RUG INSIDER Magazine caught up with Ori Wilbush of S&H Rugs to get his thoughts on the upcoming spring High Point Market and more. S&H Rugs is a must-see in High Point, located in the Suites at Market Square, Booth M1015.
What are your expectations for the spring market? How are your appointments? How does this compare to spring 2024?
We have high expectations this spring, given our strategic focus on bringing a larger selection of newly fabricated handmade rugs this year. We are excited to showcase our latest colors and designs, which we believe will resonate well with returning clients and potential new customers.
Our appointments with former clients are plentiful, reflecting strong relationships we've built over the years. We look forward to reconnecting and discussing how our new offerings can enhance their collections. Compared to spring 2024, we feel more confident this year, as we've tailored our inventory based on feedback and market trends, ensuring we meet the evolving tastes of our clients.
Overall, we expect a vibrant market with plenty of opportunities for meaningful discussions and growth. We're eager to see how our renewed focus on fresh designs will be received and how we can continue to strengthen our partnerships moving forward.
Peshawar with Colorful Botanical Garden Design is one of S&H Rugs' spring introductions
What are your sales and revenue expectations for the first half of 2025? Please explain.
For the first half of 2025, we expect to see gradual sales growth as we work toward our overall goal of a 20-percent increase for the year. Our expectations are built on the positive momentum we’ve been building, along with the introduction of our new inventory and the strong relationships we have with our clients.
We anticipate that our sales in the first half will likely reflect this growth trajectory, but it’s important to note that our performance will depend on various external factors. Tariffs and any policy changes from the current administration could impact our costs and pricing, which in turn might affect consumer demand. If the economic conditions remain stable and favorable, we believe we can achieve solid revenue in this period.
Overall, while we are optimistic about our sales expectations for the first half of 2025, we will continue to monitor market conditions and adjust our strategies as needed to stay on track with our growth goals.
What rug categories do you expect to be top sellers? Why?
We expect that 100-percent natural wool zero pile rugs and washed out tribal and Persian designs will continue to be top sellers due to their durability, natural feel, and versatility in various interior styles. Their low pile makes them easy to maintain and perfect for high-traffic areas, which is a valuable feature for many customers.
SH21003 Hand Knotted, Chinese Art Deco Inspired Peshawar
We added some new collections of antique Chinese art deco revivals as well as bird design pieces out of 100-percent high mountain wool as well as some unique modern and mid-century designs.
Additionally, the Turkish Oushak category will perform well this year, especially with the introduction of our new hand-knotted Oushak designs with earthy colors and tones. These designs can appeal to shoppers looking to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in their homes. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary color palettes should attract a diverse range of interior decorators and decor enthusiasts, making these categories stand out in sales.
Additionally, the Turkish Oushak category will perform well this year, especially with the introduction of our new hand-knotted Oushak designs with earthy colors and tones.
SH20085 Crimson Red, Hand Knotted, Aryana Collection with Heriz Design
We're witnessing a big demand this year for hallway runners and runners for stairs, which supersedes the demand and sales of standard room sizes such as 8x10 and 9x12.
