AREA - Summer 2015 by ORIA

AREA T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E O R I E N TA L R U G I M P O R T E R S A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .

DESIGN FOCUS

Lynne Scalo

SUMMER 2015

Canterbury COLLECTION BY

THE MIRA GE C OLLECTION

T R U LY O R I G I N A L RUGS AND PILLOWS Atlanta: July 7–14, Building 1, 4-D-2 | Las Vegas: August 2–6, Showroom B-480 LOLO I R U G S . COM / M I R A G E

From the President’s Desk

Dear Members and friends,

and our industry is among the most deeply impacted. Having been in touch with members

It is during difficult times—such as those contin-

who are active in Nepal, I’ve been told that the

uing to confront Nepal in the aftermath of two

situation is worse than has been reported in the

horrific, back-to-back earthquakes in April and

media—which already is truly unimaginable.

May—that we have an opportunity

One can only hope that the resilien-

to demonstrate our humanity—our

cy of the Nepalese people, support-

sense of caring for our fellow

ed by international relief efforts,

man—with acts of outstanding gen-

will manage to rebuild and restore

erosity and selflessness. I am proud

some degree of normalcy in the near

to report that our industry and par-

future.

ticularly,

members

our

There is still an incredible

Association, quickly stepped for-

amount of work to be done and

ward with an outpouring of dona-

funds are still desperately needed.

tions and on-the-ground assistance.

Although the media has moved on

I am doubly proud to be pres-

to other stories, the people of Nepal

this

are still struggling. I urge you to

Association that, by bringing

continue your support. Donations

ident

and

member

together a diverse group of individuals and com-

made to the Charitable Fund are tax deductible—

panies, was able to quickly mobilize to support

and you know that nearly 100% reaches those in

relief efforts. To date, the ORIA Charitable Fund

need. To find out how you can help, contact ORIA

alone has raised several thousand dollars earmarked for Nepal. All of the donations we hve

Executive

received have been distributed to our partners on

llaufer@oria.org or send your check or credit

the ground, who have direct access to those who

card information with the form on page 27.

need it most.

Director

Laufer

I look forward to seeing you at the upcom-

Many of our members have a close working

ing markets in Atlanta, Vegas and New York.

relationship with weavers and exporters in Nepal,

Thank you for your continued support.

REZA MOMENI President - Oriental Rug Importers Association, Inc.

6 Summer 2015

Lucille

AREA

Summer 2015

Published by the Oriental Rug Importers Association, Inc. 400 Tenafly Rd., #699, Tenafly NJ 07670 • 201-866-5054 • www.oria.org

President Vice-President Treasurer Secretary Executive Director AREA Advisory Committee

Editor-Emeritus Editor-in-Chief Editor Contributing Author Contributing Author Production

Reza Momeni Kami Navid Behrooz Hakimian Ramin Kalaty Lucille Laufer Reza Momeni, Chrm. Dennis Dilmaghani Archie Cherkezian Lucille Laufer Sally James Carol Milano Ellyne Raeuber Artistic Color Graphics

Contents 6

From the President’s Desk

Directory

In the News

Calendar

New Product Gallery

Index to Advertisers

From HQ

History & Heritage Paradise Underfoot: The Persian Garden Carpet

Design Focus: Lynne Scalo Inspired By Rugs With A Fresh Take On Traditional

Merchandising

Material submitted for publication will not be returned unless specifically requested. No article shall be reproduced in any form without the express written consent of the Oriental Rug Importers Association, Inc. Subscription price (for the trade only) is $30 for one year and $40 for two years in the United States. In Canada and Mexico the price is $35 for one year. The price for all other countries outside the U.S. is $60 for one year, payable by check drawn on a U.S. bank. Remittance must be attached to subscription order. Individual copies are available at $10 per issue.

E-Payment: Coming To Your Store?

AREA 7

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In The News PEOPLE

accounts. Over her 14 years at KAS, she has been

FEIZY RUGS announced the hiring of a new VPSales, Michael Ackelbein. Ackelbein is a seasoned veteran of the contract furniture industry who in his nearly thirty-year career has held many executive level positions, his most recent as Executive Vice

instrumental in the growth of national accounts and developing KAS’ advertising and marketing plans. In addition to her depth of experience in retail and many aspects of the wholesale business, she is well-liked and respected by her industry colleagues. Vee Curfman has been promoted to Sales

President at Corporate Source based in Dallas. In addition to stints at several furniture companies, providing leadership and growth at Inscape, Inside

Source

Insource,

and

Ackelbein

founded his own company, Access Contract Furniture based out of San Francisco. As Vice President of Sales for Feizy, Ackelbein will be responsible for leadMichael Ackelbein

ing the North and South American sales

teams and providing strategic direction for the growth

Manager for the south and mid-west territories. Vee has been with KAS for over five years and has been key in developing

several

states in the south along with growing national accounts in her territory. The sales team will

product knowledge and sales support during trade shows. KAS also welcomed Sandy Ford as Sales Manager for the east and

of Feizy's robust designer partner and retailer net-

west coast territories.

works.

Sandy comes to KAS

“Feizy has proven itself in the industry as a

with many years of

fashion forward player with a strong foundation built

experience in the home

on a tradition of quality manufacturing,” said

furnishings

Ackelbein. “The company is constantly pushing the

and many product lines.

do is a powerful driver for change in the rug manufacturing space. I am thrilled to be a part of it.”

their new product lines and territories.

management

“We are excited to have our new sales man-

team. Wendy Reiss

agement team in place to take KAS into the next level

has been promoted to

of business. All three come with many years of expe-

VP Sales & National

rience and excel in what they do. They are sincere,

will

hard working and honest with a high level of integri-

oversee regional sales managers and national

14 Summer 2015

in which she is held by

be a great asset to KAS and its sales team in growing

to announce its new

and

Given the high esteem Sandy Ford

industry peers, she will

KAS Rugs is excited

Accounts

industry

spanning the country

envelope in setting the bar for excellence; what they

sales

Vee Curfman

continue to rely on her

ty,” says Rao Yarlagadda, company president. Wendy Reiss

New Product Gallery

New from KAS: The Marbella Collection of elegant transitionals in wool that feature a random shearing texture. Shown right: Design 3503 Multi Courtney. Hand-hooked in India in four sizes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s but one of the many introductions slated for the upcoming summer markets. Visit KAS in their Atlanta showroom, 4C5 and in Vegas, space B-175 to see Marbella and more.

KAS www.kasrugs.com

Left: The Cyrus Collection offers beautifully distressed sumacs handknotted in India of 100 percent handspun viscose from bamboo. The luxe look is softened by intentional breaks in the pattern so that each piece appears like a well-worn antique, offering a statement piece for rooms of any dimension. Far Left: The Mirage Collection is modern elegance at its finest. Handknotted in India of 100% hand-spun viscose from bamboo, Mirageâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defining characteristic is its luxurious sheen, which creates the illusion of pattern fading in and out when viewed from different angles.

LOLOI www.loloi.com AREA

In The News PEOPLE

beginning in July 2015.

AMERICASMART ATLANTA has tapped George Kacic, a gift and home furnishings industry leader

U.S. wholesale and retail

Executive

In other important news, ORRA has

refreshed the Certified Rug Appraiser program

join

endeavoring to make acquisition of the highly valued

AmericasMart® Atlanta as

will provide many instructive tools designed to help knowledge.

a visionary force in the to

new, much improved website (www.orrainc.com) that members and the member’s staff to improve their rug

widely acknowledged as

communities,

Also, members will see a

Vice

President responsible for retail services operations,

according

Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr.,

George Kacic

vice chairman, president and chief operating officer of AmericasMart parent company AMC, Inc. Kacic’s appointment was effective April 1. In his new role, Kacic will direct AmericasMart’s large and growing retail services operations with a major focus on sustaining and expanding domestic and international retailer and designer presence and enhancing

their

experience

while

attending

CRA the goal of all members. The organization has initiated a Certified Rug Professional (CRP) designation which will be awarded to members who pass the written portion of the certification process while preparing for the rug identification portion of the CRA.

AmericasMart’s 14 annual markets and shows. INTERNATIONAL MARKET CENTERS (IMC) ORIENTAL RUG RETAILERS ASSOCIATION (ORRA) has adopted a new look and has appointed a new president. elevated

Hershberg, expands his role to assume responsibility for leasing at the

two year term as the

Las Vegas Design Center

leader.

