Shaw Living ceo retiring, showroom expanding

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 7/20/2006 1:14:00 PM

Dalton, Ga. – Robert Shaw, co-founder and ceo of floor covering company Shaw Industries Group, said he will step down from his post effective Sept. 1. He will remain a member of the company’s board of directors, and upon the request of management will advise on long-range planning such as potential acquisitions.

The board has elected Vance Bell to succeed Shaw. Bell, who has been with the company more than 30 years, is currently evp in charge of operations.

Randy Merritt, also a company veteran for the past 30 years and evp in charge of sales and marketing, has been elected by the board to become president of Shaw Industries, replacing the recently retired Julian Saul.

Meanwhile the area rug division Shaw Living has renewed its lease for another nine years with the AmericasMart in Atlanta for a new and larger sixth-floor showroom.

Shaw’s newly configured space at 6-A-2 is set to open in January and will measure more than 13,000 square feet -- doubling Shaw's existing showroom space and becoming the Mart's largest single showroom.

"This expansion is about more product, more selection, more services and more customers doing business with us in Atlanta," said Jeff Meadows, vp, Shaw Living.

Aside from a broad range of product carrying its own house brands, Shaw Living offers soft flooring under the Kathy Ireland Home, Tommy Bahama Home, Jack Nicklaus and William E. Poole brands.