HIGH POINT— In addition to trends like natural fibers, more customisation, rugs viewed as art, and category innovation, rug manufacturers are keeping an eye on the incoming government and potential additional tariffs.

Greg Jordt
According to Greg Jordt, executive vice president of sales and marketing at Harounian Rugs International, “I don’t think the incoming administration even knows for sure what changes will occur at this point, but it is going to be a wild ride.” “The whole category will undoubtedly be impacted if tariffs are raised on goods entering from India, including rugs.”
Businesses like Nourison Home and Unique Loom claim to be keeping an eye on the tariff situation, but they think their wide range of manufacturing skills should help mitigate any problems.

Andrew Peykar
According to Nourison Home President Andrew Peykar, “the most important thing any new administration can do is give consumers the confidence that the economy will be stable and continue to grow.” “Stability is essential, and I think people are sick of politics and conflict. In any case, we are projecting higher expenses and taking it into consideration in our 2025 planning.
Despite this, Nourison Home is cautiously hopeful for 2025 since it thinks the category will remain competitive, according to Peykar.
He stated, “We think consumers will expect more from their rug and carpet purchases and choose brands that offer better quality and greater value, even though there is unfortunately a race to the bottom on prices.”

Cameron Capel
At Capel Rugs, Cameron Capel, president of sales and marketing, is more upbeat.
She stated, “Now that the election is over, the market is booming, and we can put all this negativity behind us, I do think sales will pick up in the new year.”
Kami Navid, vice president of sales at Jaunty Rugs, is looking forward to the incoming administration’s deregulation and promotion of company expansion.
He went on to say, “I also anticipate an emphasis on America first in manufacturing and trade policies.”
“We think consumers will expect more from their rug and carpet purchases and choose brands that offer better quality and greater value, even though there is unfortunately a race to the bottom on prices.”