(LVDC) in addition to

ORRA, a not-for-profit

existing responsibility for

supporting

handmade rug retailers,

Robe Leahy

is a vibrant organization established in 1969. At the upcoming Atlanta International Area Rug Market the organization will begin to do business as ‘ORRA ~ A Rug Education Association’. A fresh new logo has been designed and approved for use

16 Summer 2015

addition,

for Home Décor, Lee

Rob

OF CHARLESTON to a

company

Vice President of Leasing

Leahy of FINE RUGS

organization’s

Vice President for Gift Leasing.

At its

January 2015 meetings ORRA

announced that Terence Morris has been promoted to

Lee Hershberg

home décor leasing in Las Vegas and at the International Home Furnishings Center in High Point. In addition to these two changes, Jared Worrall has joined the Home Décor team as Leasing Director, moving from the furniture side of the business as of August 1, 2015.

New Product Gallery

Momeni is pleased to introduce The Fresco Collection of transitional designs from India. Handwoven of 100% viscose, this new collection has a luxuriously silky look and feel. Shown right: Design # FRE-01 Blue Also new from Momeni: The Renaissance Collection which carefully replicates Persian Qum silk carpets in a fine, 2 million point machine-woven construction. Each design is made in Belgium of 100% bamboo/rayon with hand-knotted fringes. Shown right: Design # Ren-04 Charcoal.

MOMENI www.momeni.com

For more information regarding the fine products offered in our

ANTIQUES & NEW PRODUCTS GALLERY please consult the Members Directory in this issue of Area Magazine.

AREA

In The News MARKETS

with

The destination of choice for the global retail and

new

ORRA

President,

Rob

Leahy.

AmericasMart Building 1, 4th Floor. Room 4-B-1

design community is set to deliver a show experience unmatched in size, scale and opportunity when buyers and sellers from around the world converge to make THE ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL GIFT AND HOME FURNISHINGS MARKET® (Showrooms: Tuesday, July 7 - Tuesday, July 14, Temporaries: Thursday, July 9 - Monday, July 13) and THE

1:30PM - 2:15PM “Knot to be missed.” Jim Garner and ORRA Vice President Mike Joseph will examine and discuss a group of selected rugs to help attendees develop their own rug identification skills. AmericasMart Building 1, 4th Floor. Room 4-B-1

ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL RUG MARKET® (Wednesday, July 8- Saturday, July 11) the center of

2:30PM - 3:30PM Enhancing your rug appraising. ORRA Appraisal

wholesale trade. The July 2015 Market—with its HOME, GIFT, RUG collections setting a fast pace—again becomes the source for all things new and next as legions of exhibitors stage product introductions among the thousands of lines offered across

Committee Chairman, Mark Keshishian and a panel of Certified Rug Appraisers (CRA) will open a forum to address the discipline associated with rug appraising in today’s marketplace. AmericasMart Building 1, 4th Floor. Room 4-B-1

AmericasMart’s 11 permanent merchandise categories. These include the continuing advancement of AmericasMart’s design-driven product resources, with new exhibitors joining the Building 1 Floor 15 mix following its January 2015 debut, and extensive

Friday July 10, 2015 9:30AM - 12:30PM Certified Rug Appraiser Examination. Jim Garner and education committee members will conduct the exam in two parts: written and rug identification. Please

new lines in the HOME and RUG collections. The centerpiece of the July Market, AmericasMart’s ICON HONORS 2015, celebrates professional achievements of home and gift retailers, manufacturers, sales agents and service providers at the most important and anticipated night in the gift and home industry. The celebration, featuring a per-

refer to the education page on the ORRA website for more information. (http://www.orrainc.com/education) Examinees will be quizzed on their historical and technical knowledge of hand-knotted rugs and tested on the proper ID of 35 Oriental rugs on site. AmericasMart Building 1, 4th Floor. Room 4-B-1

formance by the legendary duo Daryl Hall & John Oates, will be Thursday, July 9 in the Centennial

“What’s Up in the Rug Market?” Interior Designer

Ballroom of the iconic Hyatt Regency Atlanta. For

information,

please

2:30PM - 3:30PM

visit

www.AmericasMart.com.

Liaison, India Webber, and Information Technology Committee Chair, Frank Eways Jr, will moderate a new session for ORRA which opens a discussion on

ORRA SPONSORED SEMINARS Thursday July 9, 2015 12:30PM - 1:15 PM Meet the ORRA Board of Directors. Meet the ORRA Board members and share your thoughts and opinions

18 Summer 2015

the changing influences in our market. Topics will range from the best-selling rugs of today to the impact of the internet and the future role of ORRA. AmericasMart Building 1, 4th Floor. Room 4-B-1

In The News LAS VEGAS MARKET announced a series of excit-

known face within the rug market, with 15 years of

ing and dramatic changes to C-ONE, the cross-cate-

experience in logistics, development and organizing

gory showcase for directional tabletop, gift and home

trade shows.

décor resources, for the SUMMER LAS VEGAS

Over the last five decades Dennis Dodds has

MARKET, August 2-6, 2015. Key highlights include

built up a vast knowledge of antique rugs as well as an

showroom expansions for two of the leading c-ONE

impressive collection of antiques. He is one of the

anchor

Skyros

most respected collectors internationally, sitting on

Designs/Bodrum Linens; debut of several new brands

the board of the ICOC. Dodds can be credited with

in temporary presentations; and a dramatic redesign

organizing a show where some of the most creative

of the C-ONE tabletop corridor.

and cutting-edge carpet makers from around the

tenants—Michael

Aram

and

“Las Vegas Market continues to emphasize and advance the aesthetic appeal of the Market expe-

world have a platform to exhibit their amazing designs and craftsmanship under one roof.

rience, while also enhancing and expanding its over-

The 2015 NYICS will offer an eclectic and

all resources for buyers,” said Dorothy Belshaw, pres-

diverse set of vendors for the retailers to visit that will

ident of Gift & Home Décor, International Market

bridge the gap between designer/architect firms and

Centers. “These new developments on C-ONE reflect

the carpet industry. One of the core aims of NYICS

a continued, and carefully considered series of

will be to educate the design community and general

improvements to the Market experience, which fur-

public about the rug industry. The market will run

ther enhances our standing as the leading furniture,

from September 19-21. For more information, visit

home decor and gift destination in the western United

www.nyics.com.

States.”

Celebrating a milestone 10-year anniversary in

Since its debut in 2004, METRO MARKET WEEK

September 2014, the annual Fall trade fair NEW

has enjoyed participation from every important area

YORK INTERNATIONAL RUG SHOW (NYICS)

rug importer on the East Coast. Buyers will be treated

has maintained its reputation as a go-to event for rug

to an unmatched selection of the most innovative rugs

industry buyers and sellers.

in every design and construction from around the

News about the 2015 show is already emerg-

world. Convenient, complimentary transportation will

ing, with the founder, owner and well-respected rug

link all exhibitor showrooms in the metro area. For

aficionado Dennis Dodds, retiring and handing own-

special Market-only promotions, contact your favorite

ership of the NYICS brand to Murtaza Ahmadi. As a

exhibitors. The 2015 market is scheduled for August

member of the Ahmadi family who run the California-

31 to September 3. For all the details, visit

based rug firm Amadi Carpets, Murtaza is a well-

www.Metromarketweek.com.

AREA

In The News AWARDS CAPEL RUGS has received a “Best Of Houzz 2015” award for customer satisfaction from Houzz, a leading online platform for home remodeling and design ideas and sourcing. Each year, the Best of Houzz title is awarded to outstanding members of the home improvement industry for design and customer satisfaction. This year, more than 25 million monthly unique users from the Houzz community participated in the nomination process, with winners selected from among more than 500,000 designers, contractors, home-remodel companies, product sources and other professionals that are active participants on the website. Customer satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2014. Winners receive a “Best Of Houzz 2015” badge for inclusion on their site profiles, a tangible demonstration of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals across a wide range of product and service categories—from architects and home builders to landscape pros and remodelers. “We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award,” said Cameron Capel, vice president of national accounts for Capel Rugs. “Customer service has always been a cornerstone of our business, and to earn this recognition—which is based on direct feedback from homeowners and other Houzz users—is especially gratifying. The Best of Houzz award validates all the hard work and dedication our team applies every day toward making sure all of Capel’s customers receive the very best purchase and service experience possible.” The Houzz website provides homeowners and remodelers from coast to coast with a “360degree view of home building, remodeling and design industry professionals, empowering them to engage the right people and products for their project.

