How will 2011's top five stories play out this year?
Lissa Wyman -- Furniture Today, January 9, 2012
Lissa Wyman
As the rug industry opens the new year with this week's Atlanta International Rug Market, my friends ask me what were the top rug stories of 2011 and how they will impact the business in 2012. This annual exercise inevitably leads to shouts, fist shaking and personal attacks on my family, including the cats.
You'd think I would learn. But my optimism is eternal. I know everyone will agree completely with my choices this year. Here goes:
The top news event of 2011 was a series of capital expansions. Vendors such as Kas, Safavieh, Kaleen, Chandra and Tayse are opening new distribution centers. During 2011, we also learned Nourison is opening two 10,000-squarefoot showrooms in New York and High Point. Several other suppliers are moving to new spaces in High Point, Atlanta and New York.
These major investments show the resilience and optimism of the rug industry. Long-term, they indicate that business is picking up.
Second spot goes to the retirement of Chas Sydney as senior vice president and head of floor covering leasing for AmericasMart in Atlanta. During his 30-plus year tenure, he established the four-floor Area Rug Center and the lively Market Temporary floor. As a result of his efforts in the late 1980s, the rug business has a home and identity as a real industry separate from other floor coverings and furnishings categories. I am certain Kevin Malkiewicz, Sydney's much-admired and experienced successor, will do a magnificent job.
In third place is the major commitment Surya is making to the mass market business. In 2011, the company established a new brand dedicated to the mass market. This aggressive move is indicative of the continued growth of that market channel for the rug industry.
The debut of two new vendors marks fourth place. Millennium Rugs makes value-driven machine-woven rugs in Saudi Arabia. The company partners with LR Resources in Dalton, Ga., to sell Millennium products in the Southeast. Another new alliance resides in the world of high-end, hand-knotted rugs. New Jersey importer Samad has formed a joint venture with S.N. Kapoor, an India-based manufacturer. The resulting global company: Nexus Rugs.
In fifth place: The largest High Point Market buildings and the World Market Center in Las Vegas have joined together to form International Market Centers. Is this an unholy alliance or a marriage made in heaven?
Can't wait to see how all these story lines play out. Happy New Year!
No related articles for this topic.
Merinos Home Furnishings opening display room, Boyles addition
‘Mega vessels' likely to boost capacity, stabilize freight rates
HOM Furniture adds flooring to six Twin Cities stores
Dan Masters joins Furniture Brands as VP, business development
21 companies from Turkey, Taiwan and China to exhibit at Showtime
VIEW ALL GALLERIES
