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[halcyone-of-the-sea]

Hiya! I’m so happy your requests are open omg your writing is impeccable. So I’ve been with this concept in my head for so long since I read this prompt somewhere: what is with your weird fascination with me?

And just immediately my head started creating a story about reader having the nickname ‘Death’ because she has the highest body count known, skilled as no other and, also, imposible to know on a deeper level because she is like a wall, not letting anyone in. Until John Price needs her for a mission and is, as the prompt says, fascinated by her (and feeling other things he doesn’t want to admit), and is able to break her a little when he gets hurt in a mission after months of working together.

Glory to the Reaper

PAIRING: John Price x F!Reader

SYNOPSIS: He was strange, you admitted to yourself. Always around even when you didn't want him to be. But perhaps the Brit just might surprise you.

WORDCOUNT: 5.8k

WARNINGS: Angst, blood, death, gore, canon typical violence, avoidance tactics, fluff, pining, hurt/comfort, etc.

A/N: I switched around the codename but it's still the same plot! Enjoy, Anon!

*I do not give others permission to translate and/or re-publish my works on this or any other platform*

Your eyes slip over the file on the table, slowly caressing the parchment with easy and careful consideration of every word and comma��searching. Focusing. You hum under your breath and slide the page away to spy on the one behind it, the room quiet and the air cold. Outside the window the entire compound is asleep, only the light of the street lamps illuminating the land; inside this office, your feet barely shuffle over the tuft of the rug.

Clicking your tongue, you go to the next document in the pile. 

The still-warm body flinches and jerks below you, but you barely notice—he hadn’t put up much of a fight; wasn’t memorable. Sighing and itching over the mask along the bottom of your face, you snatch the last six papers from the desk and fold them four times, stuffing them into your vest pocket. 

Stalking with sure steps, you press into the radio on your gear as you step over the body and head to the door. Bloody bootprints follow behind you like a crimson shadow of surefire death.

“Actual, intel secured. Heading to Evac now.” Laswell was listening intently on the other end, your Op of the highest priority. 

You wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t, surely. The small click from the other end greets you as you shove open the office’s door and saunter down the hallway paved with glints of marble and pools of viscera like a Roman horror story. Eyes numbly slide past the scores of bodies; necks slit and stomachs burst from bullets fired through silencers. 

“Good job, Tomb,” Laswell utters, voice fast and serious as always. “What’s the clean-up status?”

Your lips flinch upward, “I suggest fire and a prayer, Actual. But no one knows I’m here. Main house is neutralized.” 

A small pause later and a huff of dull amusement. 

“Copy, Tomb. Your ride is waiting—best not to miss it, we need you back sooner than later.” The structure of your lungs rearranges in a small chuckle that echoes off the ceiling; molten silver from the moon slips over your darkened form. The patch upon your right shoulder is illuminated in steady intervals, the familiar image of a mausoleum and a guarding Sphinx. 

Alone, that patch is, with no other dark affiliations beyond that demonic cause. Many see it right before they meet their end, but the insignia was entirely left to ruin—no one sees it and lives besides other soldiers.

“Copy.” Your voice is easy and bland as the curtains from the single open window shake in the breeze. “Tell the boys I’m on my way.” You pass the window and slap a gloved hand to it, hearing the squeak of the frame as it hits back down before you turn the corner, slinking away to reform into a figure that evokes grim glances and sliced sentences. 

—

You stare into blue eyes with a sheen of disinterest coating your own, hands stuffed into your pockets and gear heavy on your chest. From your shoulder, the strap of your rifle sits as you speak, tilting your head, “Captain Jonathan Price of Task Force 141.” 

The man was tall, you admit, fit and formed to harsh military life. Undoublity he’d been in the service for decades. You’d seen his face before—the brunette beard and the strong jaw; small eyes with wrinkles, it’s how you had ID’d him. Plus the bucket hat. Laswell had told you he’d been inquiring about your file and you’d done your own digging off the books. 

John grunts a greeting before nodding.

“Pleasure. Tomb, was it?” On the tarmac, you glance around with stiff shoulders as the blades of the helicopter slow down behind you. Morning was just on the horizon, and you hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep on the flight back.

Lips thin, before your vision slides back into place. John’s hands are crossed casually, but his blue holds glints of intrigue. You don’t like that. “...The one and only. Excuse me.” 