20 Summer 2015

SURYA president Satya Tiwari has been selected as a finalist in the Family Business Category for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2015 Award in the Southeast region, marking the second consecutive year that he has been recognized with this prestigious honor. Finalists were evaluated and selected by an independent panel of judges based on their business vision, financial performance, demonstrated leadership in driving innovation and commitment to social responsibility. Under Satya’s direction, Surya has grown organically from $2.7M in sales in 2004 to $100M during the most recent fiscal year and has been named by Inc. Magazine as one of America’s fastest growing privately held companies for four years running. In late 2015, Surya will open a one-million-square-foot state-of-the-art corporate headquarters and distribution center—bringing an additional 200 jobs to the North Georgia region. Since assuming the role of company president in 2004, Satya has systematically extended the Surya line across multiple product categories, quickly bringing to market the latest and most relevant designs backed by substantial inventory. Today, Surya has one of the fastest fulfillment rates in the industry and ships to more than 19,000 U.S. zip codes and 50 countries. Satya continues to invest heavily in marketing, technology and innovative new merchandising programs, all with the goal of providing best-in-class service and solutions that make it possible for independent furniture retailers and designers to compete effectively in the home accessories market. Winners from the Southeast region were formally announced at a black-tie awards gala on Wednesday, June 24 at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville. The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner will be selected from the pool of regional winners and announced at the annual awards gala in Palm Desert, Calif., on November 11, 2015.

In The News MARKETS Spring was in the air and gorgeous rugs were on the Show floor for the March 29-31, 2015 edition of THE RUG SHOW in LA at the Los Angeles Convention Center. With enviable weather, unmatched hospitality and an unparalleled lineup of leading luxury area rug

of Driscoll Robins Fine Carpets in Seattle said he was

brands, buyers and exhibitors alike agreed that this is

pleased to see so many top suppliers so close to home.

one rug show they want to come back to.

This market was great for us. I even picked up a new

“It’s a fantastic venue for buyers to have

line.”

everyone under one roof,” said Samad’s David

Don’t miss the next luxury buying experi-

Samad. “We were very satisfied with our first show-

ence: THE RUG SHOW @ JAVITS, Aug. 30-Sept.

ing at The Rug Show in LA. Retailer Driscoll Robins

2, 2015 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

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From ORIA HQ

ORIA WELCOMES SURYA AS ITS NEWEST MEMBER We’re pleased to announce that Surya, an industry

sories business. These tools include regularly updated

leader in a broad range of home furnishings, has has

display, merchandising and training solutions, along

joined

with extensive in-stock inventory, targeted promo-

the

The

Oriental

Rug

Importers

Association,(ORIA). Surya provides more than

tions and a national showroom presence. Additionally, Surya has a strong sense of

30,000 fashion forward home accessories for a broad range of lifestyles and

social responsibility and supports multiple not-for-

budgets. In addition to

profit organizations that promote education and

5,000+ rug designs, the

healthcare in rural India and other areas where Surya

company offers coordi-

products are made. Each year Surya donates 10% of

nating pillows, throws,

its pre-tax profits to these charitable organizations.

wall decor, accent furni-

“Surya started out as a rug company and

ture, lighting, decorative

while we have added other categories in the past sev-

accents and bedding,

eral years, rugs remain a core part of our business,”

along with an extensive

stated Satya Tiwari, president, Surya. “We joined

selection of outdoor

ORIA because, as a leader in the rug industry, we

products. In addition, they provide innovative display,

wanted to be a part of

merchandising and training solutions to support

the conversation on the

designers and retailers in successfully promoting and

many business and trade

selling rugs and home accessories.

issues that impact the

Founded in 1976 as a small supplier of hand-

industry and to share

knotted rugs based in Northern India, founder Surya

ideas and collaborate

Tiwari established a U.S. division in Calhoun,

with industry peers.

Georgia in 1986. Eighteen years later, he promoted

“Also, we appreci-

his son, Satya Tiwari, to the position of company

ate the work that ORIA does to help children in rug

president. Today, Surya continues to be based in

weaving countries,” he continued. “At Surya, we are

Calhoun, Georgia, but now has additional showrooms

passionate about contributing to the social and eco-

in Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, High Point, Las Vegas,

nomic welfare of the communities that we serve,

New Delhi and Toronto.

especially in helping to improve the lives of children

Surya is committed to optimizing the cus-

and families who reside in the rural Indian villages

tomer experience by providing designers and retailers

where the majority of our products are produced. We

with not only attractive, high quality products but also

look forward to being a part of this important organi-

all of the tools needed to build a strong home acces-

zation.”

22 Summer 2015

X X X UB N BS JBO D P N

From ORIA HQ Members Pledge Support For Nepal Relief Efforts

a focus at Feizy and we recognize that with a disaster like this, those children need our support now more than ever.”

As reports from Nepal streamed in and we became increasingly aware of the desperate humanitarian needs of this devastated country, the ORIA began working with organizations that operate in Nepal to determine how we could best help meet those needs. Contributions to the ORIA Charitable Fund, which was established a decade ago as a conduit for aid to rug weaving countries, has received thousands of dollars in donations for Nepal relief efforts. All money collected (minus the banking/transaction fees not to

KAS RUGS is helping those affected by the recent devastating earthquake in Nepal with a $20,000 donation. “What has happened is heart breaking” said Rao Yarlagadda, president. “There are so many things that are needed. Medical help, housing, food, water, etc. So many children have been affected. We want to do our part to help so many in need.” Donations made by company employees will be added on top of KAS’ donation and sent at one time.

exceed 3%) will be earmarked to go directly to helping those who need it the most, on the ground in Nepal. More is needed. If you would like to donate to the ORIA Charitable Fund ~ Nepal Earthquake Relief, please contact the ORIA at llaufer@oria.org. Note that The ORIA Charitable Fund is a 501 c(3) Tax Exempt Organization, IRS Tax Exempt # 20-1090669.

NOURISON has made an immediate donation of $10,000 and will donate additional proceeds from their best-selling Nepal Collection that was inspired by the artistry and culture of Nepal. “We felt that we needed to help Nepal during this tragedy,” said Alex Peykar, principal of Nourison. “Our industry has always had close ties with the people and region of

ORIA members who have made donations include CAPEL RUGS. “This catastrophe has impacted millions of lives and we are committed to doing all we

Nepal. Our goal [was] to raise $25,000 during the month of May and we hope that these funds can help with the relief efforts.”

can to help during this difficult time of recovery,” said Cameron Capel, vice president of national accounts for Capel Rugs and a member of the ORIA Executive Board. “All of the money being collected by ORIA is going directly to helping those on the ground in Nepal who need it the most—especially children.”

SURYA has made a donation of $20,000 to the American Red Cross in support of the organization’s relief efforts in Nepal in the wake of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the country in April. Donations were collected from Surya employees and sales reps and matched by Surya.

In response to the tragedy in Nepal, FEIZY RUGS has supported The Global Fund for Children (GFC) with a $15,000 donation, as well as making a commitment to provide a portion of the company’ sales through May 15th, in an effort to bolster the organization in bringing critical relief to Nepalese children and their families. “As rug manufacturers, we have worked for decades with the people of Nepal,” said John Feizy, CEO of Feizy Rugs. “Helping the children of the world to have a better life has always been

24 Summer 2015

TAMARIAN CARPETS has been among the most pro-active in relief efforts. Steve Cibor, Tamarian’s founder, established The Phoenix Fund for Nepal Relief, a 501 c(3) charitable fund committed to donating “every penny collected to provide aid directly to the earthquake victims” in response to customer requests. This includes absorbing fees from credit card companies and PayPal. In addition, company co-

From ORIA HQ If you would like to contribute and take advantage of the matching funds, please go to www.mercycorps.org/people/tufenkianartisancarpets/NepalEarthquake.

