Just in time for the July Rug Market in Atlanta, Shalom Brothers is updating all its major program lines with new designs and colors in every major collection. In Royal Ziegler there will be three striking new designs, giving even greater breadth to the collection. The Jules Serapi Collection has two new medallion designs, and the Oushak Collection will grow with two new designs in muted tones.
With a revamped Web site, more in-depth inventory, and great value for fine hand-knotted products, Shalom Brothers is positioning itself to support its dealers during the current economic climate, and be perfectly placed for the moment the economy improves. For more information, visit: www.shalombrothers.com.
Capel Rugs Atlanta Market Intros / Meet Jane Seymour
Capel showroom visitors can register to win a 5' x 8' Songbird (left) or Safari rug from the Capel Braids - American Originals™ line.
TROY,
N.C. -- Capel Rugs will debut its latest introductions offered in a
spectacular assortment of styles and constructions at the Atlanta
International Area Rug Market July 12-15.
"Capel
is starting to see a turnaround in consumer confidence," said Allen
Robertson, Capel's vice president of sales. "We're expecting value and
versatility to be a huge draw for Atlanta and we're ready with a wide
range of innovative designs to meet growing customer demand."
In the transitional category, Capel leads with the brand new Karma Naturals collection,
offering fabulous texture in soft, natural fibers. Capel's newest
introductions in the outdoor category offer dramatic prints in floral
and animal skin designs. The latest braids from Capel Braids - American Originals™ are bright and bold, featuring a modern twist on the classic construction.
September Las Vegas Market’s Trend Series: What’s Hot and What’s Not
Informative and Inspiring Design Events and Seminars Will Put Buyers and Designers in Front of Next Season’s Trends
As the new global platform for home furnishings, World Market Center
Las Vegas will offer a wide array of comprehensive, dynamic and
inspiring design events and seminars during Fall Las Vegas Market,
September 14 - 17. Intended as a way to fast track Market attendees to
what’s hot and what’s on the horizon for next season, the specialty
seminars will feature industry experts, bright minds and highly
sought-after perspectives and advice to give market attendees the tools
and insight needed to make their cash registers ring.
From left to right: Geranium Leaf, Palms and Garland are new designs from Martha Stewart manufactured by Safavieh.
Martha Stewart Rugs manufactured by Safavieh now come in high-quality hand-tufteds. The collection of five designs, launched in High Point in April, includes an updated damask, abstracted naturals and lively geometrics, which capture the brand’s lifestyle and design sensibilities, while setting new standards in design and construction for the hand-tufted category. Made in India of viscose and New Zealand wool, the collection re-creates expensive hand-knotted looks so that Martha Stewart Rugs retailers can reach out to a broader base of consumers. Click here for more details in this RugInsider.com related article. For more information, visit www.safavieh.com.
Creative Accents Partners with Wools of New Zealand
Creative Accents Area
Rugs, California City, CA, has become a partner with Wools of New
Zealand. A high-end, custom manufacturer, Creative Accents will carry
the Wools of New Zealand Brand on four collections of rugs, including
the Rick Lee Collection from the award winning San Francisco industrial
and furniture designer.
Established in 1963 by Ken Hensler, who made his first custom shag
area rug on his wife's sewing machine with scrap yarn, Creative Accents
is still family-owned and operated under the leadership of Mike
Hensler, son of the founder.
ATLANTA, JUNE 29, 2009 — AmericasMart University (AMU) takes center stage this July as the industry’s premier educational program, offering buyers at the 2009 International Gift & Home Furnishings and Area Rug Markets a comprehensive schedule of renowned business classes. AMU—the most complete curriculum in the home/gift/area rug industry—is complimentary to all buyers and features a slate of facilitators, including consultants, designers, writers/authors and business practitioners, with the skills and knowledge to help buyers improve their businesses.
The AMU curriculum offers classes in Retail Business Basics, Buying & Selling and Building Your Brand. Buyers who attend gain hands on experience and benefit from the expertise of industry leaders. Read on for the July AMU course line-up.
Ebisons Harounian Imports, headquartered in New York City, has just announced the introduction of new designs and color ways and expansion of existing numbers in their Oushak Collection.
Michael Harounian, principal in the firm, stated, “The weaving technique, texture and the antique patina of these new items are so close to their 18th and 19th century counterparts that identifying them as new is extremely difficult.”
“As our customers have increasingly been asking for a proper substitute for the unaffordable Turkish versions of the new grouping, we find them as a welcome addition to our mix of program and unique collections,” Harounian added.
Tufenkian Artisan Carpets is going back to basics with new styles in the Core Tibetan Collection. Designs are meticulously hand-knotted of Tibetan wool, often in combination with hemp or silk accents. Newest patterns include Stones Sundial, Shanghai with Hemp Tweed, and Ripple Gold Coast. Choose from standard sizes of 3x5 to 12x16. For more information, visit: www.tufenkian.com.
