Ashford Court into rugs

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 9/30/2002 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Ashford Court, a manufacturer of decorative pillows, top-of-bed and table runners, is making its first foray into the rug business.

"We had a lot of requests from buyers," said Amy Bell, executive vp. "It was a logical opportunity, with all that's happening overseas. It's a natural extension."

The initial launch will include 18 to 24 styles, which are mostly based on fabric designs from Michael Day. The collection will target distribution channels from the mass to the high end and will include high- and low-cut constructions.

Though some of the designs originated as decorative pillows, others will be original, Bell said. All of the rugs will coordinate with the rest of Ashford Court's line, which this market includes such themes as animal, sophisticated country and traditional elegant.

"We had such beautiful fabrics from Michael Day," said Neil Zuber, president, "We said, 'Let's go into rugs."

Being produced in China "as we speak," he said, the line will include such constructions as nylon, wool, cotton, and soon-to-be-added silk. In three sizes of 2' x 3', 3' x 5' and 5' x 8', the rugs will range in retails from $19.99 to $109.99 for a 5' x 8'.