03132010 Harounian Moving Into Mass Market Channel

HAROUNIAN  RUGS INTERNATIONAL
MAKING INROADS INTO MASS MARKET

Richard Siminou, left, director of operations, and Lee Harounian, a company principal of Harounian Rugs International with a display of new programs being developed for mass market stores.

By Lissa Wyman

NEW YORK -- Harounian Rugs International is making a push into the mass market rug business with new products being developed for the country's larger chains.

"We have been gradually getting our feet wet in this channel, and it is becoming an increasingly important part of our business,"  Lee Harounian, a principal of HRI, told Rugnews.com.

During the New York Home Fashions Market Week March 8 to 12, HRI  displayed  scatter and bath rug samples  as well as examples of  hand-tufted, hand-loomed and shag constructions priced for the larger chains.

"Private labeling has helped tremendously," said Harounian. "Our customers often provide us with designs and we work closely with them to customize products tailored to their specific needs."

HRI is skilled at handling direct import products because the company has its own offices and inspection facilities in China and India.

"We still have a deep commitment to the hand-knotted rug division, but in today's changing retail market, there is a need to diversify," Harounian observed. "The mass market channel is becoming an increasingly important part of the rug business. We have the skills and expertise to handle that customer."

03.13.10