By Jennifer Quail
LAS VEGAS–The numerous ribbon cuttings at Las Vegas Market showed that the rug category is convinced this is a market with a future.
The companies who took on space in World Market Center’s newest facility mostly used the show to exhibit different aspects of their respective companies. Most emphasized diversity of product and more modern tendencies.
Companies found the availability of greater spaces allowed them more creativity. Abbyson took on 15,000 square feet (see story, page 48), while Jaipur created a residential feel with a relaxed seating area at its entrance. Roubini went for a stark gallery look with rugs hung like art on the walls, and Karastan made room for a massive 9-by-12 display and created its only permanent broadloom space outside of its Dalton, Ga., facility. The dedicated space works to show the possibilities—especially coordination—available within the line.
“People don’t usually think you can coordinate different broadlooms,” said Anne Carley, marketing director for Karastan. “So this is great for selling because we can really show all that can be done.”
Like many companies with showrooms here, Karastan is looking for the space to be its West Coast hub with local territory managers using the showroom by appointment.
“We’re hoping the design trade here will really be able to utilize the space and take advantage of all we’re able to do here,” Carley said.
With outdoor living so much a part of life in the West, indoor/outdoor products have always had a good showing here, but the product continues to diversify, getting more creative and more environmentally friendly. CMI, for example, announced its new partnership with Sunbrella and showed its first few samples of what is to come from the collaboration. John Bradshaw, vice president of sales for the company, described the product as a “regreening of the green,” explaining the new product will actually be processed from leftover Sunbrella product. The company also took its brightest shades—orange, turquoise and the like—and joined them together for patterns that spoke of sunny days and a casual, fun lifestyle, another nod to the more outdoor-oriented, West Coast clientele in attendance.
The rug category is likely to continue to evolve at the Las Vegas Market. Some companies have already expanded their spaces and another showroom building is in the works. Safavieh recently picked up its neighboring showroom, a virtual mirror of the 7,500 square feet it already occupied, just in time for this summer’s market. While timing didn’t allow for a remodel in time for last month’s show, plans are set to join the two showrooms into one cohesive space that will allow for a greater showing of the company’s growing furniture offerings and for vignettes combining all of its products. The company, located on the first floor of Building A, was one of Las Vegas Market’s first permanent tenants.