HIGH POINT, N.C.—Once again thousands converged on the city for the recent spring edition of the International Home Furnishings Market. The market not only showcased a host of rug exhibitors; several of them returned to High Point after concentrating efforts elsewhere.
Mohawk, Karastan and 828 International were a few companies that returned to exhibit here after being absent from the market for a few years. As John Shepherd, 828’s president, stated, “With High Point being the largest furnishing industry trade show in the world, it makes good strategic sense to realign ourselves with this market.”
Karastan returned after an absence of almost six years. Both Studio by Karastan and Mohawk Select products were combined in the showroom since Karastan is a part of Mohawk Industries. “Our updated product line is perfect for all furniture retailers and designers, and High Point is the best place to see those customers,” said Tammy Foubert, product manager for Karastan Rugs. “We were very pleased with the results and plan to show in the fall.”
Other companies celebrated anniversaries and their long-term commitment to the High Point market. One of those was Surya, which hosted a 35-year anniversary celebration including an evening of cocktails, dinner and live music. “We are grateful for the support our customers have given us over the years,” said Satya Tiwari, president. “We wanted to celebrate and honor them throughout the year to thank them for everything they have done to help make us the company we are today.”
He added, “High Point is one of Surya’s best markets of the year, and this one turned out to be its most successful to date. As the economy begins to progress in a positive direction, our business continues to move forward as well.”
Returning exhibitors touted enthusiasm for the flow of foot traffic in High Point. “We had an increase of at least 20% in traffic,” said Tami Watras, Capel Rug’s director of merchandising. “Sometimes there was a sea of people. There was so much we wanted to do at this market, and we ended up having 22 introductions, more than we’ve shown in 10 years. I’ve never heard such reactions from dealers at a market. It was one of our best markets ever.”
When it came to products everything old is truly new again, but with distinction like in Karastan’s Heritage Kirman Crimson, an addition to the Original Karastan Collection, which was originally introduced in 1941. The collection was updated from its 1940s roots with vivid shades of red and brown accented by peacock blue and bronze. These rugs are woven of New Zealand wool.
Artist Bob Timberlake, known for capturing historic rural southern living in his paintings, signed a licensing agreement with Shaw Living. Already, Timberlake has been designing a successful furniture and home furnishings line for 15-plus years. His area rug collection reflects the atmosphere and charm of his personal rustic environment and the scenes he has conveyed in his paintings. Each rug is machine woven with Shaw’s soft and recyclable EverTouch nylon.
Shaw also exhibited Loft, a collection described as an exquisite transitional and contemporary and luxurious handcrafted rugs.
Capel offered retailers more by expanding its custom rug program. Its Creative Concepts program enables customers to envision—and then order—a personally created area rug. The program works with 700 mix-and-match base and fabric options and costs $399 for a 5×8.
Customers choose a base, whether indoor or outdoor constructions, then a border (there are 120 from which to choose or customers can provide their own material), and then a size and shape. Each rug is available in single, double, and triple border constructions and composed of high-performance olefin.
-Deena Bouknight