Couristan to Open Permanent Showroom in Las Vegas World Market Center
SUMMER MARKET WATCH
Fort Lee, NJ -based Couristan has announced plans to open a permanent showroom within the Las Vegas World Market Center. Located on the 8th floor in the recently constructed Building C (C0854/0856), Couristan will open its new space in time for the July 2008 Home Furnishings Market. A Grand Opening event is slated for January 2009, after state-of-the-art custom upgrades for the showroom are completed.
“The Las Vegas World Market Center has become a new global hub for the home décor industry and buyers clearly see this as a destination where trends emerge,” stated Ron Couri, President and CEO of Couristan. “We’re happy to be expanding our corporate presence to Las Vegas and look forward to bringing our fresh design perspective to that market.”
Couristan’s new Las Vegas showroom is conveniently positioned in the heart of Building C on a corner aisle of the 8th floor, easily accessible by the escalators as well as the pedestrian bridge from Building B. Creating an enticing buying experience that is both chic and functional, the showroom will feature traditional merchandising displays, various arm racks, editorial-style imagery and wall mounted multi-media presentations as well as a private meeting space, computer stations and an entertainment area. Showcasing an innovative assortment of products in a variety of constructions and qualities, the showroom will replicate visual storyboards that highlight the latest floorcovering color palettes, textures and patterns.
New Additions Abound for Momeni at the Upcoming Summer Markets
SUMMER MARKET WATCH
Look for plenty of fresh products at Momeni during the summer markets at Momeni. New introductions will include Mirage, a machine-made group of elegant transitional and contemporary designs; Faux Soie, a collection of 100% viscose machine-made designs in traditional and transitional motifs and Zarin
(“fine textile” in Farsi), a group of high-density tufted rugs in
beautiful Hadji Jalili and Persian patterns. Don't miss additions to the New Wave, Transitions, and Impressions collections, as well as new items in their indoor/outdoor category. A fresh selection of one-of-a-kind rugs will also be available.
See all Momeni has to offer in Atlanta during the Gift and Rug Markets, July 8-16, in their Americasmart, showroom 5-B-4 and in Las Vegas at the World Market Center, July 28- August 1, 2008 in Building Two, showroom B-425. Visit www.momeni.com for updates prior to market.
cmi Wins 2007-2008 ADEX Gold and Silver Awards
PAWTUCKET, RI,—cmi (Colonial Mills, Inc.), a leading manufacturer of a complete line of braided-texture area rugs and accessories, announced that its bamboozle™ Twill and oak harbor™ Dusk rug collections have received Design Journal’s 2007-‘08 ADEX (Awards for Design Excellence) Gold and Silver Awards, respectively, in the Residential Rug category. The largest and most prestigious awards competition for product design of furnishings in the architecture and design industry, the ADEX awards are bestowed annually to those manufacturers who demonstrate superior product design that is marketed to the trade. Design Journal is a trade publication dedicated to the national manufacturer and regional dealer with a focus on the design and architecture marketplace.
Bamboozle Twill
The bamboozletm braided-texture bamboo rug, the result of an ever-expanded licensing partnership with leading home decorator and designer, Janelle Jarous Lampp, is a soft, fashionable, eco-friendly collection ideal for accentuating any comfortable living décor such as bedrooms and bathrooms. The “rounded border rectangle” features 100-percent bamboo yarn which is double flat braided to create a thick, plush, textured softness that is both refreshing and renewable. The durable braid is constructed from three separate 3-piece flat braids that are then braided together to create one larger, thicker, hefty braid. The durable, reversible rug is available in six colorways: Chamomile, Sesame, Twill, Mojave Desert, Chanterelle and Sandshell.
“Green” Product Reflects Company’s Commitment to the Environment
With an increased trend of consumers seeking out “Green” Products, Kakadu has always been ahead of the curve. The company’s product line—functional, hand painted on wood accessories and furnishings—reflects the founders’ commitment to preserving and honoring the environment.