Walking past, you move like a crane, legs taking long, steady, strides. A hand comes up to scratch at your cheek through your face covering. Laswell was expecting you immediately. 

And those feet at your side were not supposed to be there. Your eyes shimmer lowly at the shadow of John as he follows.

“Should tell you that Laswell’s in building two, then.” Pace halting, the Captain continues off on his own as your sharp gaze burns into his neck. He spares a glance over his expansive shoulder before adjusting his course to the East. “Told me to bring you to her. We need to have a little chat, yeah?”

You stay silent, watching John travel to the larger building where Laswell was apparently now waiting for you. After a still minute where you listen to the birds waking up and the scent of dew is in your hidden nostrils, you sigh deeply and roll your shoulders before beginning to walk behind. 

“Hm,” Garbled grunts are only heard by you as you stay well enough back from the man. Cautious as you stare at his head. 

He holds the door open for you when you finally make it, and you stand blankly from the opening as John’s calloused hand clenches over the door. When you don’t enter, the Captain shakes his head and releases a deep chuckle. 

“Alright, then,” he mutters, shuffling through the door first. You follow the strain of his back until you look away and reach for the barrier, pushing it back from you. Making your way inside, you sigh and wonder what you’re getting into. 

“Laswell said you don’t like strangers,” eyes peek back at you as the buzzing from the overhead lights echoes in your ears. Your throat releases a hum; shoulders showing a picture of wound ease. “Can’t say she’s wrong, now can you?”

Watching another soldier pass the two of you, you tilt your head to make sure the stranger’s footsteps turn the corner before you answer John’s question with a raised brow to mirror his own. 

“Did she also tell you that I don’t plan on joining One-Four-One, Captain?” His bearded smirk catches you slightly off-guard, perplexed by not even the hint of shock in his gaze. He’d done his research.

John grunts as his eyelids narrow, amused. Your muscles tense.

“Affirmative.” The meeting room door is opened and this time he allows you to ease your paranoia by slinking in first. 

In the room sits an occupied Laswell, a long table, a projector, and black-out windows. Confused but used to last-minute changes, you simply enter silently and pick a chair with your back to the wall and a good view of the room. 

“Laswell,” you utter in greeting as the woman hums a hello, shifting through numerous files. In your breast pocket, you pull out the files you’d stolen and toss them onto the wood. John stands near the entrance with crossed arms, hips shifting every so often as his feet re-situate themselves. 

He blinks down at the papers and then back to you with a careful glance at Kate.

Your Station Chief chuckles when she looks at you, tilting her head before she snatches the prize. 

“Good work as always, Tomb.” 

“Why is he here?” You get to the point, one hand going up to brush over your hair as the other sits limply on the seat’s arm. Your gear sits heavy on you, but that brutal tic of curiosity blooms. 

John’s lips twitch before he answers, “An offer. Knew I wouldn’t be able to meet if Laswell wasn’t the mediator, eh? You’re bloody difficult to track down.”

“Offer?” Small talk never mattered to you, hadn’t since you’d signed up, and probably never would. You didn’t understand why people beat around the bush—just say what you need to say and get it over with. There was only so much time in a day. 

It seemed John Price carried part of that opinion as well. 

Blunt, you admit to your opinion of the man, and sure of his strengths.

“I need your skill set.” Kate looks back and forth between you two before she focuses on her work, multitasking. John continues, pointing a hand at you in demonstration from their hold on his chest. “Mission in three days. Turkey…” He watches you closely as if gauging your abilities. “You in or out?” 

You wait in a dim silence for a minute or two before you tilt your body to Laswell, eyes still stuck in stormy blue and pale wrinkles inlaid with dirt. 

“Kate?” 

“Totally off the books,” the woman says confidently, pen sliding over paper. “Two targets in Bursa. There’s a file in your office.” Raising a brow, John hides his cheeky smile behind a bored mask.

“Take your Lieutenant,” you glare, “Ghost, was it?”

Price shakes his head, hat flinching along with it. “On assignment. I’ll need an answer today, Tomb. Time’s ticking.”

Your jaw clenches in annoyance, “Capture or kill?” 

John shrugs nonchalantly, “Either. Is this a yes or a no?”

