Rugs Find Their Feet in 2014

摘要

The housing market is on the upswing, building and construction is on the rise, and the economy is showing signs of recovery. And while area rugs sales are not as strong as suppliers would like, the incremental 1.7% uptick in 2014 for the total industry to $4.730 billion is reason for manufacturers to be optimistic. "It was a good year for industry, and for our company, and it is encouraging to see our retailers getting back to higher price points, and that speaks to the confidence of consumers and their willingness to spend on redecorating," Jonathan Witt, vp of Dalton, Ga.-based Oriental Weavers, told H&TT. "That grew [last year] and should be a driving force in 2015." Added Bart Hill, svp product management for both domestic and global production:, Mohawk Home: "As energy and gas prices hit historical lows since late 2014, it has boded well for us, and we are seeing that strong momentum continuing this year." Mass merchants - the likes of discount chains Target, Walmart and others - maintained their stronghold at the largest distribution channel for the area rug category. That comes as no surprise to Maples Rugs' ceo Wade Maples.