Fashion Inds: Rugs still a focus

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/27/2003 12:00:00 AM

GRIFFIN, GA —

Fashion Industries is looking to rebuild its rug division following the recent exit of James Saleh, the former vp who helped jump-start the product category two-and-a-half years ago.

"We are aggressively pursuing our rug business, and we are looking to fill [James'] position soon," Al Whiten, sr. vp, told HTT.

Rugs — area, accent and scatter sizes — today comprise 20 percent of Fashion Industries' total business, Whiten said. The category was introduced in February 2001, Whiten said. The remainder of Fashion Industries' business is made up of table linens, 20 percent; decorative pillows, 30 percent; and top of bed goods, 30 percent.

"Rugs represent a very good business for us, and we have every intention of staying on it and building it," Whiten continued.

He added that he is also looking for sales representatives for the division.