Echo enters rug fray with Trade Am

NORCROSS, GA — Further expanding as a home textiles and furnishings brand, the Echo Design Group recently signed a licensing agreement with home textile manufacturer Trade Am to create new lines of area and accent rugs, throws and decorative pillows. The new collection will be introduced in October at the High Point market.

"Trade Am is one of the most creative companies in terms of its resourcing," said Tracey Nelson, vp, marketing for Echo, New York. "Its resources have great technical expertise and are able to translate our designs onto rugs perfectly."

Bob Berman, sr. vp, marketing and sales, Trade Am, based here, said, "We are proud to join forces with Echo Design Group. Their reputation as experts in the field of design ensures that these new Echo collections will be exceptional."

Echo, a design house for prints, fabrics and ready-to-wear, will provide Trade Am with all the designs.

Trade Am represents the fifth home furnishings licensee for Echo. Revman Industries creates bedding and bath lines; Kravet Fabrics manufactures upholstery fabrics and trims; FSC Wallcoverings make wallpaper and wall covering fabrics; and C.R. Gibson creates stationary and paper tableware.

"Rugs was the next logical move," Nelson said. "We're known for our patterns and colors, so what better vehicle for pattern and color than area rugs. It's a natural extension and category for us."

Many details about the rug, throw and decorative pillow lines are still being negotiated between the two companies, including price points, sizes of rugs, number of rugs per collection and construction.

"We do intend to introduce two to three new collections per year," Nelson said.

She added that there will be coordination among the rugs, throws and pillows for some collections, but some pieces will be sold as stand-alone items.

The target customers are department and high-end specialty stores.