In this game of cat and mouse, you find yourself slipping. Your obligations as a soldier call to you to take the mission immediately, but for the simple fact that this Captain was unknown to you—and apparently, you weren’t unknown to him. 

John was checking all of the boxes of people you didn’t like to be around.

Your voice grits out, eyes burning in their glare, “...When?” 

His smirk makes you want to storm out.

“Tomorrow. 1300.” The air in the room is thick, tense like a thick layer of molasses was overtop everything. Under the table, your foot taps to the steady beat of your heart, your face tensed, and the layers of your facemask suddenly too formed to your neck and chin. 

Twitching your nose you dig your eyes into John, peeling down his expansive shoulders and chest to take in the layers of packs and other miscellaneous items. His thigh holders and the way they hug his legs. You end with one last dead-on look into his eyes, trying to pinpoint intentions and flay the lines of his brain. 

Most people glance away, but John returns the look with a casual tilt of his head and a raised brow. Not at all off-put. 

Your hand steadily clenches over the chair. 

All you give him is a firm nod—nothing more than a mere jerk of your chin. Kate sighs from where she’d been watching. 

“Perfect. John,” she points her pen at the Captain as you both stare off. John grunts before his eyes flicker to the side, leisurely roving back moments later. You blink and rub your forehead. “You have your answer. Now would the both of you get the fuck out of here?”

“Copy, Kate.” John sighs, and you huff; standing as you plan out the amount of time you have to clean up and sleep before you have to leave. With an easy brush of your shoulders, your form shimmies past the Captain with dull enthusiasm. 

You weren’t happy about this, but fine. You’ve been through worse. 

As you shuffle down the hallway to the armory, your ears quirk when the footsteps ring in the drums of your ears like a hiking beacon. Already you’d memorized the walking pattern. 

The thump-bump, bump-thump, of boots and the clink-clank of metal on metal. Shoving down a growl you hiss out into the air, not turning around. 

“Problem, Price?” A gruff humph bounces. 

“Negative, Tomb.” His shadow comes to conjoin with yours, large body standing side-by-side. Eyes flash to the side of your face, hidden from all by the cloth—like a bored cat, you continue to pave your way to silence; hoping whatever thought this man had in his head would disappear. “Just curious, see.” 

“Curious?” your brow raises, the make of your muscles showing your unease. “Can’t help you with that.” 

“No, probably not, eh?” John grunts and reiterates as strange emotion spikes in the lines of his face as he glances along you. “Tomorrow. 1300. Don’t be late.” With nothing more, he halts and pivots, peeling back to leave your side as his sudden absence leaves you devoid of heat. 

Confusion breeds in your chest, but your steady legs carry you on until your tension leaves. Under your breath you utter a question as you enter the armory, shuffling your rifle off of your chest. “What the hell was that about?”

—

Price and you stand inside the safehouse with fast hearts and narrowed eyes. Blood was dripping down your hands, the black gloves flooded with gore that sure as hell doesn’t belong to you. 

“Fuck,” John growls, guttural reverberations echoing off the walls. With stiff ribs, you go and lightly peel back the fabric of the nearest window to study the street below; looking for any suspicious figures. Frowning, you see nothing and let the curtain fall, eyes wafting to the Captain. 

“We either lost them or they have surveillance on the building. Best for you to not leave either way.” The mission had gone sideways—apparently one of the targets had an ID on John as a member of One-Four-One. One thing led to another and resulted in you sticking a knife into some man’s gut to get away when he’d been spotted. You blink at his agitated expression, the black beanie on his head ruffled as he runs a hand over it.

But you don’t say anything else. Peeling off your gloves, you listen to him as a rain of blood splatters the carpet. 

“This sets us back—since when does bloody fuckin’ Metin Baydar know who I am?” John’s hands are clenched, jaw so tight you wonder if his molars will crack under the pressure. A smirk twitches your lips at the thought. “Tomb,” you slowly tilt your eyes to him. The man sets his lips and crosses his arms, the brown casual wear in his chest bunching. “I’ll need you to be my eyes on this, yeah? If I leave this position I jeopardize your safety.”

“My safety?” you huff a laugh and push your gloves into your loose pants. “Captain, I don’t need you to worry about my safety.” 

