By Andrea Lillo
Manufacturers coming to the Atlanta International Area Rug Market this month are ready to show both new designs and programs to retailers, who they say are looking for fresh looks and innovation to bring customers in the door. Whether targeting a new demographic, like the youth market, expanding value-oriented selections, or adding accessory categories or new styles, vendors want to broaden their lines and their appeal.
Retailers are “looking for inspiration, things that are new and innovative,” said Joe Barkley, executive vice president, Kaleen. “Folks that are not launching new products will be disappointed. Retailers are looking for new items to bring to customers.”
Seth King, vice president, sales and marketing, Surya, agreed. “The larger retailers will be [at the market] and are continually looking to improve their assortment,” he said, and most of the Southeast regional customers will also attend.
“We go into every market with high expectations,” Barkley said. Before the show he thought the appointments being set up for the market showed the potential for a good show. And while the large retailers will be there, the “mom and pop stores are still on the fence,” he said. “Markets are expensive. Mom and pops were hit the hardest. If they come they are going to have to be really wowed by something to buy it.”
Kaleen’s Paula Deen collection has been “huge,” Barkley added, and the Home & Porch collection is number one for the company. At market, it will grow with 12 new designs, as well as a new 9-by-12-foot size. The company will also launch its Magi collection of tufted rugs in wallpaper designs without borders. In addition, it will offer additional width sizes in its quick ship continuous runner program: 32, 34, 36 and 40 inches.
After re-entering the machine woven wool category in January with its Arabesque collection, Shaw Living will add 18 new designs in contemporary and transitional styling. It will also expand its Centre Street group of printed, recyclable nylon rugs with another 18 new designs.
Loloi will be pushing the value-oriented category at Atlanta, said Amir Loloi, president, in order “to fit into today’s market.” Previously, it had not offered much at a $199 retail for a 5-by-8, he said, but that category will expand this market, as will other rugs retailing up to $299.
Surya is introducing new braided rug collections, using popular colors and for both indoor and outdoor use, King said. The company is also adding more value-priced product that retails at less than $299 for a 5-by-8.
Capel Rugs has partnered with designer/actress Jane Seymour, and will launch its co-branded line at market as well.
Momeni will show its ‘Lil Mo collection, which includes designs for the infants and toddlers, pre-teens, and tweens.
King said that retailers are looking for strong vendor relationships. “They want vendors who really understand their business and can offer solutions to their business.”