Pawtucket, RI, October 24, 2005--cmi (Colonial Mills, Inc.), a manufacturer of a complete line of braided-texture area rugs and accessories, has entered into a joint venture with AMS Imports, Inc. of Amherst, Massachussetts, which has resulted in the development of the “Rain or Shine” fabric and cablelock braided rug collection.
The rugs in the collection are ideal for a variety of outdoor applications, can withstand rain and extreme sunlight, and utilize fabrics in a yarn-like construction.
The “Rain or Shine” collection, which is being manufactured by cmi and will be sold through AMS to targeted outdoor furniture and patio stores, features mosaic border and end stripe patterns. One rug is made from spun polyester fabric and the other six consist of different polypropylene yarn and polyester fabric. Future fabrics will be determined by yearly trends and new patterns will be introduced twice a year. cmi’s cablelock braid which resembles classic sailing rope and the company’s fabricord method of braiding fabric are employed. The retail price for a 5’ x 8’ rectangle is $399.
“The rugs were unveiled at this month’s High Point International Area Rug Market and were very well received,” said Donald M. Scarlata, president and CEO of cmi. “The collection’s unique construction, design, and resistance to water and sunlight make it ideal for outdoor furniture and patio store retailers.”
Anne Schewe, owner of AMS, agreed, “The ‘Rain or Shine’ collection will be just perfect for decks, porches, boats and pool areas. And it’s a great time for this venture as the outdoor market is growing by leaps and bounds.”
AMS Imports specializes in bringing unique area rugs, tapestries, pillows and home accessories to the American market. Known for its unusual hand-woven, all wool and flatweave area rugs, AMS Imports has been a pioneer since 1980 in searching the globe for new and different products to add to its collections. AMS rugs currently have their roots in countries including, Jordan, Peru, Egypt, China, Italy, Tibet and the United States.
