Article Number : 5275 |
|
Article Detail |
|
 | |
| Date | 2/12/2010 3:11:27 PM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=5275 |
| Abstract | DALTON—Karastan reorganized its sales force/product line, separating area rugs from broadloom, and has named industry veteran Steve Roan vice president of the new Karastan Rugs division. Roan has been in the industry since 1987, holding executive positions with... |
| Article | DALTON—Karastan reorganized its sales force/product line, separating area rugs from broadloom, and has named industry veteran Steve Roan vice president of the new Karastan Rugs division. Roan has been in the industry since 1987, holding executive positions with Shaw Industries, 828 International and Hellenic, as well as importing his own wool and machine-made rugs. “This is a huge opportunity,” he said, “to bring Karastan Rugs and all that it means—brand, integrity and tradition—to a new, broader based distribution, and maybe introduce a new generation to Karastan.” While Karastan is known to “our parents” Roan is “not sure our children really understand what Karastan means. We will have a three-pronged approach from a marketing/branding standpoint to educate people as to what that means.” The majority of the Karastan sales force will stay with the broadloom division, he explained, but three have been tapped as regional vice presidents for the new rug division: Bill Roach, Northeast; Ed McRae, Western, and Dave Matamoros, Southeast. Karastan was still looking to name someone for the Midwest at press time. Under these four will be three to five territory managers. He noted the company had some designs at the recent Atlanta International Area Rug market (FCNews, Jan. 11/18), “that may not have been known as Karastan in the past. They’re a little bit edgier and transitional, [not quite] contemporary.” Karastan also debuted a newer, lower price point: $499 for a 5.5 x 8.5 rug. Anne Carley, director of marketing, said the new line may wind up with its own label as it is made of nylon, not polypropylene “like everybody else.” About 60 designs were shown in Atlanta, and up to 40 more will join them for the Las Vegas Market. For more information, call 800.234.1120. |