OTHER INDUSTRY INITIATIVES Label STEP is working with the ORIA to raise funds to help the carpet weavers and workers affected by the disaster. The organization reported that the STEP owner Ryan Higgens flew to Nepal to personally

team and their families in Kathmandu were fine and

access the damage, particularly to rug weaving vil-

their offices had also not been damaged. However, a

lages, and determine where and how help should be

significant number of the weaving workshops and liv-

delivered. Ryan has continues to make additional vis-

ing quarters had been seriously damaged and many

its during the recovery period.

areas had not yet been reached at press time. Although the exact use of the money raised

The Nepal Cleft and Burn Center, established by TIBET

RUG

COMPANY

executive

Jim

Webber, has become an emergency hospital for the treatment of earthquake victims. In an email, Nepal Director, Dr. Shankar Rai reported: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every day we are receiving injured. We have mobilized our ortho team to operated on patients in our four operating rooms. We already have admitted over 90 patients and our bed capacity has been increased to 150. We have received an international team from South Africa sent to us by the Ministry of Health. Your kind words at

could not be determined until the situation and the

this difficult time has been very helpful...Please, kind-

needs were fully accessed, all donations are being

ly pray for our people.â&#x20AC;?

used exclusively to support those affected. The call

In addition, TIBET RUG has established a

for donations can be found on the STEP website:

separate earthquake relief fund. For those wishing to

http://www.label-step.org/en/news/news/detail/arti-

make a contribution, go to www.nepalcleftandburn-

cle/help-nepal/

center.org. Donations to the Nepal Cleft & Burn Center should be earmarked so that the funds go

WARP & WEFT has committed 15% of sales pro-

directly to earthquake relief.

ceeds on all stock and custom orders, as well as balance payments on pending orders, directly to its

TUFENKIAN, is yet another member working to

weaving families. Warp & Weft has also reached out

help the people of Nepal. The company has pledged

to its customers and industry associates to suggest

matching funds of $15,000 to Mercy Corps, a human-

contributions to organizations such as STEP, The

itarian organization with long ties and deep roots in

Nepal Cleft and Burn Center and ORIA Charitable

the country of Nepal.

Fund.

AREA

From ORIA HQ

NOUROLAH NEMAN 1918-2015

The ORIA is deeply saddened to report the passing of

They married and had two sons and two daughters,

Nourolah Neman, father of Said and Dan Neman of

building a beautiful family and a happy life together.

Neman International, on February 24th, 2015. Mr.

Shortly before the Revolution in Iran, the

Neman was 96.

family migrated to New York City. Having already

Nourolah Neman was born in Esfahan, Iran

established business ties in his adopted country, Mr.

on December 12th, 1918. His mother died when he

Neman was able to resume his business operations as

was just six years old, leaving his older sister to raise

an importer of fine carpets. Oldest son Said, followed

him along with his three brothers and two other sis-

by younger son Dan, would join the family business,

ters. An entrepreneur at heart, Mr. Neman started

which flourishes today as a leading source for rugs,

working to help support his family at just 10 years of

especially among high end retailers and designers. As

age. Eventually this led him to the importing and

the proud father of two successful sons, Mr. Neman

exporting of fabrics from around the world.

came regularly to the office, lending his years of

As his business grew and he became a suc-

experience, strength and valuable guidance.

cessful businessman, he garnered tremendous respect

Mr. Nourolah Neman was a devout man of

and the trust of everyone he met in business and his

faith. His family name, Neman, in Hebrew means

personal life. Mr. Neman met his wife, Behdjat, on a

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;trustworthy and loyal.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; This truly reflected his nature

chance encounter at a Persian Bazaar, where he was

and personality. He was beloved by everyone who

working and she happened to walk in as a customer.

knew him and he will be dearly missed by all.

26 Summer 2015

ORIA CHARITABLE FUND 2014-2015 DONOR HONOR ROLL

GOODS & SERVICES Rugs and services for the 2014 Silent Auction were graciously donated by the following companies: AmericasMart Atlanta Amici Bashian Caravan Capel Chaman Antique Rugs

ORIA

PLATINUM $15000 + Nourison

Explore Airtrans Services Jaunty Kas Kalaty Loloi Lotfy & Sons Momeni Nourison Oriental Weavers Tamarian Tibet Rug Co. Revita Rugs

CHARITABLE

GOLD $2000-4999 ABC Carpet & Home (Wooster House) Momeni Safavieh

Yayla Chris Walter BRONZE up to $999 Rafi Amirian Association of Rug Care Specialists Atiyeh International Alix Perrachon Woven Concepts (HJR)

SILVER $1000-1999 Jaunty Samad

FUND

DONATION

Name

Total Amount of Donation:

Company

Paid by:

Address

Check # (Enclosed)

FORM

Credit Card (Mastercard or Visa Only) Phone

Card #

E-Mail

Signature

Date

Expiration Date

Type of donation (select one): K Unrestricted Donation to be used where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most needed K Restricted Donation for use in... K India

K Pakistan

Mail to:

ORIA Charitable Fund 400 Tenafly Rd., #699 Tenafly NJ 07670

Thank you for your generous donation!

K Nepal

K Special Project

The ORIA Charitable Fund is a 501 c(3) Tax Exempt Organization - IRS Tax Exempt #20-1090669

(Please Specify)

History & Heritage

Garden Carpet, Northwest Persia; approximately 23'4x10'8; late 18th century. The Chahar Bagh design is repeated to form a longer carpet where stylized fish sometimes swim in pairs rather than in the more typical single file. The garden features three medallions; and outer walls abut a moat-like outer watercourse that protects the paradisiacal tranquility of the garden. Photograph Courtesy of Sotheby's, Inc. ÂŠ 2003.

History & Heritage

PARADISE UNDERFOOT The Persian Garden Carpet BY ELLYNE RAEUBER Humans have always sought to create a heaven on

Pasargadae in the 1970s it was not surprising that the

earth. Gardens are closer, probably, to man’s vision of

archaeological remains revealed a walled garden with

earthly paradise than anything else, so everybody

stone water channels and pools, orchards, terraces,

from Adam and Eve on loves a garden. These verdant

walkways, and pavilions.

landscapes have been captured for centuries by writ-

The “Great Gardener,” another of Cyrus II’s

ers, visual artists and craftspeople who give the dream

sobriquets, had conceived and constructed a sumptu-

of paradise a portable, imaginable form. In the ancient

ous aqueduct-fed park with formal gardens and

Islamic Persian world, weavers wove paradisiacal

orchards to grace it. It is this early garden that would

gardens into elegant and often unique carpets, garden

offer a template for future Persian gardens including

carpets, to be precise.

those at palaces in Persepolis and Susa, and centuries

But both gardens and the quest for paradise were

later, at Ctesiphon. The garden’s design concept

themes in Persian life before Islam. The Persian gar-

would travel and influence garden design in countries

den carpet’s biography, and Persia’s, begins with the

as far away as India, North Africa, Sicily and Spain,

creation of the Persian Empire. From 550 to 330 BCE,

where The Alhambra palace and gardens still exist.

Cyrus II, known as Cyrus the Great, and his founding dynastic Achaemenid family created and ruled the

FOUR-PART HARMONY

Persian Empire. Cyrus began by defeating the king of

The garden’s primary design principle was

Media in 550 BCE and then amassed an empire

known as the Chahar Bagh, the division of the garden

grander than the world had ever seen, stretching as it

into four sectors, “four gardens” literally, in Persian.

did from Anatolia and Egypt to Asia, including Libya,

“These are quadrilateral gardens divided into four

Ethiopia, Thrace, Macedonia, Afghanistan and north-

quadrants by water channels and walkways often with

ern India.

a shallow square ornamental pool at the center,” explained Maryam Ekhtiar, Associate Curator,

A PALACE IN PERSIA

Department of Islamic Art at The Metropolitan

Cyrus the Great built a palace in Pasargadae that

Museum of Art. “Each of the four quadrants contains

was a sprawling, city-like entity. Persian palaces often

flowering trees, shrubs and plants enlivened by birds

included the king’s own palace as well as separate

while the waterways sometimes include fish and

reception palaces; the store rooms of the treasury;

waterfowl.”

headquarters for the military; buildings for other gov-

The quadrants in Cyrus the Great’s prototypical

ernmental offices; and housing. There were kitchens

garden are said to reflect, by design or happenstance,

areas, stables, and fortified walls. And there were gar-

the four natural elements—earth, heavens, water and

dens. So when David Stronach excavated in

plants—that form the cosmic order written about in

AREA

History & Heritage the Avesta, the ancient holy book of the Zoroastrians.

PERSIAN GARDEN CARPETS

The Chahar Bagh also evokes the Koranic reference

Move forward in history to the time of Chosroes

to paradise: the rivers of milk, honey, wine and water.

