Mohawk shows rug kiosks

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/28/2003 12:00:00 AM

SUGAR VALLEY, GA —

At the Atlanta Rug show, Mohawk Home introduced an in-store kiosk system. The 4' x 2' kiosks feature postcards with five different textures, six styles for each texture and five colors that can be used in a rug. The back of each card carries information about the rugs, such as available sizes, as well as retailer information.

Merle Johnson, vp, marketing, said, "The postcard fits in a handbag, and the shopper can take it home with her. A rug is an important decision, maybe a family decision."

Additional shelving and wings are available to hold additional postcards and rug skus.

"The kiosk is an excellent tool, especially for stores that can only house a few rugs. It expands retailers' assortment dramatically with a very small footprint," Johnson said.

Also at the show, the company introduced 100 percent nylon rugs in five traditional designs. They take Mohawk into a new construction as well as a new price point, $399. Mohawk's entry into nylon is due to the incorporation of Karastan, which used nylon creels, under the Mohawk umbrella. This new high-end line will serve upper-tier independent furniture and carpet dealers.