RETAIL INSIGHTS: LILLIAN AUGUST EXECS LAYOUT THE FUTURE, INCLUDE PLANS FOR PRIVATE LABEL RUG COLLECTION
Dan and John Weiss, the brothers behind Lillian Augusts, discuss the company's strategy, after shuttering the New York store, including adding a private label rug program and opening a New York designer showroom. |
NORWALK, Conn. -- Dan and John Weiss, the brothers behind boutique design retailer Lillian August, have big plans for the Connecticult business founded by their mother.
Despite shuttering their New York retail location late last year (read full story), the pair have big plans for their business. From adding a private label rug program to growing the company's to-the-trade business and opening a New York designer showroom, the Weisses sit down for an exclusive RugNews.com interview and share their ideas for the retailer's future and how rugs have become "the heart" of their operation.
What is your overall vision for the Lillian August brand brand? How did has that changed over the years?
DW: Our vision has always been to offer the very best in home furnishings with the philosophy to Love How You Live. Over the years the vision has developed to more heavily speak to our trade clientele and their needs.
How long has Lillian August offered in-house design services? How about your growing to the trade program?
DW: Since Lillian August's inception, our in-house interior design program has been an important part of the brand DNA. Lillian August is rooted in interior design. Our trade program has been growing for a decade now and the last few years have really been strong.
Why decide to add those designer elements to your retail format?
DW: We are dedicated to being the best one-stop resource for design and rugs.
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How is what your product offering different from what's available from other places?
JW: We are unique in that we offer an unbelievable selection.
How do area rugs fit into your business? What percentage of your business is generated by area rugs?
JW: Rugs are the heart of our business as good design builds from the rug. Every year we find ourselves focusing more and more on rugs.
Do you have a Lillian August line of rugs? can you provide details?
DW: Yes, we are in the process of creating a collection of rugs with the first phase to come out in January 2017. We can't reveal much yet but we will be at High Point this coming year so stay tuned!
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Do you have any changes planned to your area rug assortment or department?
DW: We are adding bolder colors to the assortment as well as "safe" fabrics.
How do you merchandise your rug assortment? Why?
DW:We merchandise by quality, price point and country of origin. This allows us to help our client find what they want more efficiently.
What vendors do you work with and why?
DW: We have a huge inventory of rugs and a large range of vendors but some of our favorites include Tamarian, Tufekian, Yerra, French Accents and New Moon.
Area rugs are the "heart" of Lillian August, with plans to add a private label program and extending the company's broadloom offering.
Any advice for rug makers looking to do business with you?
DW: Lillian August offers a great clientele and the opportunity to work with both our in-house designers and trade members.
Where do you go to source your rugs?
DW: India, Nepal, Turkey, China, Argentina, Peru.
What is next for LA in general and any thing planned in the rug category?
DA: We will continue to expand our exceptional design resources at the Lillian August Design Center in Norwalk. The rug department continues to grow by leaps and bounds and we are extending our lines of broadloom and other quality rugs.
What are the major drivers of the home furnishings industry today and what do you expect for tomorrow?
DW: More and more we find that home enthusiasts are understanding that they need to enlist professional design help. Lillian August is able to support our clients with service, expertise and curation that gives the design enthusiast access to the industry resource and professional guidance to help their dream become a reality.
Some of Lillian August's favorite area rug vendors include: Amer, Tamarian, Tufekian, Yerra, French Accents and New Moon.