Mallorca by Fabrica won Best Color Line

ATLANTA, GA, February 5, 2008—Despite a noticeable decrease in market traffic, Surfaces 2008 proved to be a success for the 40 Brand partners showing in the Wools of New Zealand area. Rising synthetic prices, coupled with a growing interest in natural products and innovative styling, have created 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 over 375 retailers who cast votes for Best Overall Product (tufted and woven) and Best Color Line from a selection of 40 products.

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:
First Place: Anatol by Stanton
Runner Up: Shadowlure by Nourison

Best Overall Tufted Product:
First Place: Cobblestone by Unique
Runner Up: Avalon by Rodeo

Best Color Line:
First Place: Mallorca by Fabrica
Runner Up: Harlequin by Tisca

“We are not letting the economy slow us down,” says Jonathan Cohen, Executive Vice President of Stanton. “In fact, we had one of the best Surfaces markets ever and are encouraged by retailers’ optimism. By offering an extensive range of styling and price point options we appeal to a wide range of customers. Our wool offerings alone come in face-to-face, machine tufted, and (with the addition of Antrim) hand-loomed qualities that are styled in all types of textures, patterns and colors, including undyed all-natural wools. We are excited about the coming year and are honored that retailers voted Anatol as Best Overall Woven in Wools of New Zealand’s Fashion Dynamics competition.”

“We are very pleased to win the Best Overall Tufted award,” adds Bill Graves, president of Unique Carpet. “People really respond to our wool shags. They love the incredible texture, color and the level of interest they add to the floor. It is a category that sets us apart and continues to grow in new and exciting ways.”

“This is our first year as a Wools of New Zealand Brand partner,” explains Osby Borchardt, Vice President of Product Development and Marketing for Fabrica. “We see a lot of promise in the wool category and are committed to offering sustainable, well-styled carpets that support our retailers’ need for higher margins, higher profits and repeat business. We spend a great deal of time fine-tuning our color palettes and are pleased that retailers voiced their approval by choosing Mallorca for Best Color Line.”