Rizzy Rugs Hires 'Rug Doug' Ernewein

By Cecile B. Corral -- Home Textiles Today, 5/19/2008 12:00:00 AM

Calhoun, Ga. —

India-based handmade wool rug manufacturer Rizzy Rugs has appointed industry veteran Doug Ernewein to the company's newly created post of vp, product development and training.

Ernewein, known widely as "Rug Doug," now reports to Rizwan Ansari, president.

Ernewein was most recently rug buyer for the Minneapolis-based home furnishings retailer HOM Furniture, where he worked since 2000.

"During my years with HOM, I gained an understanding of what furniture stores need to operate a successful rug division within the larger home furnishings environment," he said. "I hope to use that knowledge to help other furniture stores develop rug departments in their respective markets."

In his new stint with Rizzy, Ernewein remains based in Minneapolis.

In other news, Rizzy recently more than doubled its third-floor showroom — space 3515 — at High Point to 6,600 square feet. On that same note, the company recently opened the door to its new showroom at the Las Vegas World Market Center; the 5,500-square-foot showroom is on the eighth floor of building C in space C-886.