ROY Awards Announced at Atlanta Rug Market

Atlanta, GA, July 14--The July 2004 The Atlanta International Area Rug Market today announced the winners of the summer market’s 11th annual Retailer of the Year (ROY) Awards. The ROY Awards salutes outstanding achievement among the nation's premier area rug retailers. All ROY nominees are nominated by the market’s area rug exhibitors and are then voted on by an independent panel of industry experts. A capacity crowd was on hand at the Capital City Club to recognize and celebrate the winners in the following categories: Creative Selling: Worldwide Wholesale Floor Coverings “Family owned and operated for more than 20 years….a leader and trend-setter in the floor covering business… products encompass all facets of the floor covering industry, including area rugs, carpeting, tile and hardwoods…their three stores have been designed to integrate a seemingly improbable concept which is to marry a warehouse with a designer showroom…” Outstanding Merchandising: Shaver-Ramsey “In the rug business for more than 25 years…offers yearly courses and informational programming for clientele…a Rocky Mountain fixture…high volume operation…features a large and varied collection of textiles, as well as exclusive displays of jewelry, traditional African & Asian art forms…” Oriental Rug Specialist: Rug Decor “Established in 2000 to tap into the accelerated market growth of fashion-orientated area rugs…offers a diverse product mix that appeals to savvy consumers looking for fashion brands, quality and value…18 stores and growing…” Floor Covering Specialty Store: Riemer Rugs “Family owned and operated since 1946…features a spectacular selection of area rugs from a broad range of brand names, patterns and colors, all perfect for any budget or lifestyle…was recently recognized as one of the top 50 specialty flooring retailers in the country…” Furniture Retailer: Haverty’s Fine Furniture “Founded almost 120 years ago….today has more than 100 stores in 14 states…strong commitment to area rugs and as a result has experienced double digit growth in its area rug division each of the last three years….headquartered in Atlanta…” Department/Chain or Mass Merchant: Ross Dress For Less “Opened its doors in 1982 with six stores and by 2003, there were 568 locations in 25 states and Guam…recently announced the development of DD’s Discounts, a new off-price concept targeting the needs of lower income households…the first 10 DD’s are scheduled to open in the second half of 2004…”