ATLANTA–Manufacturers took advantage of this week’s Atlanta International Area Rug Market to enter new categories and debut product lines—many with lower price points.
Oriental Weavers, for example, expanded into the polyacrylic fiber to offer a lower price point, said Aaron Gray, marketing director. Utopia is a hand-tufted viscose line that will retail for about $199 for a 5-by-8-foot, he said. Designs included floral looks, as well as a solid color line that had a corduroy look.
Surya also bowed a polyacrylic line for the juvenile market. “You can get really great color from polyacrylic,” said Al Mortensen, creative director. The juvenile collection of 4-, 6-, and 9-foot rounds offer designs for baby, older kids aged five to 12 and then styles for both boys and girls. A 4-foot round will retail for about $99.
Karastan showed its first area rug line with the exclusive SmartStrand, a new fiber made partially of corn that is stain resistant and which parent company Mohawk is already using in its broadloom, said Lisa Chasteen, territory manager. The new Karastan collection is called Mamma Mia, a solid color shag line.
Loloi expanded into the accent rug business, with about 20 different programs. “The market needed freshness in accents,” said Amir Loloi, president. “We offer a different viewpoint.” Materials included chenilles, skins, and natural leather. The bath category was also a part of the launch.
Kaleen’s Paula Deen collection also added accents at this market. In either 20-by-32-inch and 27-by-48-inch sizes, the group consists of fun, bright designs.
