Exclusive Stories

If you have to ask yourself, “Have I met Ali Ghassemi?” the answer is—with a high degree of certainty—most likely “No.” I vividly remember the first time I met him. After repeated invitations to come to his Toronto, Ontario showroom, the subsequent visit turned into an hours-long presentation on his part. All because of his unforgettably passionate belief in not only what he is doing, but also its importance to the rug industry. This is his approach to truly bespoke rugs. He thinks it should be yours as well. Presented in two parts, the concluding portion appears in Rug Insider Fall 2019.

Domotex, the trade fair in Hannover, Germany, long ago established itself as the embodiment of its tagline, “The World of Flooring.” As the brand now expands globally with regional shows in China, Turkey, the United States, and soon Mexico, it is important to analyze what the show offers today’s buyers. Rug Insider asks Lisa Slappey of Pride of Persia Rug Company and Postmodern Traditions in Houston, Texas, to weigh in on Domotex and on the market more broadly.

As the current reigning preeminent trade show catering to the hand-knotted and handmade rug and carpet industry in North America, The Rug Show presents buyers and attendees a broad offering of aesthetics and qualities. It is also not the first show to lay claim to the title and as such Rug Insider looks at its origins and its future by asking aloud the murmuring questions.

When you walk into a room, what happens? What do you feel? What do you respond to? Are you affected by the color? Do you notice the light? How does your mood change?

A new endeavor spearheaded by Steve Cibor of Tamarian and already much discussed within the industry is set to go live this winter. With it comes the possibility of revolutionary change to the way retailers source and sell rugs from inventory. It is The Rug Club, and RUG INSIDER has the details.