I, the 22nd and most respected Sassanian Emperor of

Often in Islam, religion and gardens “have been

Persia, who ruled from 531 to 579 CE, a period when

associated in discussions of paradisiacal imagery in

art and science flourished. Now, there is reference to

Islamic culture and art. In the Koran and other reli-

a huge carpet, a carpet that was representative of

gious texts, paradise is presented as a verdant garden

Cyrus the Great’s Charhar Bagh garden; a carpet—

with flowering trees, plants and streams of water

whether it be real or legend —that virtually brought

inhabited by birds and fish,” Ms. Ekhtiar said. And

the garden indoors.

not to be forgotten is the Judeo-Christian iconic garden, the Garden of Eden.

Chosroes built a palace in Ctesiphon. There in winter, it is said, the enormous 90x90 carpet made of fine silk and known as the “Spring of Chosroes” carpet, covered the floor of the palace. This very early garden carpet was described by the Arab historian Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, in perhaps exaggerated terms; nevertheless, if real, it must have been an extraordinary carpet. According to al-Tabari, the carpet was filled “with streams and paths, trees and beautiful spring flowers. The wide border all round showed flower beds of various coloring, the ‘flowers’ being blue, red, yellow, or white stones. The ground was yellowish, to look like earth, and it was worked in gold. The edges of the streams were worked in stripes, and between them stones bright as crystal gave the illusion of water, the size of the pebbles being what pearls might be. The stalks and branches were gold or silver, the leaves of trees and flowers made of silk, like the rest of the plants, and the fruits were colored stones.” LEFT Carpet Fragment, Northwest Persia; approximately 7'9x2'11; 17th century; sold for $221,000. One of four pieces that together would measure almost 18x7. A birds-eye-view pattern focuses on the curvilinear qualities of the flowers and trees. The trees point in different directions and can be viewed from many angles. The 'vase' motif is the same as that used in the Jaipur Garden Carpet. Photograph Courtesy of Sotheby's, Inc. © 2014.

30 Summer 2015

History & Heritage When the Sassanid Dynasty was overthrown in

and the basins or pools that sat mid-waterway are rep-

651 CE by the Arabs, lore has it that the great carpet

resentative and reminiscent of the medallions typical-

was cut into pieces and passed out to a variety of lead-

ly found in Persian carpets. Cypress trees are a ubiq-

ers. No one person was thought to be great enough to

uitous feature, repeating in different quadrants and

own it in its entirety. After this distribution, very little

fields. The often curvilinear qualities of the trees and

rug history is really documented until Shah Abbas, the

flora are typical of Persian art and artistry.

great Safavid king, ruled from 1588 to 1629. The “Spring of Chosroes” carpet legend notwithstanding, it was during Shah Abbas’ reign that garden carpets really began to be produced. EVER PRESENT ELEMENTS Symmetry is ever-present in Islamic carpets and can be seen in Persian garden carpets, certainly in the Chahar Bagh which was often multiplied to create a longer garden. “The visual effect of the garden carpet is akin to a bird’s-eye or aerial view of a Chahar Bagh garden. Garden carpets were often very large, so the quadrilateral composition was repeated a few times to accommodate the length of the carpets,” explained Ms. Ekhtiar. Each carpet exhibits its own distinct design details often depending on what was in fashion at the time of weaving and where it was woven. Having traveled from Persia, the Chahar Bagh design can be found in Indian carpets of the Mughals, but these carpets usually exhibit the more naturalistic style that Mughal artists and artisans tried to achieve. “If you look at Indian carpets,” said Mary Jo Otsea, Worldwide Director of Sotheby’s Rug Department, “those are the ones that try to portray flowers, for example irises, more naturalistically. In contrast, most of the Persian carpets are quite stylized.” Waterways were represented by bi-colored crosshatch or lattice patterns that simulate moving water,

AREA

History & Heritage

Tabriz Garden Carpet, Northwest Persia; approximately 16'6x12'1; circa 1900. This carpet is notable for its Chahar Bagh design, with waterways created by four inscription panels enclosing repetitions of a Persian verse. Photograph Courtesy of Sotheby's, Inc. © 2007

Abundant flora and fauna fill the fields of these

FAMOUS GARDEN CARPETS

carpets: five-petalled flowers, trellises, Chinese

“Although Chahar Bagh gardens have existed for

phoenixes, dragons and ducks, flying birds and swim-

centuries, its rendition as a carpet dates back to the

ming fish and animals including leopards, lions, and

first half of the 17th century or even earlier,” said Ms.

deer all may make an appearance on garden carpets,

Ekhtiar. “The earliest known example of the type is

again naturalistically or extremely stylized, depend-

currently in the collection of the Albert Hall Museum

ing on where and when the carpet was woven.

in Jaipur, India and dates to 1622-1632. Many extant

In another popular, but less traditional category of

Persian-style garden carpets were produced in

garden carpets, waterways were omitted, replaced by

Northwestern Iran in the province of Kurdistan in the

radically stylized rows of flowerbeds. Each flower—

18th and 19th centuries and are based on the earlier

or shrub—is in its own compartment, with each hori-

models.”

zontal row usually containing one particular kind of

In this most intricate and acclaimed carpet, the

shrub or flower. The plant may be repeated in a later

Jaipur Garden Carpet, 28’4x12’4 in size, the Chahar

row, so that repeating patterns maintain symmetry.

Bagh’s quadrants are subdivided into sections with

32 Summer 2015

History & Heritage

Garden Carpet Fragment, Northwest Persia; approximately 6'11x4'4; 18th century; sold for $27,600. Individual flowerbeds are rigidly and symmetrically framed by what in earlier, more naturalistic Safavid design, would have been straight water channels. Now radically stylized, each horizontal row contains a different kind of shrub, with some shrubs repeating again a few rows below. Photograph Courtesy of Sotheby's, Inc. © 2006.

many smaller garden plots. The incorporation of this

of the Chahar Bagh with a minimalist concept of a

‘vase’ design is associated with Kerman rugs and

vase carpet: waterways create quadrants; each quad-

shows that cartoon designs for rugs, and sometimes

rant is multiply divided into a minimalist vase design

carpet weavers, were portable. When the court or

—no vases, few intertwining leaves, but trees and

wealthy patrons in India commissioned a rug, the

flowers sprouting in repeated sectors.

design was often inspired by the designs that were known throughout the Safavid Empire.

The Jaipur carpet features a central pool containing fish, duck, turtles and fabulous Chinese animals

A typical vase pattern features a stylized floral

and also houses a blue domed pavilion with a throne

design sprouting from a repeated pattern of vases that

for the Emperor to sit on and view the garden and

fill the field. Each vase is meant to be viewed from

orchards. Beasts appear to break the serenity of the

one perspective. There may be, however, no actual

garden as ferocious animals and a dragon prey upon

vases, just a superimposed pattern of arabesques

one another, but, too, orchards of flowering and fruit

and/or leaves intricately intertwined and reiterated

laden trees are to be found.

throughout. The Jaipur carpet combines the concept

Another famous garden carpet, the Wagner

AREA

History & Heritage Garden Carpet, circa 1650, now part of the Burrell Collection of Glasgow, is considered, together with the Jaipur, to be one of the earliest surviving Persian garden carpets in the world. Made in Kerman, it was named after its former owner. It is unique in design, featuring a garden of four parts, two squares and two rectangles, formed by waterways that take the shape of an H. There is a medallion shaped pool of water centered in the crossbar of the H. The field is lush and dense with cypress and other flowering trees and shrubs, as well as with animals including ducks, lions, leopards, gazelles, peacocks, storks and pigeons; while fish float in the water. STILL IN DEMAND It is thought that when Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon, he was awakened to the art of the carpet; that he adorned his court with carpets; and that his tomb was covered in carpets. It seems appropriate that a carpet lover should have been the inspiration for an entire genre of carpets. Looking at the Persian garden carpets that have survived, as well as antique reproductions of that ageold design, shows how a design that comes close to being paradise will never fade, but will continue to be in demand. “The older garden carpets are the ones that are hot right now,” noted Ms. Otsea. “We’ve sold some of the early ones for $150,000 to 200,000. Like all the classical pre-1800 carpets, there is some good demand for them. The designs do prevail all the way through; it’s a very old pattern and it persists.” This past winter, wouldn’t you have wanted a little bit of paradise waiting to welcome you on your return home? Some flowers, a few fish, flowing water? A Persian garden carpet?

