A-list products heat up fall selling season
What makes a chart topping hit a song mostly everyone wants to hear? Similarly, why do certain carpet styles rise to the top of the sales chart while others never make it out of research and development? And what are currently some of the best selling broadloom products on the market today? Since dealers seeking to raise their profit margins are always looking for new ways to pique their customers" interest (especially in tough times), an informative introduction to some of those best sellers is in order. The following are what's currently hot from some of the major players in the industry. Beaulieu of America Breathe Easy represents the Healthy Home Collection. 'this is the most popular style in that collection," said Patricia Flavin, the mill's senior vice president of marketing. It consists of 60-oz. Green Smart PET polyester (made from recycled soda and water bottles); Silver Release antimicrobial protection to inhibit the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, and Magic Fresh, Beaulieu's exclusive odor destroying carpet treatment. Awaken (65-ounce) and Invigorate (70-ounce) are from the Simple Accents collection. Simple Accents is made with Beaulieu's own Fiber Essence continuous filament PET polyester that generates brighter colors and better construction while providing a better value. Both have Magic Fresh. "Of the top 10 selling styles [for Beaulieu], the Bliss Healthy Home collection occupies half the slots," she said. Bliss Simple Accents (such as Breathe Easy) and Bliss Ultimate Home styles are also in the top 10. Feedback from dealers indicate that Beaulieu's proprietary features such as Silver Release and Magic Fresh "really captivate customers" interest and give them added incentive to choose Bliss by Beaulieu carpets for their homes," she concluded. Dixie Home Movado, one of the mill's top sellers, noted Dan Phelan, vice president of marketing, is a 'delicate vine pattern constructed of 100% soft and durable Stainmaster Tactesse nylon" and available in 30 colors, including organic greens and earth tones. Another top seller, Tropea, features the "classic striated effect found in traditional handmade carpets combined with high and low-luster cut and loop yarns for a pleasing watercolor effect," he explained. Tropea is available in 24 colors and constructed of 100% Stainmaster Tactesse BCF nylon. Fabrica Chez (pronounced shey) is the manufacturer's signature product and the "ultimate in fine count, velvety soft cut pile nylon broadloom for 35 years," said Phelan. 'today, this velvety soft favorite is presented in a palette of 100 outstanding colorways." Nibbana, a tufted loop pile pattern in 17 striated colors, is another of the mill's hot products. "Nibbana's random tip shearing offers an interesting blend of shading and depth," he added. It is constructed of 100% Advanced Generation BCF 6,6 nylon. Gulistan 'two of our best sellers this year to date are Park Avenue and Bisb.....
Licensing continues to be a profitable venture
The home furnishings industry has been on the licensing bandwagon for at least the last 12 years. It really took off when Lexington Industries partnered with noteworthy artist Bob Timberlake on a licensing agreement that is still successful. Today, Timberlake works with more than 25 licensees that manufacture a broad variety of products such as area rugs, furniture, lighting, mirrors, paint and building products under the Bob Timberlake brand. Consumers often know the manufacturers of the products because they associate the Bob Timberlake name-connoting American tradition and quality-with those companies. Licensing can be a win-win-win situation for all parties involved: the licensing company, area rug manufacturer and retailer. That is why many rug producers still spotlight their licensed lines as well as add new names to their collections periodically. During the most recent High Point market, home furnishings companies unveiled brand new licensing partnerships. What often starts with furniture trickles into accessories such as area rugs. What eventually occurs, which is especially beneficial for the full-line home furnishings retailers, is a complete package of licensed products is formulated that makes for a coordinated lifestyle look on the showroom floor and in the consumer's home. "Each market we eagerly anticipate the introductions from designer- and celebrity-licensed collections," said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnish-ings Alliance. 'the unique personalities and locations that inspire these groups produce the best-of-the-best in design, styling and trendsetting." Martha Stewart's foray into the home furnishings industry might have begun with her successful Bernhardt furniture line; however, retailers nationwide have been offering a result of the venture: Martha Stewart Rugs, crafted by Safavieh. The rugs were created to complement the ever expanding Martha Stewart home decorating portfolio. The line was recently updated to include a Damask design, hand-tufted in India, which is a cut-pile rug in honeycomb or sage colorations. A 5½ x 8½ retails for $935. And Arcadia, an arts and crafts style, features wool that is hand-spun and hard-twisted to give it a heathered effect and aged appearance. The d.....
Tandus promotes Grogan to COO, launches GreenSamples folder
Dalton-In an effort to strengthen its senior management team, Tandus announced the promotion of Ralph Grogan to COO. He previously held the position of senior vice president for three years. "I look forward to my new role at Tandus and am excited to carry forward our strong reputation for design excellence and sustainability," Grogan said. "I am proud to be a part of such a forward-moving organization." Under his new title, Grogan will focus on the continued growth of Tandus" three product brands-C&A, Monterey and Crossley. He will also maintain global business developments. Glen Hussmann, CEO and president of Tandus, said he's proud to be working with Grogan as a member of the Tandus team. "Ralph's leadership will influence our business globally and across functions as we make strides to gain market shares in all major seg.....
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