Established in 1990 in Israel by artists Reut and Aharon Shahar, Kakadu is the only company to offer hand-painted wooden carpets. Brightly colored, durable and perfectly suited for high-traffic interior spaces (even in front of a kitchen sink), the carpets have garnered worldwide renown and are recognized as “functional floor art.” And, they are environmentally friendly as well.
The Kakadu workshop is situated in the heart of a nature preserve in Israel, reflecting Kakadu's deep commitment to the environment and earth-friendly living. “We never use timber from the Rain Forest, and we never exploit old-growth forests for our products,” says Reut. “The wood we use comes from fast-growing timber that has been planted specifically for harvesting.” Reut and Aharon carefully select all of the raw materials, using non-toxic and recycled materials whenever possible.
Matchmaking Program Introduced for Global Home Textiles & Global Home Decor
Program To Benefit Both Exhibitors and Attendees, Add Efficiencies
WHITE PLAINS, NY—A new Matchmaking Program is being launched for Global Home Textiles® and Global Home Decor®, enhancing efficiencies for show participants on both sides of the aisle. The program captures data from exhibitors and attendees in order to synchronize business needs and match supplier to customer. The shows will take place May 6-8, 2008, at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV.
A database of exhibitor information, including specific, in-depth products, services and manufacturing capabilities, as well as price points, year business established and number of employees, is being gathered into an expanded directory database. Similarly, attendees registering for the shows are prompted to respond to a series of questions indicating their market needs. All data is then be harvested to determine appropriate supplier-customer matches. Both exhibitors and pre-registered attendees will be given a list of compatible companies in advance of the show, identifying supplier-buyer matches.
GREENVILLE, SC—828 International Trading Company has hired Amy DeLettera as Account Manager for the Greater Atlanta area. Reporting directly to Tom Morris, National Sales Manager, DeLettera will focus on increasing 828’s sales and market share by working with existing dealers and building new business with specialty retailers.
For more than four years, DeLettera has served as 828’s showroom manager at the AmericasMart (6F1 & 3). She will continue to meet with clients at the showroom and provide visiting opportunities on an appointment basis. Prior to 828 International, DeLettera held a sales position with a rug wholesaler in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Amy has been doing an excellent job for us,” said Morris. “She knows our product line and understands the needs of our customers. We are expanding her responsibilities to take advantage of her knowledge and her exceptional service and follow-up skills.”
Smyrna, GA—JanelleStyle Designs announced it has signed with Daryl Jenkins & Associates, Dallas, TX, to manage its sales in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Mexico.
"I am so happy to be reunited with everyone at Daryl Jenkins again. We worked together several years ago and it was my hope that we have another opportunity to do so again," stated Lampp.
Located in the Dallas Market Center for over 30 years, Daryl Jenkins & Associates have dedicated themselves to bringing the trade the finest in home elegance, from the richest linens, textiles and gifts to the most unique and distinctive accessories.
The JanelleStyle line of decorative pillows can be seen in the Daryl Jenkins showroom, 631-WTC during the Total Home and Gift Market, June 18-24 at the Dallas Market Center. Jarous Lampp's strikingly styled rug designs have been licensed to a number of leading rug manufacturers, including CMI, Chandra Rugs, Homefires and Surya Rugs. Her licensing and design firm, JanelleStyle Designs was founded in 1994.
For additional information contact Janelle Jarous Lampp at 770-330-0019 or by email at .
Leading regional and international exhibitors gear up for DOMOTEX Middle East
Dubai/Hannover—The preparations for the third edition of DOMOTEX Middle East at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre are in full swing. This year's event from May 25-27, 2008 is expected to be attended by over 7,000 professional visitors, mainly from the Middle East region. Around 250 exhibitors including the national pavilions from Afghanistan, Belgium, China, Croatia, Germany, India, and the USA will occupy about 12,000 square meters of exhibition space.