He seems to pause for a moment, and with a shake of his head his blue eyes shutter closed. A deep, tight, breath is taken and those tiny lids are forced back as you lock gazes. You send a blank look his way and he nods firmly.

“Keep low.” Is all he grunts, feet standing apart and his stare intense. “Copy?” 

A swirl of amusement dances in your gut—you tap the earpiece in your shell with a stained streak of blood on your fingers. John stares, unreadable.

“I’ll leave when the streets cool. Just keep on the line so I can relay my intel, Price.” After a moment of silence, your eyes tighten with intrigue. “How do you wonder Baydar knew your face?” Standing by the window again, you peek out and keep John in view. His form shuffles, and he scoffs before walking beside you. Over your shoulder, he also views the buildings and businesses below. You still at the sensation of his breath on the back of your head, hand twitching over the curtain. It ruffles your hair for a moment before you snap out of it, eyes blinking rapidly. “Your Task Force isn’t exactly known,” you finish your sentence, voice strained. 

Clearing his throat, as if realizing how close he’d gotten with only the intention of gazing outside, the man’s form jerks back; taking a step or two away to give you distance. Your far-gone eyes blankly continue to look outside but your chest gains some tension to it. You don’t know why.

This Brit is strange. You frown, watching a cat traverse the concrete far below. Not that I really have much to go off of. 

“Haven’t a clue.” John sighs again, one hand going to itch at his chin. “Your guess is as good as mine. One thing I do know is that we have to fix this. Now.” 

“You should tell Laswell,” you mutter, turning around and walking past him to stand around your packs—all of which hold your gear. Your knife was set into a small sheath inside your shirt, leather wrapped around your waist as you stopped near the coffee table. You pull the lip of your clothes up and grasp at it before peeling the metal out with an inquisitive eye. 

If there was any breakage to the tip, you’d be furious. 

John watches from across the room, catching glances at your bare skin riddled with scars and burns; unmarred flesh foreign. He feels his breath hitch before you drop your shirt back down and bring the blade into the light. 

Holding it parallel, you gaze along the edge and tilt your head, eyelids half-closed. 

“Kate?” Price answers you, clearing his throat. “No, it’s better not to create any more shite. She’ll be good off not knowing, yeah?” The brunette’s brow raises in question.

You hum and don’t reply. 

The rest of the mission was spent with the two of you conversing over the open line of your comms as you scoured the streets for any sign of the target, feet carrying you over the city as the chill of the late afternoon set in. Presently, you didn’t know how to feel about your situation. Working with others was a strain on your focus—on the walls you’ve built up; John had obviously noticed that you didn’t exactly play well with others. It was plainly stated in your file, after all. 

“—attitude, or lack thereof, is a detriment to the structure of any team/unit/platoon that she is placed into under all circumstances. Recommended reserved operations to limit drawbacks.” 

Having a pleasant attitude wasn’t your job. 

Stalking around the corner, your ears twitch to John’s voice. “Sitrep, Tomb. What’s it looking like out there?” 

It was strange, then, that the man over the line was so eager to speak to you. Your sigh hits on deaf ears, and you respond as you carefully walk past civilians making their way home.

“Quiet. No sign.” The silence re-settles and you gradually loosen again. Like a cat, your ears twitch to hear the muttering from the commuters; eyes sliding with watery film across faces. 

Baydar owns a restaurant as a front for funding terrorists. Anyone exiting from this direction could be part of it—

“You said you’d never join One-Four-One,” John’s voice makes you shove down a flinch, ripped out of your focus. In your pockets, your hands close into fists, and a deeply annoyed mask fits itself over your expression. “Why’s that, then?” 

“What is this?” Your voice goes cold, “interrogation time?”

“With a record like yours, you’d get pick of any Task Force or SOF in country.” The Captain seems to ignore your hiss and jab as his deep voice continues; accent low. You hear the drag of a cigar and the puff of smoke. Internally, you’re thankful for the casual yet attentive acknowledgment of your skills—how the man doesn’t seem in the slightest worried about you. “Why is it that you’re always alone out ‘ere? Couldn’t wrap my head ‘round it, truthfully.” A tobacco-slick chuckle, “Bloody hell, people would kill to get you on a mission like I did, eh? No doubt.” 

For a long time, you don’t answer, leaning against the wall across from your target’s restaurant doing recon. Frown tight and face stiff. John’s voice fizzles. 

