Share this on

Area Rugs Honored in Atlanta

Nominations are made by area rug exhibitors.

Mairi Beautyman -- Interior Design, 8/2/2007 12:00:00 AM

Area rugs were recently in the spotlight at the annual Atlanta International Area Rug Markets, which ran July 15-18 at AmericasMart Atlanta. Jointly with the Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA), the Market announced the five winners of the 14th annual Retailer of the Year (ROY) Awards, honoring excellence in area rug design, from Atlanta's Georgia Aquarium.

Billed as the nation’s largest collection of area rugs, the market includes handmade and power-loomed area rugs, ranging from classic to contemporary, and available at several price points.

Area rug and home furnishings retailers are nominated by AmericasMart area rug exhibitors and voted on by an independent panel of industry experts.

A complete list of winners, including jury comments, is below.

Rug/Floor Covering Store: Gallery of Oriental Rugs, Wilmington, NC

"…a family-owned and operated business founded in the 1980’s…a renowned, full service operation featuring a program gallery, a gallery of Antique rugs, high-end wall to wall gallery, as well as a repair and restoration service…its inventory includes more than 6,000 rugs from contemporary to traditional…its own proprietary software…well entranced in local community organizations and their rugs have been on display in several museums…"

Outstanding Merchandising: Jordan’s Furniture, East Taunton, MA

"…its four locations attract a record number of guests each week…sells more furniture per square foot than any other furniture retailer in the country…two of this retail locations on an average weekend welcome more than 4,000 customers each…makes philanthropy a cornerstone of business…in 25 years, the J-Team (as they are known) has grown from 15 employees to more 1,000 employees..."

Creative Selling: Abbington Rug Outlet, Abbington, VA

"…founded 26 years ago…carry rugs exclusively…in just seven short years it’s become one of the largest Internet area rug retailers…"

Furniture Retailer: Lillian August, Norwalk, CT

"…this firm is best described as a business wrapped in a close–knit family…established in 1987 with 3,500 sq. ft of space…now has seven locations with more than 160,000 sq. ft…truly unique with their own distinct footprint…carries a wide array of high end furniture and accessories too…produce and license their own product…all product carries the name of its founder and the matriarch of this wonderful family…"

Rug Retailer of the Year: Krimsa Fine Rugs & Décor, San Francisco, CA

"…headquartered in one of the greatest cities in the West…heavily involved in the community and especially the local art community…it’s rugs have been on display at various art museums …has a fantastic array of rugs and has developed a unique merchandising system…"