The growth of the carpets and floor coverings industry has been bolstered by the major boom in the Middle East region’s construction sector. There are currently over 1,400 on-going projects in the Gulf region worth an estimated value of USD 697 billion. Of that, the UAE accounts for 32 per cent, making the construction sector the largest non-oil sector in the country.
Angela Schaschen, Managing Director, Deutsche Messe Dubai Branch, said, “The interest in DOMOTEX Middle East year-on-year has been remarkable, and it reaffirms the importance of hosting such a specialised trade fair in the region. The unprecedented boom in the construction industry has been one of the key factors that have propelled demand for floor coverings in the region, which in turn has significantly amplified the scope for premier international exhibitions like DOMOTEX Middle East.”
“Going by the success of the 2007 edition of the exhibition, the encouraging exhibitor and visitor feedback we have received, and the excellent exhibitor response for this year’s edition, we are confident that DOMOTEX Middle East 2008 will create new records in terms of exhibitor and visitor participation,” she added.
Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market to Run February 9 to 13
Shift from January Dates Reflects Commitment to Meet Evolving Needs of Buyers and Exhibitors
(LAS VEGAS) –Apr. 23, 2008– World Market Center Las Vegas today announced that the Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market will take place from Feb. 9 to Feb. 13, 2009. Market officials say these Market dates best align with exhibitor business cycles, relieve industry show conflicts and fall during a period in which Las Vegas hotel rates are more favorable for U.S. and international attendees.
“We are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our customer base, and adjusting our Market schedule is one way of doing that,” said World Market Center Las Vegas President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Maricich. “In evaluating optimal product introduction schedules, buyer and exhibitor commitments, the international show calendar, as well as the opportunity to negotiate the best hotel rates in Las Vegas for our attendees, we identified Feb. 9 to 13 as an ideal time to host Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market.”
With the highly anticipated summer opening of Building C at World Market Center, the world’s fastest growing trade complex has the ability to concentrate every exhibitor and buyer on its ultra-modern, integrated 57-acre campus in Las Vegas. No longer restricted by the availability of premium off-site exhibition space, Maricich says World Market Center has greater flexibility than ever before in establishing event dates.”
Central Oriental Appoints Connell Northeast Regional Manager
West Warwick, RI — Central Oriental, a domestic manufacturer and importer of machine made rugs, announced the appointment of Mary Jane Connell to the position of Northeast Regional Manager. Connell will be directly responsible for accounts in the New
England states as well as assisting with marketing and administration.
Connell comes to Central Oriental after serving 20 years with Colonial Rugs, having worked her way from reception to customer service and on to National Sales Manager.
"Mary Jane has over 20 years of experience in our industry and will be a great addition to our team," stated Jim Thompson, VP Sales and Marketing. "She brings a lot to the table and I welcome her ideas and energy to our company."
French Market Collection Introduces New Handspun Aubussons
Don't miss French Market Collection's latest handspun Aubusson intros. Designs pictured are Bradley RAH5543 and Fairmont RAH5504, made from the finest imported wool which is washed, not bleached, then vegetable dyed.
Because the wool is not bleached it takes the vegetable dye irregularly creating a striation of color. The wool is then spun by hand (much like a homespun sweater, the handspun wool is nubby and irregular) then hand woven on a loom in an Aubusson weave. The result is a wonderfully green product with no machines or chemicals allowed!
Priced from $26 per square foot, many of French Market's rugs are now stocked in all standard sizes from 4x6 to 10x14 with custom sizes available upon request.
Cameron Feizy, Ray Hashemi, Richard Schmale and
Robert Betty of Feizy Rugs pose in front of one of the
company's dramatic displays for the new
China-inspired Bling Dynasty collection.
