Reflecting over the past 60 years in the area rug industry, Harounian Rugs International (HRI), one of the leading manufacturers of premium quality rugs and floor coverings, continues to be a leading force in the industry. Under the leadership of its founder, David Harounian, a pioneer in the area rug business, HRI has an extensive global client base, including many of the world's largest celebrated retailers and designers.
"HRI is truly one of the most respected and successful organizations of its kind with a long and rich history dating back to the industry’s nascency," says Harounian. "In 1963, the Oriental Rug Industry was a small industry, and the rug business was in the hands of only a few major importers as well as wholesalers. Most rugs were imported from Iran at that time. As the industry gradually evolved and more importers came into the picture, imports from Iran, India, Pakistan, China, and Romania became the main sources of production.
"The Oriental Rug Importers Association was established by several Industry leaders whose mission was to foster ethical business practices and promote the best interests of ORIA in the United States. The industry was in the hands of a few capable importers who had great foresight and took the industry to the next level, where it is today," adds Harounian.
In 1996, after having served as the Vice president of the association, Harounian had the privilege of being elected to its presidency. At that time, the presidency was limited to only 2 years, but since the association had unfinished industry responsibilities, its by-laws were changed so that Mr. Harounian could subsequently serve for an additional 2-year term, which was unprecedented.
During his tenure as ORIA president, David, along with his brother Lee Harounian, had the privilege of establishing schools and healthcare centers in the rug-weaving belts of India and Pakistan. These were mainly created for children of the rug weavers who otherwise would not have had many educational opportunities. Several other industry members, including AmericaMart Atlanta, followed suit in further establishing schools and care centers, many of which are still serving these communities to this day.
Harounian has received numerous industry recognitions and awards, as well as humanitarian awards and others. In 2012 he was honored as the recipient of AmericasMart's highest award, the "AmericasMart President's Award”, in recognition of his superior accomplishments in the international rug and home industry.
Today, HRI has showrooms in Las Vegas and High Point Markets along with headquarters in New York City. The company will also exhibit at the Cover Connect New York 2023, September 9-11, at The Altman Building, Booth A03.
The third edition of COVER Connect New York will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion and The Altman Building in Manhattan on September 9–11 on a grander scale than ever before. Expanding across two connected neighboring venues for 2023 means that visitors will be able to discover even more incredible rugs, by a greater range of select dynamic brands, in the intimate and collaborative atmosphere that has come to define COVER Connect events.
Some 40 finalists have been named for the Summer 2023 Market Snapshot, Las Vegas Market’s semi-annual collection of innovative products from its furniture, home décor, gift and home & gift temporaries categories. Online voting for the “People’s Choice” awards is now open at LasVegasMarket.com/MarketSnapshot and on Instagram stories and will take place Monday, July 24 – Saturday, July 29 at noon. Winners will be announced on the opening day of Las Vegas Market, running July 30 – August 3, 2023 at World Market Center Las Vegas.
“The Market Snapshot finalists showcase breadth and depth across all Las Vegas Market product categories,” said Dorothy Belshaw, ANDMORE EVP, chief growth officer. “In addition to these 40 finalists, buyers can expect to discover a wealth of new and exciting product at this summer’s market.”
For eight weeks leading up to Las Vegas Market, five products were identified as Market Snapshot finalists and showcased across all Las Vegas Market social media. Snapshot finalists will be displayed in the Building C lobby and the Building A, Floor 2 escalator landing during market.
Summer 2023 Las Vegas Market Snapshot Finalists are:
Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western U.S., presenting thousands of furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivaled market destination. Las Vegas Market’s diverse product offerings allow for cross-category commerce among these industries. The summer Las Vegas Market runs July 30 – August 3, 2023, at World Market Center Las Vegas.
Leading floor covering and home accents manufacturer Nourison Home is debuting new area rugs and home accessories in their showroom on the ground floor of Building C (C112) at this summer’s Las Vegas Market. Rug styles include multiple price points from value-priced, indoor/outdoor, and machine-washable collections to hand-knotted statement pieces in wool and silk. Home accessories include multiple styles in elegant neutrals and colorful patterns that add a cozy feel to any space.
The Christopher Guy Area Rug Collection releases two new designs, CGS39 and CGS40 (shown above), that are stunning in their simplicity. Subtle shades of ivory and sand create intriguing patterns that can complement a designed space or make a statement on their own. These rugs are hand-knotted from fine wool and silk yarns.
The new rug collection Graceful (lede image) is inspired by natural landscapes. These abstract rugs blend a high-low construction with hand-carved finishing to create a striking sense of depth. This collection includes five styles and is hand tufted from wool yarns.
New machine washable rugs are releasing for both Nicole Curtis and InspireMe! Home Décor rug collections. Nicole Curtis introductions include three new vintage-inspired designs (SR104, pictured above) that are perfect for modern farmhouse settings. InspireMe! Home Décor releases its first washable collection titled Daydream (DDR01, shown below) which includes a dramatic collection of sophisticated styles, sure to be the focal point of any room.
Mina Victory Home Accents introduces a cozy selection of waffle knit pillows and throws (ZH225) in warm neutrals. A new selection of cotton pillows with floral designs (VJ801) perfectly complements the cozy neutrals. For a more elegant look, a new selection of velvet pillows (L2270) will add a touch of subtle sophistication to any room.
Capel Rugs is debuting a sophisticated new wool rug collection featuring gorgeous colorations and lush textures as well as a dynamic new braided design at the Las Vegas Market taking place July 30 to August 3. Capel Rugs will show in Space A-133 of the World Market Center.
The inaugural Casual Market Atlanta exceeded buyer and seller expectations for its debut, July 10-13, 2023, at AmericasMart Atlanta, with an elevated presentation of 150 permanent showrooms and. temporary exhibits attracting furniture and outdoor/patio buyers from across the nation, as well as interior designers and gift/home retailers seeking cross-category sourcing and shopping opportunities created by co-location with the Atlanta Market.
Kalaty Rug Corporation heads into the summer Las Vegas market with an impressive product presentation at the company’s WMC, B455 showroom where customers will find the latest high-end area rugs across all décor style genres.
Kalaty Rug Corporation announces Quick-Custom, the company’s newest dealer program offering fast access to virtually any custom-size rug up to 50 feet long from three new transitional artisanal Lori-Loom™ weave broadloom-style collections: Bowery, Hudson and Lennox. These new collections and the new program will be shown for the first time to dealers in person this summer at the Las Vegas Market.