Garden Carpet, Northwestern Iran or Kurdistan; 18'7x7'11; cotton warp and weft, symmetrically knotted wool pile; circa 1800. Gift of William R. Pickering, 1967. Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

34 Summer 2015

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Design Focus

LYNNE SCALO Inspired By Rugs That Offer A ‘Fresh Take’ On Traditional Design

For Greenwich, CT interior designer Lynne Scalo, handmade decorative carpets have always played a key role in her timeless signature interiors exuding a seamless blend of classical style and glamour. “I grew up with them,” says Ms. Scalo, a Connecticut Fairfield County native whose projects span Connecticut, New York, the Hamptons, Colorado, London, and Frankfurt. Both parents nurtured her deep appreciation of the art form. Indeed, her mother, a Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) graduate, showed her the intricacies of handmade rugs’ weaving construction and her father was an avid collector of antique oriental rugs. Marching to the beat of her own drum, she branched out of the traditional rug sphere immersing herself into transitional and contemporary carpets which are the perfect fit for her eclectic interiors. For Ms. Scalo, the handmade rug brings to the table a richer, more authentic look which the machinemade alternative simply can’t duplicate.

The caramels and golds pops of blue exhibited in a transitional carpet pair well with the sofas, window treatments, and cushions in this living room. Courtesy of Lynne Scalo Design. Photography by Tim Street Porter.

STORY BY ALIX G. PERRACHON

AREA

Design Focus

ABOVE The charcoal repeat relates to the silvery reflective surfaces in the side table table, wing chair feet, and cushions while its ivory accents bring light to this wood-paneled library. Courtesy of Lynne Scalo Design. Photography by Tim Street Porter. OPPOSITE The luminous silk gold medallions enhance the gilt effect of the centerpiece adorning the dining room table.Courtesy of Lynne Scalo Design. Photography by Tim Street Porter.

“There are no rules!” asserts the designer when

design. Contemporary Tibetans harmonize equally

discussing her approach to decorating with handmade

well with her signature look which deftly mixes

decorative rugs. Indeed, the type of rug selected

handcrafted objects from different periods and styles.

depends on the space and the client’s likes and dis-

Attracted to Audrey Hepburn-style glamour, it’s no

likes. Equally important, she adds: “I really let the

wonder that luxurious silk-and-wool pieces grace the

space inspire and guide me.” Whether the rug comes

floors of many of her interiors. But, she is also drawn

first or last in the decorative process is a function of

to the contemporary appeal of Moroccans. “I love

the project at hand. The inspiration for a room’s decor

them!” she exclaims with characteristic enthusiasm.

can flow from the rug—or the other way around.

As for older rugs, the designer loves vintage

“I like rugs that have a fresh take on a traditional

pieces worn down to the foundation. “They look so

design,” comments Ms. Scalo who has her created

luxurious when I float them over sisal,” comments

own furniture and accessories collection. “I’m

Ms. Scalo whose background in is in fine arts. “They

attracted to carpets whose design has an historic base

are wonderful works of art.” Whether these rugs are

that is reinterpreted with a new graphic and colors

naturally or deliberately “distressed” if of no conse-

which makes them look so modern.” Generally, she

quence as long as the right look is achieved. No mat-

favors transitional-style rugs in soft cool neutrals as

ter the rug type she selects, the piece must be an inte-

they pair harmoniously with her eclectic interiors

gral component of an interior that is both soothing

characterized by their modern twist on classical

and livable.

38 Summer 2015

Design Focus True to her mantra of marrying functionality with

ity of neutral tones in the home, she enjoys placing

sophisticated design, the designer will let the circum-

bolder and more colorful pieces in smaller rooms or

stances dictate whether a room-sized rug is the right

other rooms that are rarely used such as guest rooms.”

choice for the space or not. “It depends on the size of

This is an exciting way of injecting color--which she

the room,” she notes. “Some rooms are so huge that I

loves--in the the home while not having to live with

need to break them up.” She finds that using several

its overpowering vibrancy on a daily basis.

smaller rugs can be a wonderful way to anchor dis-

Consistent with her esthetic, Ms. Scalo refrains

tinct areas in a large room. If the project calls for it,

from mixing and matching rug and fabric patterns.

she might place an accent piece or two in conjunction

“I’m simply not a pattern-over-pattern person,” she

with a larger one.

comments as she explains her quest for a balance

When coordinating several rugs in the same or

between simplicity and elegance. I love that Coco

connecting spaces, she searches for pieces that have

Chanel ‘look’ but sometimes simplicity is the most

some sense of continuity mainly with respect to color.

challenging thing to achieve!” The thrill of all the ele-

Yet, here again, she comments: “It all depends.

ments coming together is what she thrives on. “It’s

Sometimes I may need to use the same rug in an

fun and I love it!” she adds. “That’s why I love being

adjoining area.” While generally favoring a continu-

an interior designer.”

RIGHT A sumptuous silk-and-wool "stone"-design rug in soft creams sets the soothing ambience in this living room that exudes classic chic. Courtesy of Lynne Scalo Design. Photography by Tim Street Porter. BELOW A mocha-ground with a large Khotan-inspired all-over floral pattern is the decorative statement in this elegant living room.Courtesy of Lynne Scalo Design. Photography by Tim Street Porter.

40 Summer 2015

Design Focus For Ms. Scalo, her mission as an interior design-

matter what the trends may be in the design world,

er is to educate her clients on the various levels of

Ms. Scalo sees herself continuing to decorate with

quality and authenticity of all things handmade

handmade decorative rugs. “I will always use them,”

including rugs. In effect, with the constant barrage of

she concludes. “I’m not a faddish person.” Indeed,

products and information currently offered online,

her interiors are designed to withstand the test of time

much of the younger generation in particular has not

thanks to a classic mix of quality handmade decora-

been sufficiently exposed to the arts. Moreover, no

tive carpets, artwork, and upholstery.

About The DESIGNER Equipped with a fine arts background and experience working in the Los Angeles theatrical world, Lynne Scalo established Lynne Scalo Design in 2000, a retail studio offering an edited mix of extraordinary furnishings, fabrics, rugs, lighting, accessories, and fine art. The featured collections reflect her signature style. Many of the pieces are her bespoke designs. Each of the pieces in the showroom embodies her natural appreciation of the art and craft of design. Originally located in Westport, CT, the firm relocated to Greenwich, CT in 2014. Renowned for her sophisticated yet functional design esthetic, Lynne is able to seamlessly blend modern glamour with classic elegance, transcending both staid traditionalism and faddish trends thereby instilling timelessness to all her projects. Integrating architecture and interior design with the clients’

Hamptons, Aspen, London and Frankfurt.

lifestyle is paramount in her work whether it be an

Her work has been published in numerous publi-

urban residence or a country retreat. Thanks to her

cations including Interiors, Luxe, Elle Decor, The

extensive background in fine arts and well-travelled

New York Times, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens,

eye, Lynne works with clients on developing and

Casa y Gente, and A Modern Estate. She was fea-

expanding their art collections. Her projects have

tured in Interiors’ Best of Interiors 2012 Edition and

been located in Connecticut, Manhattan, the

in Metropolitan Home Book’s Design 100.

OPPOSITE The soft aquas and greens in the whimsical floral pattern in this chocolate-ground rug are played up in the modern art, stools, and decorative accessories in this contemporary seating area. Courtesy of Lynne Scalo Design. Photography by Tim Street Porter.

42 Summer 2015

Merchandising

MOBILE ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS Coming Soon to Your Store?

by Carol Milano

44 Summer 2015

Merchandising Today’s consumers can choose to use their mobile

issuers. It was not accepted at many stores.

phone almost like a wallet. The new apps for mobile

payment allow merchants to accept “virtual cash,”

works on Android phones. Users can pay at certain

while shoppers need not bother to carry money or

stores, including CVS and Subway.

Softcard, from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T,

credit cards. Major electronics companies keep creating products to make e-payment easier and more widely available.

IS E-PAYMENT RIGHT FOR YOUR STORE?