“Ah, fuckin’ forget it Love, just a man’s curiosity speaking for ‘im. I’ll leave you to focus.” Before the line can click, you open your lips—as if the things have a mind of their own.

“People are unpredictable.” The Captain’s breath is gently puffing over the line. He listens and you know he hangs on every word; it was a strange feeling to know that. From under you, your feet shuffle. “They do things that don’t make sense. I don’t like dealing with it.”

A grunt. “Well, can get behind that…” John had a smirk on his lips, you can hear it. “You’d lose your head if you met MacTavish.” 

Your focus waning, you blink, getting sucked into this strange interaction with an even stranger man. 

“Yeah?” You wonder, head tilting to the side. “One of yours?”

“Hm,” he affirms and the chill of the night caresses your skin. John chuckles. “Sergeant. Bloody good shot, but can get into trouble faster than his fucking gun can fire.” 

Your mouth quirks. “Sounds horrible.”

“Makes my job a living hell,” John admits and you shock yourself by listening. “But no one better to keep by my six…You’d ease up to him.” 

“I’m not joining, Price,” Your voice mutters out like how a dragonfly snaps its translucent wings on still air. “This is it.”

In the safehouse, John hums under his breath, staring out the window at the blinking lights of the city as you watch the restaurant with far-off thoughts. A smile twitches his lips. For some reason there was something about you he wanted to figure out—something to unravel. You were like Ghost sometimes, but more… fascinating. Darker.

And you knew how to get the job done better than anyone.

John wanted you on his Task Force, your expertise, and the only way to get that was to take you apart like a puzzle of razor blades. Study you. Learn you as the edges cut up his flesh. The Captain had no idea what picture you’d make when everything was in its proper place, but he’d be willing to try with the very tenacity that had gotten him this far. 

But there was something else there, too. Some kind of tightness in his chest when you looked at him; he'd gotten it when he’d seen you on the tarmac back not so long ago like some schoolboy. Those blank eyes of yours…why did he want them to light up? 

Why did he want to see your laugh? 

John wasn’t immature enough to not know his own feelings or attractions, but this was an entire section of its own. Blinking, the man grunts to himself and smirks. “Well, better make it last, then.” 

You feel your eyelids carefully pull in surprise. 

“I…” Your voice starts but dies off, swallowing saliva down as your mouth clacks shut with a connection of teeth. Closing your eyes, you steady your heart, which had suddenly created a concerning skip in its beats. 

John places the cigar back to his lips and takes a long drag, leaning out of the window to watch the smoke disappear into the twinkling lights. Lips peeling his beard hairs back.

—

As it turned out, the mission in Turkey wasn’t the only time you’d have to deal with John Price, and it certainly wasn’t the last time you’d see his face in front of yours. One mission turned into two—two into three and so on. You hadn’t exactly wanted it, but you found you couldn’t turn him down either. 

At whichever base you were stationed at, all of a sudden he’d just show up; standing on the tarmac with his arms crossed and that casual set to his shoulders. The first time you’d seen him after Turkey, you had half convinced yourself he was a mirage. And then he’d smirk at you and tilt his head and you’d have no control over your words. 

It was pathetic…disgusting…it was…it was…

You shake yourself back to the present when a bullet whizzes past your head, a sharp call from across the utter warzone you’d found yourself in the middle of.

“Tomb, what in the hell’s wrong with you?!” John’s voice is harsh, and you lock onto it. “Get your gun up!” 

You sigh, unperturbed. Peaking past the large crate you use as cover, your eyes glare at the enemy soldiers across the dock, fixing your finger’s position over your M4A1. The small unit you’d been dragged into by John was mostly dead—only four of you remaining from the ten.

It wasn’t supposed to go down like this. 

Jerking back, a splintering of wood explodes in front of you as the next fast piece of metal nearly takes your nose off. With a grit of your teeth, you flick your safety off and swivel your shoulders. 

Popping from the top of the crate, your sharp eyes lock onto the first visible body before you press your finger to the trigger with practiced ease as the word shrieks all around you. Recoil is eaten into the padded kevlar of the junction of your shoulder and arm. 

When you dart back, the body has yet to hit the ground. 

