Industry News

Sales of cmi’s earthtone™ & bamboozle™

“GREEN” braided-texture rugs double in 2008

Collections also receive rave reviews at recent industry trade shows

cmi (Colonial Mills, Inc.), a leading manufacturer of a complete line of braided-texture area rugs and accessories, announces that sales of its “green” earthtonetm and bamboozletm rug collections have doubled over the first five months of ’08 compared to the last five months of ’07 and received rave reviews at the recent High Point Market in North Carolina.

“We made the first step toward going ‘green’ in 2006 with our bamboozletm collection of braided-texture bamboo rugs and then followed that up with our earthtonetm line of 100 percent jute rugs in the summer of 2007,” said Donald M. Scarlata, president and CEO of cmi. “I just think we were a little ahead of the ‘green’ curve and now the industry is more receptive to our offerings. The two collections created quite a buzz at High Point and have been selling well.”

Scarlata added that last year the company took its inspiration from nature and the “greening” of America with the redesign of its showrooms at the International Area Rug Market in Atlanta, GA, the High Point Market in High Point, NC, and at its headquarters in Pawtucket, RI.

The earthtonetm line of braided-texture area rugs and accessories is made of 100 percent jute, a strong, adaptable plant fiber that is also used to make common items such as rope, twine and curtains. The oval and rectangular collection features a natural Beige colorway and is ideal for informal indoor applications and protected outdoor environments such as porches. Its flat-braid construction makes for a durable, reversible rug.

Because it is low-priced and adaptable, jute is second only to cotton in world consumption of natural fibers. The thread created from jute is quite strong, non-toxic, produces no residue, possesses low thermal conductivity and antistatic characteristics and is biodegradable.

The bamboozle tm braided-texture bamboo rug, the result of an ever-expanded licensing partnership with leading home decorator and designer, Janelle Jarous Lampp, is a soft, fashionable, eco-friendly collection ideal for accentuating any comfortable living décor such as bedrooms and bathrooms. The “rounded border rectangle” features 100-percent bamboo yarn which is double flat braided to create a thick, plush, textured softness that is both refreshing and renewable. The durable braid is constructed from three separate 3-piece flat braids that are then braided together to create one larger, thicker, hefty braid. The durable, reversible rug is available in six colorways: chamomile, sesame, twill, mojave desert, chanterelle and sandshell.

A host of earthtonetm and bamboozle tm accessories are available from cmi as well, including accent rugs, chair pads, trivets, rug slices, heart rugs, stair treads, utility baskets, placemats, waste baskets and table runners.

Founded in 1977, cmi is headquartered in Pawtucket, RI. The company has specialized in manufacturing braided-texture area rugs and accessories since its inception. cmi’s philosophy is to be the most innovative in the braided-texture area rug category with the results being new colors, styles, award-winning designs, and shapes which most appeal to today’s consumer.

For more information on the earthtonetm and bamboozletm collections, contact cmi, 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, P.O. Box 249, Pawtucket, RI 02862-0249 or call 1-800-343-9339. Web: www.colonialmills.com.

Reprinted from SQE Professional, August 2008