Bichoupan Relocates to ORICA
Bichoupan Rug Corp. has relocated its offices and showroom to the ORICA Building in New Jersey, suite 207-A South. Established in 1971, the wholesaler specializes in semiantique and antique Persian Kerman and Lavar carpets and other varieties of high-quality Persian designs. Call the company at its new telephone number: (201) 271-9393. New fax: (201) 271-9395. Visit: www.bichoupanrug.com.
Introducing the First-Ever Los Angeles Intl. Rug Show
An ambitious group of Los Angeles importers is gathering together at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Sunday, Aug. 30 to Tuesday Sept. 1, for the inaugural Los Angeles Intl. Rug Show. Why now?
To put L.A. on the rug map for Western retailers and designers, making buying rugs geographically desirable.
To expose participating vendors from around the country to these new Western buyers and designers.
To put together a world-class event that caters to buyers and exhibitors in a hip, fun, modern new business atmosphere.
To spotlight Los Angeles and its world-class entertainment, lodging, restaurants and more.
“This is about growing the pie for everyone,” said Mobayen’s Ramin Mobayen. We believe there will be a strong upturn in the market. We hope other vendors on the East Coast, Midwest, Texas and more come to participate. Everyone is invited.”
Online Stores Transform Capel's Presence in the B-to-C Marketplace
TROY, N.C. — Capel Rugs recently announced that consumers can now order Capel's full continuity line of area rugs directly online through Preferred Dealer websites.
Capel has partnered with Preferred Dealers to create and launch state-of-the-art websites, which consumers can access by selecting a rug for purchase and entering their zip code. Capel's full continuity line, including rugs, padding and cleaning supplies, can be purchased through Preferred Dealers online. By linking the convenience of online shopping to retailers' existing brick and mortar presence, Capel is leveraging online technology in an innovative way that values existing dealer relationships.
Amadi Carpets, Inc., Zollanvari Ltd. and The Creative Touch, Inc., will expand and relocate their showrooms this July. The aggregate 7,000 sq.-ft. expansion includes Amadi Carpets (5-D-7) at 4,000 square-feet and The Creative Touch (5-F-2) at 3,000 square-feet—further accelerating the development of AmericasMart’s Area Rug product center.
“We have always enjoyed our partnership with AmericasMart, and look
forward to continued growth with this great company,” says Zubair
Ahmadi, co-owner of Amadi Carpets, Inc. “With the current economic situation, we must stay strong and support each other, which
AmericasMart has always done. That is why we continue to be a part of
their show, and have expanded into a larger showroom for July.”
New product introductions, new and newly expanding showrooms, industry networking opportunities and educational programming drive Market momentum in the one Market where the area rug business does business: The Atlanta International Area Rug Market. Home to more than 100 area rug exhibitors, AmericasMart will showcase more area rugs in Atlanta this summer than anywhere else in the world.
Spanning four permanent floors of showrooms, the Market features the world’s largest collection of area rugs, half of which show exclusively at AmericasMart. This, along with the debut of the redefined home furnishings and accessories product center — highlighted by the grand opening of the 14th floor, featuring high-end designer home product — creates an unmatched buying center and unlimited cross-merchandising opportunities for buyers and interior designers.
In addition to the breadth of area rug product and exclusive introductions offered at Market, AmericasMart — in partnership with the Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA) — features a full lineup of educational programming through its renowned AmericasMart University classes.
The parent company of popular accent rug brand Jellybean™ reports a sharp increase in alternate markets outside of traditional “Gift” stores as a direct result of increasing categories, as well as the introduction of their award winning merchandiser on wheels.
“We have started thinking out of the box with reference to where the Jellybean™ rug can find placement,” states Rusty Boone, Executive V.P. of Sales and Marketing for Home Comfort, Inc. “Once we had our displayer in place, we found that by having specific categories that appealed to different types of retailers, we have been able to expand into non-traditional gift retailers.”
Anderson Hardwood Floors Increases Presence At SURFACES 2010
(Dallas, Texas) Anderson Hardwood Floors, a leader and trendsetter in hardwood flooring, has confirmed its participation in SURFACES 2010. Not only have they committed to returning to their 8,000 square foot, front row position they have held on the show floor for the past few years but according to Anderson President, Don Finkell, they plan to bring a surprise that will add a significant additional footprint to the show floor.
“SURFACES has always been Anderson’s stage to launch new products,” explained Jeff Sills, Anderson’s Chief Operating Officer. “Nowhere else can we reach so many key customers in a three day period.”
SOHO (NYC) - Halvai Inc., the boutique carpet company founded by Bill Ward two years ago, has closed its Atlanta showroom at Americasmart. Citing the obvious shift in the economy, the company will be focusing efforts on its gallery showroom at 75 Grand Street in Soho.
