cmi waves the flag with new rug lineup

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 12/3/2001 12:00:00 AM

PAWTUCKET, RI —

Machine-made braided texture rug manufacturer cmi (formerly known at Colonial Mills), based here, recently introduced a new collection of American flag-themed goods from which 10 percent of sales will be donated to the Sept. 11th Fund to assist victims of the terrorist attacks.

The new collection is titled Americana and is composed of red-white-and-blue colored braided texture area and accent rugs, chair pads, trivet sets and baskets. The line, made entirely in the U.S., will be available through March 31.

The construction for the rugs is 50 percent acrylic and 50 percent polyester braided yarn blend. Shapes include oval, slice and heart.

Wholesale price points are set at $17 to $42 for 20" x 30" to 30" x 50" accent rugs, respectively; $15 for 18" x 30" slice rugs; $18 for 22" x 27" heart-shaped rugs; $19 for a set of four chairpads; $11 for a trivet set; and $40 for a braided basket.

"There is great demand for patriotic products throughout the country right now and we feel we can fill that need while also helping the victims of our national tragedy in some small way," said Donald Scarlata, president and ceo.

Scarlata added that cmi's new product offering will be on display at upcoming shows in January — the CGTA Gift Show in Toronto, the Atlanta International Area Rug Show and Surfaces in Las Vegas.