Atlanta, GA, February 8, 2006--Surfaces 2006 proved to be a tremendous success for the 31 brand partners showing in the Wools of New Zealand area.
Rising synthetic prices, coupled with a growing interest in natural products and innovative styling, are creating new opportunities for wool carpets and rugs.
Many retailers attending Surfaces took advantage of these opportunities by raising their commitment to wool. They also flocked to Wools of New Zealand’s booth, anxious to participate in the annual Fashion Dynamics competition. The contest, which awards the creativity of Wools of New Zealand’s brand partners by allowing retailers to vote on their favorite wool introductions, attracted nearly 500 retailers who cast votes for Best Overall Product (tufted and woven) and Best Color Line.
Judging took place over a two-day period with votes tallied on the eve of the second day and awards presented to the first- and second-place winners. The top two winners in each category were:
Best Overall Woven Product:
Enchantment by Stanton Carpet
Ashton Bloc by Nourison.
Best Overall Tufted Product:
Nu-California Sparkle by Rodeo
Palace by Woolshire
Best Color Line:
Elysee by Tisca Tiara
Mohave II by Luzern
“Interest in patterned wools was phenomenal this year,” says Jonathan Cohen, executive vice president of Stanton Carpets. “We are especially excited about Enchantment, which is part of our new Shalimar Collection. Retailers were impressed with its design, color, coordinating options, and hand-carved details, making it one of our top-selling introductions. We are grateful to Wools of New Zealand for generating interest in Enchantment through its Fashion Dynamics competition and appreciate retailers votes for Best Overall New Woven Product.”
“We were overwhelmed by the response we received for Nu-California Sparkle,” adds Carmen Murray, president of Rodeo Carpet Mills. “People loved the idea of adding a hint of shimmer to a luxurious fiber like wool. We had numerous retailers say they had seen it on the floor of Wools of New Zealand’s booth, voted for it in the Fashion Dynamics competition, and now wanted to buy it. We were thrilled that it drew so much attention.”
“It is nice to see people responding favorably to color,” explains Urs Tischhauser, managing director of Tisca Tiara. “We saw a need in the market for a wool cut-pile that went beyond neutrals. Though natural colors still play an important role, we see a growing opportunity for bolder hues. People are looking to express themselves through color and want shades that add a personal touch while complementing today’s interior styles. We are pleased that retailers voiced their agreement by choosing Elysee for Best Color Line.”
