04092014 Bob Mackie Collection by Kas Makes Debut at High Point Market

 KAS MAKES SPLASH WITH INTRODUCTION
OF BOB MACKIE LICENSING PROGRAM

And a good time was had by all. left to right: Marc Schwarz and Joe McFate of Bob Mackie; Santhi Yarlagadda of Kas,  Bob Mackie, and  Rao Yarlagadda, Raja Tummala, Wendy Reiss, Hari Tummala, and Vee Curfman from KAS. 
 

By Gary James

HIGH POINT, NC  -- Kas Oriental Rugs introduced its first Bob Mackie designed rugs at High Point Market, celebrating the company's first licensing program in 15 years. The program was kicked off with a launch party featuring a personal appearance by Mackie.

The Bob Mackie Home collection includes 20 rug designs in hand-tufted wool and viscose in a range of on-trend colors and patterns. 

“A lot of artistry has gone into this, and retailers are responding to that,” said Wendy Reiss, vice president of key accounts. “The early response has been very positive. The geos and blue and gray designs have been particularly well received. Bob is always right on top of the latest fashion trends, and our new rugs blend perfectly with what he is doing in furniture.”

Priced at $699 retail for a 5 x 8, the collection make a stylish statement at a popular price point, Reiss added. “We’ve stepped it up a little and the result is an exquisite product with a beautiful sheen.”

Because Bob Mackie Home is so well-established at retail through its long-time partnership in case goods with American Drew, Kas’s Mackie Home partnership has the potential to open new doors for the rug source, according to Reiss. “We’ve had some big furniture chains come in to see what we’re doing and they are very excited by what they’re seeing.”

At the July Las Vegas Market, Kas will introduce a second major licensed collection in partnership with Donny Osmond Home. The launch will kick off with a launch party featuring Donny and his wife Debbie.

“We’re very excited about both of these new licensing programs,” said Reiss. “They are great partners to work with and are a natural fit with us.”

The past year has been a busy period of change and growth for Kas, Reiss added. In addition to the new licensing programs, the company has opened a new showroom in Atlanta, initiated a social media program and introduced a pillow and pouf line. The company has also  expanded its efforts with the e-commerce channel.

“We expect 2014 to be a strong year,” said Reiss. “We’ve strengthened the brand and that’s creating a host of new opportunities.”

Joe McFate of the Bob Mackie organization;  Bob Mackie, Rao Yarlagadda, president of Kas, and Marc Schwarz of the Bob Mackie Team.

Kas  launched its Bob Mackie Home collection at High Point, the company's  first licensed collection in 15 years. Among the designs was Tranquility, a hand-tufted wool and viscose design with half-inch pile. Made in India, $699 in 5x8.
 

ED NOTE: Gary James is a North Carolina free-lance writer. He was formerly a senior editor for Furniture Today.

4.9.14