Post-Market statement from Tom Lindh, IHFC president and CEO
"We are extremely pleased to report that attendance was up in showrooms throughout our building and orders were appreciably stronger than they have been in at least two years during the just-concluded High Point Market. Despite continuing reports of challenging economic conditions, including turmoil in the housing sector, many IHFC exhibitors told us they were pleasantly surprised by retailers' enthusiasm and with the scope and depth of orders they're taking home from High Point.
"Based on informal surveys with IHFC exhibitors —large and small, established and new, permanent and temporary — we can confidently report that manufacturers who came to market with outstanding new products, well promoted, did more business than they had expected.
"On a final note, we were gratified by exhibitors' praise for the way IHFC continues to set the stage for their market business with constant improvements in our building. In the past two years we have completely renovated the Commerce Lobby, opened and remodeled the Designer Resource Center, expanded and renovated InterHall, and turned a lot of heads with Pavilions on Three and Wrenn/Green, which debuted side by side last week. Buoyed by this enthusiasm, we set out today to create more exciting changes at IHFC in coming markets."
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For more information, contact Tom Lindh, IHFC president and CEO at 336-888-3700. Visit www.IHFC.com and www.insideihfc.com, the IHFC Web log with news posts and information about style and design, as it relates to the
tenants and activities of High Point Market's largest showroom complex.
Amici Imports Encouraged by Shanghai Fair
Amici International, a wholly owned subsidiary of Amici Imports, reported great success as first-time exhibitors at the March 2008 Domotex Shanghai Fair.
“Overall, we were very encouraged with the results at this show. With the introduction of our Positano and Ponte Vecchio collections in Shanghai, we presented unique color, design, texture and value to a group of buyers that we normally don’t have the opportunity to work with," commented Jeff DeSantis, president of Amici Imports. "This show is the ideal opportunity to establish relationships with a truly international clientele and to validate Amici's product innovations. We're looking forward to working with all of our new customers and look forward to attending Shanghai in 2009 with expanded product offerings."
In other company news, Amici Imports USA plans to further expand its successful Ponte Vecchio and Positano collections from India. Also look for 32 new designs in the fine hand-knotted programs Pienza and Clusone from Pakistan for the upcoming summer Atlanta Market. For more information, call 908-236-9050.
cmi Receives 2007 "Best On Time Delivery" Award from Home Decorators Collection
Pawtucket, RI-based cmi (Colonial Mills, Inc.), was recently recognized by premier direct selling business, Home Decorators Collection, with its 2007 “Best On Time Delivery” award for the third year in a row. Gil Kemp, President of Home Decorators Collection, presented the award to John Bradshaw, Vice President Sales at cmi, during the 12th Annual Home Decorators Vendor Conference in Saint Charles, MO.
According to the company, cmi has worked closely with Rhode Island Manufacturing Extension Services (RIMES) since 2000 on adopting and becoming proficient at Lean Manufacturing processes in order to maximize their on-time delivery service with all of their customers.
This award comes on the heels of additional honors cmi recently received, including the 2006 Premier Partner Award from Rugs USA; the 2006 and 2005 Partners in Growth Award from DMSI; the 2005 Andersons Excellent Partnership Performance & Vendor Partnership Award; the 2005 ADEX Award/Platinum Level for simply hometm; and the 2005 America’s Magnificent Carpet Award for timeless retreat™.
Buyer attendance continued to lag at the Spring High Point Market,
Apr. 7-13, but fewer rug exhibitors took it as a bad sign this time.
Instead, they saw it as a form of natural selection at the market. Only
the strong buyers survived the economy and made the trip to North
Carolina.
Joe Barkley, executive vice president of Kaleen, said High Point lacked the “tire kickers” he sees at other markets.
“If they're not buying, they don't come to High Point,” said Barkley. “This market is like that more than any other.”
The steady traffic decline since High Point's heyday in the late 80s
and early 90s has arguably made it more efficient for everyone. Parking
is less expensive. Crowds at the elevators, escalators and restaurants
are more manageable. And nearly every exhibitor agrees that High Point
buyers don't waste time in showrooms and booths.