Is it catching on? In 2014, Americans used their

So far, retailers who are most involved in e-pay-

phones to spend nearly $5 billion in stores, well above

ments are national chains. Michael Levin, associate

the 2013 totals. However, they spent $4.8 trillion

professor of Marketing at Otterbein University in

using their credit cards in stores! That’s why develop-

Westerville Ohio, compares e-payments to point-of-

ers of e-payment apps for mobile phones see ample

sales devices, like Square. “For a smaller retailer that

opportunity to attract more shoppers—in fact, by

doesn’t do thousands of transactions, Square is fan-

2017, Americans will spend $90 billion annually by

tastic.” It charges a flat fee plus a percentage of each

mobile payments, predicts Forrester Research.

transaction, with lower interbank fees than credit

Companies are very eager to give consumers a range

cards. “Square captures a customer’s e-mail address,

of hopefully appealing choices.

puts a suggested tip on the bill, and sends a receipt. Employees can use Square on a mobile device or

E-PAYMENT OPTIONS A mobile e-payment app works by linking that

tablet, roam the store, and let customers pay wherever they are, without going to a cash register.”

phone to the consumer’s bank or credit-card accounts,

As e-payment technology expands, “Larger

and by being usable at different retail stores. Each app

retailers will adopt some form of a point-of-sales sys-

brand tries to have distinctive features. Among the

tem,” Professor Levin anticipates. “They’ll get a bet-

more popular are:

ter rate on fees. I can definitely see a higher-end floor-

ApplePay, released last October. Users wave their

ing or furniture store switching to e-payment as a way

iPhone6 or 6Plus to pay for an item. At stores that

to lower their purchase costs. Customers may come to

have set up sensors for ApplePay (including

expect e-payment options as part of a higher level of

McDonalds and Walgreens), users need not even

service.”

unlock their phone. They connect to different credit

It’s important to realize that these are newer apps,

cards simply by snapping pictures of them, and then

Levin points out. They work with Android or Apple,

choose which card to use for a particular purchase.

but only when the customer’s phone has the latest

Paypal is experimenting with an in-store device

technology. A store will need to install the newest

that will allow shoppers to make a purchase without

equipment and technology to make its systems com-

even taking the phone out of a pocket.

patible with consumer’s state-of-the-art phones. For

CurrentC is being developed by a group of major

customers who have older phones, which cannot uti-

retailers, such as Best Buy and Walmart. Its special

lize the e-payment app, your store will still need to

feature will be loyalty rewards for customers who pay

keep the older card readers.

with their mobile app. o

The Google Wallet had a slow start because it

connected with only a few banks or credit card

Who should consider adding an e-payment option? Professor Levin raises key considerations: As technology becomes cheaper, different sizes

AREA

Merchandising and types of retailers are adopting it. For smaller

Systems at Walton College of Business, University of

stores, payment systems like Square are ideal, allow-

Arkansas. “Many consumers will accept the risk of

ing a credit card to be swiped through a reader instead

identity theft for the convenience of doing business by

of the register.

mobile phone. If the phone is lost, or just accessible to

Offering the e-payment option is an imagebuilder, Professor Levin believes: “It shows you’re

an authorized person in some way, a great deal of financial information could be stolen.”

current on technology.” By using the mobile app to

A customer can also choose to have a purchase

replace a card swipe, “You’ll save on each payment

deducted directly from a bank account; the retailer

with a lower interbank fee. Your profits can rise even

can’t see that the account information, Professor

if sales don’t! When payment is due on delivery, your

Levin notes. When a purchase is tied to a debit card,

driver simply swipes the phone with a reader.” In

the retailer can get a message of Insufficient Funds.

home furnishings, “Older consumers with more

Retailers must think about what happens when

resources may want the latest, greatest tools,” he says.

something goes wrong, Professor Venkatesh cautions.

“You may not need to rush out to switch, but as peo-

“You need to plan how to handle the challenges asso-

ple grow more familiar with e-payment, your cus-

ciated with new e-payment devices—you’re adding

tomers will expect it.”

one more data collection approach. Storing data on a

Cost is another factor. Consider the size of your

phone creates more vulnerabilities than other systems,

store, which determines how many new transmitters

at different points. How will you compensate a cus-

you’d require in the ceiling so that new e-payment

tomer in case of a problem? Liability depends on what

apps could be used. “You’ll need the software system

is breached—often it’s the financial institution that

to manage e-payment, plus the reader. Right now, you

becomes liable.” A customer may only be responsible

can buy both the hardware and software,” Professor

for a small amount, typically $50, that Visa or

Levin explains.

MasterCard charges a cardholder in case of a breach.

“Soon, vendors will start offering to manage all

When Target’s customer data information system

the e-payment components for you, after you pur-

was breached, it cost over $100 million! “It may be

chase the transmitters,” he expects. “If your current

easier for a large retailer to recover, but consider how

point-of-sale system already has the necessary trans-

your store would respond,” advises Professor

mitters built in, so that you can use ‘Tap’N’Go’ on

Venkatesh. There are important impacts beyond the

your register, there’s no additional fee to begin work-

financial cost. “How does a data breach affect brand

ing with ApplePay. With an older register, you’ll need

perception? How will people feel about the store?

to upgrade or get a separate reader. Each employee

Target offered discounts. Even if an incident occurs,

will need a reader in order to accept payments direct-

showing that you made the effort to respond can be a

ly on iPad.”

strong signal to customers.” For a retailer, e-payments may not change securi-

RISKS AND REWARDS

ty risks very much, says Professor Venkatesh. “The

The e-payment systems do have some risks.

data are also stored in the store’s system. It’s only the

Much of it is on the consumer side. “To some extent,

payment mode that’s different. You still go through

customers control where and how much financial data

payment gateways. However, the more points of

they expose,” explains Viswanath Venkatesh, distin-

transmission, the more potential for data to be stolen.”

guished professor and Billingsley chair in Information

Each maker of an e-payment app is trying to create

46 Summer 2015

Merchandising distinctive security measures for users, and Professor

observes Professor Venkatesh. “I think the new sys-

Venkatesh things they can be effective for protecting

tem has more benefits than risks—even if they’re not

a mobile site or gateway. “For instance, Paypal tries to

immediately tangible—including that it’s another way

protect information from being stolen. A digital ‘fin-

to protect your store.”

gerprint’ can be a form of security, too.” CurrentC is

As you start considering e-payment, “The only

trying a two-step security measure, making the user’s

retail category that shouldn’t adopt it is vending

social security number a “unique identifier.” When

machines,” Professor Levin declares. “Every other

thinking about the risks of e-payment, he suggests,

retail sector needs this.”

“Remember, stealing data from a server is more profitable than getting it from one individual phone!”

RESOURCE FOR READERS: Michael Levin, associate professor of Marketing

SUMMARY “Many of these new ways to do business emerge at higher-frequency retailers, like Starbucks,”

at Otterbein University, consults with retailers on analyzing decisions involving hardware and software technology. www.michaelalevin.com

AREA

ORIA Members Directory MEMBERS AMICI IMPORTS, INC. 335 Centennial Ave., Suite 7 Cranford, NJ 07016 (908) 272-8300 FAX (908) 272-8310 E-mail: amiciimports@amiciimports.com URL: www.amiciimports.com Jeffrey DeSantis, Pres. Charles F. Cashin, V.P.-Sales AMINCO, INC. 505 Winsor Drive Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 601-9200 (888) 501-9200 FAX (201) 601-4747 E-mail: mail@amincoinc.com Mikel Banilevi, Partner. David Banilevi, Partner ANADOL RUG CO. 1088 Huff Rd. Atlanta, GA 30318 (404) 350-8558 FAX (404) 350-3418 E-mail: anadolrugs@aol.com Suat Izmirli, Pres. Eloisa Izmirli, Sec’y Gafoor Khan, Sales ARIANA RUGS, INC. 666 N. Robertson Blvd. Los Angeles , CA 90069 (310) 289-8800 (888) 696-4960 FAX (310) 289-8808 E-mail: sales@arianarugs.com URL: www.arianarugs.com Ahmad Ahmadi , Pres. Alex Ahmadi, V.P. Nadra Ahmadi, Sec’y ASIA MINOR CARPETS, INC. 236 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10001 (212) 447-9066 FAX (212) 447-1879 E-mail: info@asiaminorcarpets.com Alp Basdogan, Pres. ATIYEH INTERNATIONAL, LTD. P.O. Box 3040 Newberg, OR 97132 (503) 538-7560 FAX (503) 538-8239 URL: www.atiyeh.com E-mail: rugs@atiyeh.com Leslie Atiyeh, Pres. Thomas J. Atiyeh, Exec. V.P. BASHIAN 65 Railroad Ave. Ridgefield, NJ 07657 (201) 330-1001 (800) 628-2167 FAX (201) 330-0878 E-mail: bashian@compuserve.com George G. Bashian, Jr., Pres. Garo Bashian, V.P. Ralph Bashian, V.P. Chintan Singh , Nat’l Sales Manager

