As consumers flirt with the temptation of an increasing number of choices from hardwood and ceramic tile producers, carpet mills have stepped up and met the challenge. Developing more textures, colors and patterns via state-of-the-art technology, choices from the soft surface side continue to grow, especially at the high end of the spectrum.
Beaulieu of America
According to Patricia Flavin, senior vice president of marketing, when developing its most recent high-end introductions, Beaulieu focused on the soft desires of both retailers and consumers. “Because the trends have been toward soft, we’ve come up with new products we believe, with our new extrusion equipment, are the softest carpets the industry has to offer.” SoftSense is not only billed as a “softer” choice but a “smarter” one as well.
SoftSense is constructed in either filament nylon or solution-dyed polyester. Softsense has eight nylon styles that come in textures, friezes and level cut loops from 35- to 50-ounce weights. Two solution dyed polyester styles are all friezes and range from 45- to 70 ounces.
For the first time in Beaulieu’s history, the mill is offering a lifetime stain—no exclusions warranty. Also, 3M Scotchgaurd Protector is standard on every SoftSense carpet as well as the company’s own Magic Fresh odor-reducing treatment. Beaulieu has also created a new, expanded color palette for SoftSense with 48 colors in nylon and 14 tweeds and solids in solution dyed polyester styles.
Also, Beaulieu and Invista recently launched an industry first. Through an exclusive arrangement between the two companies Beaulieu rolled out its new Bliss by Beaulieu Stainmaster with Magic Fresh collection. See the Jan. 25/Feb. 1 issue of FCNews for details.