By Andrea Lillio
With the fourth quarter around the corner, manufacturers are headed into the New York Home Textiles Market this month with a more upbeat outlook, as people feel the economy is picking up.
Price continues to be an important issue, rug manufacturers say, which needs to be coupled with added value for consumers.
“Perceived value is key,” said Richard Siminou, vice president, Harounian Rugs. “If you can offer high quality at promotional price points featuring the latest in color and design, then you’re in the game.”
Harounian plans to emphasize its private labeling and direct container programs at the show. “We own factories and manufacturing units in India and China and are able to offer great deals on programs and special one-of-a-kind buys,” Siminou said.
Based on the number of confirmed appointments retailers have already made, Siminou expects this show to be a good one. “Our track record of high quality and competitive price points on our direct container program buys, special buys, and our new private labeling programs, has created good ‘buzz’ in the industry and opened up new business opportunities for HRI,” he said.
Kim Barta, brand manager, Shaw Living, said the company is “cautiously optimistic” for New York. “We have started to see show traffic pick up slightly in our most recent events and believe that will hold true for New York as well.” She added that Shaw will offer special pricing opportunities as well as terms.
Shaw Living’s introductions include the new Debonair collection which takes inspiration from the runway, using menswear-inspired plaid, stripes, and woven textures. Made of Shaw’s premium Anso Caress nylon, which contains recycled materials, Debonair is recyclable at Shaw’s Evergreen Nylon Recycling Facility in Augusta, Ga.
Shaw will also build on its wool category with Pacifica, which includes large-scale zebra and floral patterns and modern geometrics.
For holiday, Shaw’s collection will incorporate both classic and contemporary touches, using whimsical illustrations, nature-inspired motifs and homespun decorative details. Made of Type 6 nylon, these rugs are also recyclable.
Other existing collections from Shaw will also grow: Centre Street will add nine designs; Phillip Crowe Timber Creek collection will add 14; and the Kathy Ireland Home Jardin Du Jour Collection will add five.
The New York market will also see a new player—Loloi Rugs, which will open its new, 1,300-square-foot showroom at 295 Fifth Avenue. Previously dabbling in the textiles market, Loloi will now be able to establish a presence in New York with the new showroom, located in suite #1009, which will highlight its range of scatter, bath and area rugs.
Central Oriental will debut several new designs at market. Thirteen new designs join the company’s value collection, Interlude, which has been reintroduced with a new color palette and look. In its Collectibles line, which has rugs with more than one million points per meter and has a new palette for an antique/vintage feel, there will be seven designs added, in multiple colorways. And its Shadows line, which features a dense yet soft pile with extensive double pointing and drop stitch, will expand with about eight patterns.