48 Summer 2015

BENJAMIN RUG IMPORTS 20 Meadowlands Parkway Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 617-9000 (800) 334-1345 FAX (201) 617-9354 E-mail: tom@benjaminrugs.com URL: www.benjaminrugs.com Benjamin Aziz Stephanie Cohen Charles Bowering, Nat’l Sls Mngr. BOKARA RUG CO., INC. 50 Enterprise Ave. North Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 601-0040 FAX (201) 601-0055 E-mail: info@bokara.com URL: www.bokara.com Jan Soleimani, Pres. Gabriel Vaknin, V.P. CAPEL, INC. 831 North Main St. Troy, NC 27371 (910) 572-7000 FAX (910) 572-7040 E-mail: mail@capel.net URL:www.capelrugs.com John Magee, Pres. & CEO Allen Robertson, VP-Sales Cameron Capel, VP-Nat’l Accts. CARAVAN RUG CORP. 8725 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90254 (310) 358-1222 FAX (310) 358-1220 Mois Refoua, Pres. Nabi Rahmati, Sales Jay Nehouray, Sales David Nehouray, Sales Mario Cordero, Warehouse Mngr. WILLIAM CHERKEZIAN & SON, INC. /TAPIS INT’L 11835 Carmel Mountain Rd. Ste.1304 San Diego CA 92128 (818) 266-8383 William Cherkezian CONCEPTS INTERNATIONAL /Prestige Mills 3401 38th Ave. Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 683-5051 FAX (718) 683-5080 E-mail: ckalison@prestigemills.com Peter Feldman, Pres. Charles Kalison, VP THE CREATIVE TOUCH 401 Penhorne Ave., Suite 4 Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 866-1933 FAX (201) 866-1935 E-mail: info@creativetouchrugs.com URL: creativetouchrugs.com Baki Ildiz, Pres.

D & K WHOLESALE div. Dilmaghani (Medhi Dilmaghani & Co., Inc.) 540 Central Park Ave. Scarsdale, NY 10583 (914) 472-1700 FAX (914) 472-5154 (800) 545-5422 & (877) DIL-RUGS E-mail: sales@dkwh.com URL: www.dkwh.com Dennis A. Dilmaghani Essy Kashanian EASTERN ORIENTAL RUG CENTER INC. 50 Schmitt Blvd. Farmingdale, NY 11735 (516) 962-2175 (800) 538-5625 E-mail: info@eorconline.com Khalil Nabavian Hushang Nabavian Bahram Nabavian Benny Nabavian Pooya Nabavian EBISONS HAROUNIAN IMPORTS 143 Madison Ave., Ground Floor New York, NY 10016 (212) 686-4262 (800) 966-6666 FAX (212) 779-4262 E-mail: info@ebisons.com URL: www.ebisons.com Ebi Harounian, Partner Michael Harounian, Partner Maurice Harounian, Partner Melissa McMee, Designer ELIKO ORIENTAL RUGS, INC. 102 Madison Ave., 4th Floor New York, NY 10016 (212) 725-1600 (800) 733-5456 FAX (212) 725-1885 E-mail: elikorugs@aol.com URL: www.ElikoRugs.com Babadjian Bassalali, Pres David Basalely, Partner Soloman Bassalely, Partner Richard Garrad, Sales Mahtab Etessami, Sales FEIZY IMPORT & EXPORT CO. Feizy Center 1949 Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207 (214) 747-6000 (800) 779-0877 FAX (214) 760-0521 E-mail: salesinfo@feizy.com URL: www.feizy.com John Feizy, Pres./Founder/Owner Cameron Feizy, V.P. Sales Nasser Garroussi, V.P.-Finance FRENCH ACCENT RUGS & TAPESTRIES 36 East 31st St., Ground Floor New York, NY 10016 (212) 686-6097 (888) 700-7847 FAX (212) 937-3928 URL: www.farugs.com Kevin Rahmanan, Principal Khosrow Banilivi, CEO Bijan Nabavian, Treas. Danny Shafian, Operations Mngr.

HAROUNIAN RUGS INTERNATIONAL CO. 261 Fifth Ave., Ground Floor New York, NY 10016 (212) 213-3330 (800) 682-3330 FAX (212) 545-0657 E-mail: info@HRIRUGS.com URL: www.HRIRUGS.com David Harounian, Partner Lee Harounian, Partner HENRY GERTMENIAN CO. 1449 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 863-0377 FAX (415) 621-3538 E-mail: Hgertco@aol.com. Paul H. Gertmenian, Pres. Alfred Gertmenian, V.P. Kay Gertmenian, V.P. India-Nepal Daryl K. Wong, Principal David Zarrabi, Sls Mngr. JAUNTY CO. INC. 13535 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90061 (213) 413-3333 (800) 323-3342 FAX (213) 413-0828 E-mail: info@jauntyinc.com URL: www.jauntyinc.com Mike Navid, Pres. Kami Navid, V.P. KALATY RUG CORP. 156 Duffy Avenue Hicksville, NY 11801 (212) 683-7222 (800) ALL-RUGS (800-255-7847) FAX (212) 689-2705 E-mail: info@kalaty.com URL: www.kalaty.com Mirza Kalaty, Pres. Ramin Kalaty, V.P. Soheil (Mike) Kalaty, V.P.-Sales Farshad Kalaty, V.P. Client Relations Ariel & Kamran Kalaty, Mktg. & Promotions KAS ORIENTAL RUGS, INC. 62 Veronica Ave. Somerset, NJ 08873 (732) 545-1900 (800) 967-4254 FAX (732) 545-5836 E-mail: info@kasrugs.com URL: www.kasrugs.com Rao Yarlagadda, Pres. Hari Tummala, Exec. V.P. Kranthi Yarlagadda, V.P. Operations Santhi Yarlagadda, V.P. Business Dev.

LOLOI RUGS 4501 Spring Valley Rd. Dallas, TX 75244 (972) 503-5656 FAX (972) 387-0436 E-mail: aloloi@loloirugs.com URL: www.loloirugs.com Amir Loloi, Pres. Greg Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell, G.M. LOTFY & SONS INC. 3901 Liberty Ave. North Bergen, NJ 07047 (201) 867-7733 FAX (201) 867-0766 E-mail: lotfysons@aol.com URL: www.Lotfyandsons.com Marty Banilevi, Pres. Lotfollah Banilevi, V.P. Sheila Rahmanan, V.P. MARCELLA FINE RUGS 2910 Amwiler Ct. Atlanta, GA 30360 (770) 582-1800 (800) 786-7847 FAX (770) 582-1807 E-mail: mail@marcellafinerugs.com URL: marcellafinerugs.com Firooz Nahai, Pres. Fereydoun Nahai, Principal MARJAN INTERNATIONAL CORP. 41 East 31st St. New York, NY 10016 (212) 686-8488 (800) 862-7526 FAX (212) 576-1511 Morad Ghadamian Moradi, Pres. Khalil Ghadamian Moradi, V.P. MASTERLOOMS, INC. 5 Sampson St. Saddle Brook NJ 07662 (201) 556-9444 E-mail: masterlooms@aol.com Nasser Rahmanan, CEO MER CORP. 50 Spring St. Ramsey, NJ 07446 (201) 783-8563 TOLL-FREE: (800) 341-4176 FAX (201) 783-8561 E-mail: mercorp@att.net URL: merrugs.com Albert Moomjy, Pres. Robert Moomjy, V.P. Kathy Buttigieg, Sales Support MERRIFIELD ORIENTAL RUGS 8501 Tyco Rd. Vienna, Virginia 22182 (703) 876-4000 FAX (703) 876-9819 E-mail: merrifieldorientalruginc@yahoo.com Sayeed Hasanzadah, Pres. Lili McDonald, Store Mgr. & Marketing Dir. MICHAELIAN & KOHLBERG, INC. 315B Springfield Ave. Summit, NJ 07901 (908) 522-1004 FAX (908) 522-1006 Teddy Sumner, Principal

MOHAWK HOME 3032 Sugar Valley Rd, NW Sugar Valley, GA 30746 (706) 624-4624 Toll-Free: (800) 843-4473 FAX: (706) 625-9329 E-mail: customer_care@mohawkind.com URL: www.mohawkind.com Rocky Casteel, Pres.