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Fall markets were back in a big way for the area rug industry in mid-September 2022, as two shows made big waves in New York and New Jersey. Cover Connect returned for its second iteration at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City from September 11 – 13. The Rug Show took place at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey from September 14 – 16. Both shows were heavily attended and were a great way to kick off the fall selling season, following a downturn in the last couple of years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Here is a roundup of what a few of the exhibitors had to say about the state of the industry, what their companies are up to, and how the market looks this fall.

Area Rug exhibitors are moving into new showrooms and displaying tons of fresh product at the fall High Point Market.

The last High Point Market came at the perfect time—right as the CDC lifted mask requirements. But masks or not, everyone knew it would be a successful market.

Even though COVID-19 restrictions are tightening across the country, the rug industry is still looking forward to a stellar fall show. There’s sure to be plenty of introductions on tap, and even new showrooms as rug exhibitors expand their offerings and aim to reach new customers.

Retailer + Designer Traffic Poised for In-Person Pickup, Post-Pandemic

The home fashions industry has reconvened this month—first at the Atlanta Market July 12-18, and then again at the Las Vegas Market July 24-28—to shop the latest and greatest in area rugs and much more.

The area rug category represents “a key asset” and an integral component to the markets’ whole home resources, noted Scott Eckman, executive vice president and chief revenue officer of International Market Centers (IMC), the organizer of the Atlanta and Las Vegas markets.

In June, Tamarian Rugs left its temporary space at the Suites at Market Square and moved into its new showroom on East Russell Street. At the fall market, Ned Baker, key account manager of Tamarian, says the company will still view it as a grand opening. While no grand opening event is planned at the time of this writing, Baker says to keep an eye out as we get closer to market.

Talk to nearly anyone who attended the recently concluded High Point Market and they’ll tell you that traffic was noticeably higher than the last October market, order writing was steady and everyone was eager to get back to business. Such was the case for several rug exhibitors Rug Insider caught up with who took advantage of the show to display new and trending designs for designers and retailers alike. 

Fiber-Shield Industries, a company that makes eco-friendly rug, fabric, and carpet cleaners, is on a mission to change the way we think about cleaning.

Founded by President and Technical Director Manny Vickers and his wife, Connie, in 1979 as Future Living, the company has come a
long way on its journey to become Fiber-Shield. The proof? Manny, a chemist by trade who’s extremely hands-on with the company, recently completed his 10,000th experiment. Fiber-Shield’s emphasis has been to create environmentally compliant products, and that was its focus from day one.

Following pandemic-related postponements, The Rug Show returns to the East Coast at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey on September 14-16, 2022. As a premier industry fair, The Rug Show offers attendees a place to buy new products, meet new rug makers, learn and build connections through networking.