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| An overview of the CA Boom
Design Show, which was held recently in a hangar converted into an exhibit
space at the Santa Monica Airport. Floor covering manufacturers were among the
exhibitors eager to draw attention from the designers and architects on
hand. |
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“This is a whole new audience for us so we’re
trying to reach designers because they tend to understand the quality we are
offering,” said the company’s E-commerce manager, Valerie Bennett, while
greeting showgoers at the CA Boom design show. “As a company, we have been very
focused on the commercial market. That is an area that places a premium on
durability and performance as well as texture and color. It is really an
education process but we are very pleased with the response thus far.”
Bennett noted the company’s Southern California location is
also proving to be an advantage. Designers in the region who are increasingly
focused on “green” concepts in interior design are looking beyond how a product
is manufactured and considering how far it must travel. “We tell them they have
no need to go elsewhere; they can get what they want and stay local,” she said.
“That minimizes the transportation impact of the products. When you reduce the shipping
distance you reduce the impact on the environment. People are really picking up
on that here.”
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| Bentley Prince Street’s exhibit
was devoted to promoting its bps rugs. The line of area rugs is aimed at both
commercial and residential customers. |
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She added that the company’s
focus on commercial carpet is an advantage particularly as LEED certification
expands into the residential market. “We know the importance of LEED on the commercial
s side and we know the importance of making a design statement. I think that is
why we have been so well received here.” (For more information, visit
www.bentleyprincestreetrugs.com or
www.bentleyprincestreet.com)
-Al Stewart
