Karastan marks 75 years

By Cecile B. Corral -- Home Textiles Today, 6/3/2002 12:00:00 AM

ATLANTA —

To commemorate its 75 years in business, Karastan has created a new promotional program slated to coincide this fall with the offering of its entire line of area rugs — all 100 percent wool and machine-made at the company's factory in Eden, NC — at a more promotional price point level than ever before.

For example, $999 for a 6' x 9' and $1,799 for a roomsize rug from the new Traditions collection vs. the average $1,099 tag for a 6' x 9' and $1,999 for a roomsize offering from Karastan's ongoing 700 Series collection.

"We wanted to provide an additional value to our retail customers," Haney explained. "The consumer is looking for more value these days so this was a way to position these rugs at a slightly lower price point for the same value Karastan is known for."

Also new are two collections — Traditions, which was launched in April at High Point and an unnamed collection still under development, which will debut in October during the next High Point market event.

In addition to the price promotions, Karastan will also host a cocktail reception at the Atlanta International Area Rug Show on the opening day — Thursday, July 18 — starting at 5:30 p.m. At the event, guests can view displays of some Karastan originals, including the 12' x 18' Persian design replica the company showed at the 1932 World's Fair in Chicago.

Karastan is gearing up to celebrate its 75th anniversary to honor not only its history and heritage but also its commitment to continue ahead "to the next 75 years," Phil Haney, senior vp, marketing and sales, told Home Textiles Today.

"We are very proud of our heritage, but what it really provides for us is a base to look forward to the future," Haney said. "We're happy to celebrate the past 75 years, but we are also happy to look forward to celebrating another 75 years as a leading provider in the industry."