“There she is!” John calls, and you look forward with a steady stare as the brunette laughs from behind his own crate a few feet away. “Keep your head in the game, Tomb.”

You frown, normal facemask back over your chin hiding it. While you loathe to admit it, John had grown on you in these…what was it…? Months? Yes, that seemed about right.

Months of joint missions. You could hardly believe that he’d dragged you out like this.

“Tell the others to flank,” Your voice whisps over the line like smoke, “Left side—there’s a gap in the crates.”

John looks you in the eyes and blinks, eyelids twitching. With his beard covered in gunpowder, the man looks across the open space between the gunbattle to the left. Sure enough, right before he’s forced to snap back down to cover, the Captain spies a very well-hidden gap in the defenses.

He smiles viciously like a dog, and barks a laugh to you, nodding, “Good eye! Boys,” the two don’t pause their assault but call their questioning voices over the line. You don’t listen, occupied with giving off bursts of gunfire and trying to avoid the eyes of your fellow dead soldiers. Your lungs are compressed inside of your ribcage like prisoners. “Flank left. We’ll cover you!” 

“Sir!” Steadying your breath, you avoid John’s confused glances and scoff to yourself, resituating your clammy hands. 

When all’s said and done the four of you are the only ones left. Letting your gun sit on your chest you use the body as an armrest, allowing it to hang off the side from the trigger-guard. Your fingers twitch, and as John speaks to the two men, you stare silently at the gushing bodies of your fellows like phantoms spring from their chests.

John’s voice slows when he sees you apart from them, glancing at the soldiers at your feet before ordering the remaining men to get to the evac point. They try to argue everyone should be going together, and on all accounts, they’re completely right, but John won’t hear it. 

“Go—that’s an order.” Reluctantly, the two glance at each other and speed off. 

You jolt at a call of your name, head turning to face stormy blue as they gaze at you with concern. Stopping a few feet away, John stands still and folds his arms, face going rigid with concern as he glances you over for wounds.

His head slightly leans in, chin down.

“...You alright?” Hand flinching, you clear your throat. 

“Why wouldn’t I be?” You ask, fixing the position of your feet and forcing away the images of dead bodies and blank eyes. 

You’d seen scores of men dead before—friend and foe—but you had thought you’d never have to see more of your own fall. It had been a long time since you’d felt the distant lull of numb horror in the back of your brain; like some ocean wave that drowns you under every time it comes back. It always comes back. 

John narrows his eyes and frowns deeply, glancing around and hiding the slight way his right arm sags. 

“Tomb?” He says it so lowly that you really have to focus, ears straining. That gravel was back, and you found yourself latching onto it. “Eh, you just focus on me, yeah? I’m right ‘ere.” 

“I know,” you snap, eyes shuttering away only to find more vacant stares. You flinch back and look up into the sky; a sudden burn in your brain that you need to quell.

The man grows even more concerned with you, taking a step forward and clenching his jaw. He studies you, your shaking tension and the clench and loosening of your fists—attention always on you but roving to the dead men all around. Something clicks with a violent inhale.

John moves to you without a word and grasps you around the shoulders quickly. You gasp at that, immediate reaction to shove away, but only gape at the warmth that he brings you instead—the steady presence and chest to lean on. As the Brit drags you, you focus instead on calming your breathing. 

The Captain lightly shimmies down your facemask and you suck down tight air as you go limp into his side. 

“C’mon, Tomb. It’s alright. I’m here. I’m right here.” He’s muttering to you, disguising his pained grunts in favor of taking care of you. 

That strange affection for you had grown in your time together…not that he’d said anything. It was more proper of him to watch out from a distance, not sure of your own feelings or the probability of you gazing back at him with the same amount of concealed longing. Many a night he’d sat on his bed and wondered. Wondered how an animal so extraordinary and remarkable took the form of a woman with a black sphinx patch and sharp eyes. 

John had heard you laugh once through your expeditions together��sniping in Greenland. Once had been enough; if he never heard it again, he could still recall the pitch and frequency to the yawning of his soul. He didn’t need to hear it again. 

It was locked into the fabric that made up your skin and speech, and every time he stared at you he could find it in your eyes. 

The Captain puts you down near a crate around the corner, letting you lean into it as he turns and captures your neck from either side. You shake under him, blurry vision stuck to his dog tags as they wink against his chest. 

