Shaw offers Mary-Kate

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/26/2004 12:00:00 AM

ATLANTA —

Shaw last week launched its newest license program — the Mary-Kate & Ashley Collection — which also represents the company's second juvenile program. Its first is with Kathy Ireland, who more than a year ago unveiled her designs for the younger market.

Jess Meadows, division vice president, said that this collection, comprised of nylon area rugs in regular and shag constructions, launched targeting mainly independent flooring dealers, but the plan is to expand it with new product categories that cater to mass merchants and home centers.

The new categories include bath and accent rugs, decorative pillows and throws. "We hope by this fall to have these new products in stores," he said. The rollout is slated for March during the New York Home Textile Market, Meadows said. Shaw recently signed a lease for a new 7,000 square foot showroom on the third floor of 295 Fifth Ave.

The company is moving out of its space in Suite 1718 and is also moving its Georgia Tufters division from Suite 1503.

In other news, Meadows said Shaw Living continues to look to expand its business through acquisitions that complement its product lines. "We've made a lot of progress in woven area rugs, but the idea is to be the number one or two company in all categories of rugs," Meadows explained.