Bill Ward says, "While it is disappointing to cut back at any time, from a wholesale perspective, we feel we can better serve our clients from here and know our location is very enticing. We continue to bring shipments, develop interesting ideas and look forward to seeing people over the summer or when they are next in New York."
He concluded, "I went to my first Atlanta show in 1990 and have many great memories from the markets there. I wish all of the exhibitors and the organizers at Americasmart the very best of luck and know there are brighter days ahead."
For more information call (212) 796-0606, visit www.halvai.com.
TROY, N.C -- Capel Rugs will partner with Jane Seymour Designs to launch a co-branded line of rugs in the casual category.
During the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, visitors are invited to a special luncheon and book signing with Seymour at Capel's showroom on July 13 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
"We're very excited to be working with Jane on this exclusive line of designer rugs," said Capel's Vice President of Marketing Bud Young. "Our partnership will combine quality Capel craftsmanship with Jane's unique, casual designs for a truly exceptional product line."
Balta Group announced the appointment of Carl Verstraelen as Chief Financial Officer of Balta Group. Verstraelen, a Belgian national who was previously CFO of Amylum Group, Lhoist Group and Agfa HealthCare, replaces Graham Hill who has fulfilled the role during nearly one year on an interim assignment basis. Balta is the leading European manufacturer of wall-to-wall carpets, a global leader in the manufacture of area rugs and a strong player in the laminate flooring market.
“With Carl Verstraelen we strengthen our leadership team with a CFO who brings extensive experience in value creation, operational excellence and international mergers and acquisitions," commented Jules Noten, CEO of Balta group. "His profile matches the challenges of Balta’s development as the company looks to further consolidate its position as the clear European market leader.”
Liora Manné's new rug, Suzanie Diamond Red, was featured in the 'Home' section of The New York Times, May 21, 2009.
Inspired by Suzani textiles of Central Asia, this beautiful rug combines ethic designs with a contemporary aesthetic. Liora Manné's creative use of materials in her patented LAMONTAGE™ process gives a unique sharpness and feel. Suzanie Diamond Red — part of the new Loopé Coollection of rugs — can be found online at lioramanne.com. All rugs are indoor/outdoor, antimicrobial and can be made in custom sizes and colors.
For more information visit www.lioramanne.com, call (212) 989-2732, ext. 103.
Patrick Carroll Recognized for 25 Years with Karastan
Honoring 25 years of service from left to right: Courtney Jones, regional vice president, Karastan; Sam Levine, president, G Fried; Patrick Carroll; and Bill Storey, senior vice president, Karastan.
DALTON, GA, June 1, 2009—Patrick Carroll was recently recognized for 25
years of service as a Karastan territory manager representing carpets
and rugs in northern New Jersey and managing two major rug accounts
(Federated Direct and Bloomingdale’s) in New York City.
“At Karastan, we pride ourselves on having the best sales force in the
floor covering business, and Pat shows that every day with his great
sales skills,” said Courtney Jones, Karastan regional vice president.
“We have a long heritage of employees, like Pat, who have been with the
company for that amount of time.”
Still, a quarter of a century is a long time in any business. What’s Carroll’s secret?
Just in time for the July Rug Market in Atlanta, Shalom Brothers is updating all its major program lines with new designs and colors in every major collection. In Royal Ziegler there will be three striking new designs, giving even greater breadth to the collection. The Jules Serapi Collection has two new medallion designs, and the Oushak Collection will grow with two new designs in muted tones.
Informative and Inspiring Design Events and Seminars Will Put Buyers and Designers in Front of Next Season’s Trends
ATLANTA, JUNE 29, 2009 — AmericasMart University (AMU) takes center stage this July as the industry’s premier educational program, offering buyers at the 2009 International Gift & Home Furnishings and Area Rug Markets a comprehensive schedule of renowned business classes. AMU—the most complete curriculum in the home/gift/area rug industry—is complimentary to all buyers and features a slate of facilitators, including consultants, designers, writers/authors and business practitioners, with the skills and knowledge to help buyers improve their businesses.
An ambitious group of Los Angeles importers is gathering together at the Los Angeles Convention Center, Sunday, Aug. 30 to Tuesday Sept. 1, for the inaugural Los Angeles Intl. Rug Show. Why now?
(Dallas, Texas) Anderson Hardwood Floors, a leader and trendsetter in hardwood flooring, has confirmed its participation in SURFACES 2010. Not only have they committed to returning to their 8,000 square foot, front row position they have held on the show floor for the past few years but according to Anderson President, Don Finkell, they plan to bring a surprise that will add a significant additional footprint to the show floor.
TROY, N.C -- Capel Rugs will partner with Jane Seymour Designs to launch a co-branded line of rugs in the casual category.
Liora Manné's new rug, Suzanie Diamond Red, was featured in the 'Home' section of The New York Times, May 21, 2009. 
