Messina & Zucker expands with area rug intros

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/14/2002 12:00:00 AM

AT THE NEW YORK MARKET —

Though its core businesses are bed-in-a-bags, comforters and sheet sets, Messina & Zucker will broaden its presence in the rug category with area rug introductions.

The reason for the expansion is that customers were "pointing us in that direction," said Bill Weiner, sales manager. "It gives us another avenue."

He added that the company has already had good sell-through in bath rugs, and so area rugs are a natural extension.

Nine new designs will be offered in the larger sizes of 5' x 8', 6' x 9' and 9' x 12', as well as an octagon shape. The constructions include berber with knotted fringe, cut and bound, broadloom and handcarved styles. In addition, the berber will be available in smaller sizes, starting at 18' x 27'.

The company will also show its designer rug collection, with a one rug minimum, in nine designs and nine sizes.

New bath rug introductions will include Verona, an oval shape; Barcelona, which has a sculptured border; and Topaz. Each is made of heat-set nylon and is available in 12 colors.