Lissa Wyman
Launches American Treasures collection

NEW YORK — Karastan has launched its American Treasures collection, a group of coordinated broadloom carpets, runners and rugs, at Top 100 store ABC Carpet & Home here.

The collection features nearly a dozen patterns and colors, with suggested rug retails from about $899 to $2,399 for a 6 by 9 size. Broadloom is priced at about $75 to $200 per square yard, and runners at about $30 to $80 per linear foot.

 Several broadloom and runner designs have been developed to complement some of Karastan’s rug lines, including designs from the Original Karastan, English Manor and East Winds collections.

Dennis Thiets, Karastan’s vice president of sales, described the  launch as one of the most significant in the company’s history.

“All of the products are being made on Karastan looms in Eden, N.C.,” he said. “We think the fact that we manufacture in the United States is one of our major strengths. By the end of the year, we will have approximately 30 products in the American Treasures collection.”

The collection, made on 11 Kara-Loc Axminster and four Van de Wiehle Wilton looms, emphasizes all-wool rug construction, although future products may use wool/nylon and wool/polypropylene blends.

“When Karastan presented American Treasures to us, we knew this was earmarked for success because it answers such a critical need,” said Paul Chapman, vice chairman and president of ABC Carpet & Home. “Designers and specifiers tell us they are looking for stylish coordinates. American Treasures helps fill a void in the market, and it’s from a trusted brand with a great legacy.”

The initial group is comprised of nearly a dozen designs and represents one of the largest collections launched by Karastan,  the company said. Styles include tailored plaids, lattice looks, small-scale florals and subtly striated plain patterns. Palettes include red, black, ivory, green and gold, with eight space-dyed accent colors. The fibers are primarily New Zealand wool.

The line is in stock and ready to ship, said Thiets.

Karastan created a diorama-style display to showcase the line at ABC’s flagship store in Manhattan. The merchandising unit is 10 feet tall and 40 feet long and shows 13 American Treasures products in four sections.

Karastan is part of the Fashion Group at Mohawk Inds.