Park B. Smith to market jute rugs

By Cecile B. Corral -- Home Textiles Today, 10/8/2001 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Multi-category home textile importer Park B. Smith, based here, is preparing to introduce for the first time 100 percent jute-made rugs — ranging from accent to area rug sizes — during the New York Home Textiles market.

"We worked with jute several years ago, but not in this construction, which is more jute," said Valborg Linn, director of design and merchandising. "This collection is about this fiber. It's 100 percent jute."

The new collection includes at least 10 new patterns, Linn said. Colorways are natural golden, ebony, linen, bleached and sage — with some accents in black in the lighter colorways.

Constructions include braided, looped and plain weave. Sizes range from 20" x 30" through 5' x 8' — a new large size for the company.

"This is a new look for us in rugs, and we are definitely going into not only accent rugs but also oversized rugs because these rugs are beautiful in larger sizes," Linn said. "They lend themselves to that type of spa feeling we are introducing across the board. We feel people want comfort in their lives, especially at this time. They are looking for comfort, relaxation, rejuvenation and natural fabrications."

The collection targets specialty and department stores. Price points range from $12.99 for the smallest size in the plain weave through $199 for a 5' x 8' in the braided construction.