“They come here on a mission,” said Feizy senior vice president of sales Ray Hashemi. “They're here to place orders and go.”
High buyer quality may have compelled rug exhibitors to feel optimistic
about the future, even as many buyers complained to them about tough
business conditions.
“Buyer feedback was mixed,” said HRI's Richard Siminou.
“One came in and said his business was down big, but then he put in an
order. Despite what they told us, they came here wanting rugs.”
Many exhibitors said they felt the worst of the economic downturn was
over. In fact, a few of them said a rebound could begin as soon as the
fourth quarter.
“I strongly feel that business will change next year, after the elections,” said Asha Chaudhary, CEO of Jaipur Rugs
Inc., which has added 40 to 60 new clients monthly despite the economic
doldrums. “Business is hurting, but I feel it's only temporary.”
Patrick Muschamp, vice president of sales for Nourison, may have best summed up the general feeling about the economy.
“I think it's only a matter of time before things recover,” he says. “What goes down must come up.”
Kalaty Rug Corp. Introduces Carol Bolton Vintage Rugs for E.J. Victor
Kalaty Rug Corporation has announced the introduction of Carol Bolton Vintage Rugs for E. J. Victor. For more than a dozen years, the name Carol Hicks Bolton has been synonymous with timeworn, vintage-style furniture, fabrics and lighting. EJ Victor and Carol Hicks Bolton will market these heirloom-quality rugs as an extension of their product family.
Kalaty has interpreted Ms. Bolton’s unique vision through a special new collection of high-quality, antique-style rugs with an initial offering of this collection of 11 rugs. Carol Bolton Vintage Rugs features premium 100% hand-spun wool with expertly detailed handwork. Many of the designs are carefully hand distressed to infuse with the antique qualities for which Carol Hicks Bolton’s designs are renowned.
Carol Hicks Bolton’s passion for things naturally timeworn and lovingly cared for forms the basis of her design philosophy, and appropriately, Carol Bolton Vintage Rugs feature many of the unique charms and delightful characteristics of fine vintage antiques. Each Carol Bolton Vintage Rug is like an heirloom, an exquisite relic from the past. Her discerning eye for color and texture, plus her love of antiquity, are clearly evident in this exciting rug collection. Like Carol Hicks Bolton’s furniture and fabrics, these rugs display a depth of character rarely seen in the marketplace today.
“We are pleased to partner in this venture with EJ Victor, whose masterful designs always reflect opulence, good taste and unmatched quality standards,” says Ramin Kalaty, a company spokesman. “Once again, Kalaty has found an opportunity to extend our expertise into an exciting partnership.”
For more information contact 212-683-7222, visit www.kalaty.com.
GREENVILLE, SC—828 International Trading Company has hired Amy DeLettera as Account Manager for the Greater Atlanta area. Reporting directly to Tom Morris, National Sales Manager, DeLettera will focus on increasing 828’s sales and market share by working with existing dealers and building new business with specialty retailers. 
Smyrna, GA—JanelleStyle Designs announced it has signed with Daryl Jenkins & Associates, Dallas, TX, to manage its sales in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Mexico. 
(LAS VEGAS) –Apr. 23, 2008– World Market Center Las Vegas today announced that the Winter 2009 Las Vegas Market will take place from Feb. 9 to Feb. 13, 2009. Market officials say these Market dates best align with exhibitor business cycles, relieve industry show conflicts and fall during a period in which Las Vegas hotel rates are more favorable for U.S. and international attendees.
"We are extremely pleased to report that attendance was up in showrooms throughout our building and orders were appreciably stronger than they have been in at least two years during the just-concluded High Point Market. Despite continuing reports of challenging economic conditions, including turmoil in the housing sector, many IHFC exhibitors told us they were pleasantly surprised by retailers' enthusiasm and with the scope and depth of orders they're taking home from High Point.
Pawtucket, RI-based 
