. 
Look for Allure, new from Nourison, combining the soothing attributes of densely tufted of
cut-pile New Zealand wool with the shimmering qualities of Luxcelle™ creating a subtle
pinstripe effect. The
composition provides the perfect balance of luxury and comfort in a
carpet that easily integrates into a variety of residential and
commercial settings. Available in a soft palette of 8 dusty hues. See Nourison in Booth #5318.
In a strong showing of industry support, Oriental Weavers, Monticello International and Tarkett Residential among others will return to SURFACES after a brief hiatus. This commitment further proves the significance of SURFACES and its importance to the floor covering industry despite the challenging economy.
Port Washington, NY-based Safavieh is launching Safavieh Couture, a new designer brand and division, during the January 2009 Intl. Area Rug Market in Atlanta. The new division is an umbrella brand for all of Safavieh’s licensed designer rug collections, which began with the record-breaking Thomas O’Brien line, launched in January 2006. A ribbon cutting ceremony and cocktail party will kick off the debut on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 4:30 in the company’s Atlanta showroom (4C1).
Momeni will be relocating to a new expanded space for the upcoming January Atlanta Rug Market. For over 20 years, the company has been located across the hall from their new showroom in space 5-B-4, with approximately 2,300 sq/ft of showroom and office area. The new showroom occupies space 5-A-2 at 13,000 sq/ft. and features an open floor plan for the rug displays and a large area for one-of-a-kind products. 
Kalaty Rug Corporation introduces the Terrazzo Collection, a group of densely woven, borderless rugs featuring a number of elegant floral motifs. The Terrazzo collection offers a fresh design perspective for both modernists and traditionalists alike. 
