As chief merchandising officer, Neil Hegwood has joined Annie Selke’s parent company, Rugs USA. He will be in charge of design and development for the company’s whole portfolio of brands, which includes the namesake Annie Selke brand, as well as the Annie Selke brands Dash & Albert and Pine Cone Hill, as well as Rugs USA and NuLoom.
Hegwood has worked with numerous well-known rug companies for almost thirty years, including Shaw, Mohawk, and Loloi, where he most recently served as vice president of design.
“We are thrilled to have Neil join our team and contribute his design vision, leadership, and depth of experience to our portfolio of brands,” said board chairman Dinesh Lathi. “As part of our commitment, we have invested in improving our design capabilities.”
Hegwood will be in charge of product development and design for the whole portfolio, which includes Annie Selke, the renowned manufacturer known for its classic, sophisticated style, which includes the namesake Annie Selke brand as well as Dash & Albert and Pine Cone Hill; NuLoom, the destination for modern styles and irresistible prices; and Rugs USA, the direct-to-consumer line offering premium rugs at incredible price points (including well-liked designer collaborations and innovative washable rugs).
Hegwood remarked, “I have always loved the craftsmanship and history of fine rugs.” “I’m ecstatic to be able to contribute to the advancement of all these fantastic brands going forward, especially to help ensure that Annie Selke’s legacy of excellence, craftsmanship, and environmental responsibility is upheld and elevated.”
The Codarus High Point showroom will offer attendees of High Point Market this month a preview of Annie Selke’s new collection, which will be available for purchase in early 2025.
Rugs USA and its parent business, Fresh American LLC, announced last month that the Annie Selke firms’ Pittsfield, Massachusetts corporate office and Lenox, Massachusetts retail site would close on December 31. The Annie Selke enterprises were purchased by Rugs USA last year, and in July 2023, between 40 and 50 warehouse workers were let off as part of a consolidation effort.