“Tomb,” John says again, and with a lick of your chapped lips, you carefully turn your head up. Blue eyes crease worriedly. The thumbs on the sides of your neck caress up and down your rapid pulse steadily; calluses creating stimuli. A small smile meets you. “There we are, atta girl. Focus.”

Tears dribble down your cheeks, and you flatten your lips, whispering out brokenly, “I said I don’t like teams.”

John’s heart breaks. 

“Oh, Sweetheart,” his hand captures the back of your head and you’re brought into a deep and firm embrace—gear pinching and prodding but neither of you care. 

When was the last time you’d been held like this? The feeling makes your mouth quiver, your face stuck into the junction of the Brit’s neck and shoulder.

“John…” You whimper out and his arms around you only tighten—his tense nose shoved into your scalp as his eyes closed tightly. 

“I’m so sorry,” he whispers, heart racing, “I’m so, so, sorry.” 

You don’t know long he holds you there, the air filled with blood and death but just so soundly resting atop his vest and limp to his gentle swaying. The tears dry at some point, they always have to. Sniffling, your burning face takes in the scent of beard oil and gunpowder and you find yourself calmed by it.

Calmed by John. 

The man holding you waits a moment more before he slightly leans back, staring down at you intently; nervously. You lick at the tears drying into the line of your mouth to taste the saltiness on your tongue as fingers grasp at your chin. 

Angled up, your face is on full display. 

John sighs and the drowned keratin of your lashes flutters, embarrassment flooding you. His eyes crease before his hands come up to take away your sorrows with a soft brush of his digits. The man clears his throat tinily, voice deep with emotion.

“Better?” Your eyes dip away from his, knowing you’d been staring. 

“I…” Glancing over his right shoulder absentmindedly, you only get a word off before you see a fountain of red. Blinking away the last of your tears, John’s finger on your cheek stops moving as you freeze—stiff to the touch. 

His panic spikes again. 

“What’s going on—”

“When did you get hit?” Your voice is hard and laced with something you can’t name. Shaving back from John you frantically grab at his arm. In an instant, the Captain is whirled around and shoved back into the crate; he grunts loudly, eyes snapping wide.

“Fuckin’ hell.” He grumbles, but flinches when you peel at the bloodied layers of his compression shirt. John smirks, letting your touch rove him as your nose scrunches. He represses a shiver at the bite of your nails, whispering out, “If you wanted to throw me ‘round, Love…all you had to do was ask.” 

You blink rapidly and turn your fast gaze to his eyes as you stutter, fingers covered in blood and holding apart the fabric of his outfit to show a bullet graze to his pale upper bicep. John’s cheeky smirk grows and against all the pain and the dark corners, you feel a bubbling in your gut. 

A small chuckle snakes out, like twinkling bells. 

“Shut up,” your smile leaves him breathless, smirk falling to a small open-mouthed screen of obvious admiration. A hum marks the back of his throat, eyebrows loosely curving upon his forehead. 

You look over and find him like this—his gaze trapping you like his arms had. Like music, it takes you into its melody. Staring, your smile, gradually too, leaks out. 

“What are you doing?” Your question is breathy. "What is your fascination with me?" John’s eyes stick with you, the shining, shimmering, blue. There are tempests held there and if this man was anything, he was a storm of intentions and promises. 

“Looking,” John answers lowly. "Just looking." 

You take down a breath, “At what, John?”

He chuckles at you, face close and pleasant, “Y’know, I haven’t quite figured that one out yet, Love.” 

Blindly you wonder how the world can still turn while you both stand here—was it, even? How can life go on when such things are uttered to light? When they’re buried deep into your marrow like the dirt on top of a grave? 

How can the Reaper knock at your doorways when love exists in such quantity…in the fractures of his eyes? Only when his lips brush yours do you understand. 

It’s all here, and then it’s gone. Nothing can truly be as it was in the past, and therein lies the small, glorious, deaths. Both a blessing and a curse.

Your lips press deeply into one another and the blood of old wounds dries. 

TAGS:

@luuvbuzz, @emerald-valkyrie, @anna-banana27, @blueoorchid, @cryingnotcrying, @writeforfandoms, @homicidal-slvt, @jade-jax, @frazie99, @elmoees, @littlemisstrouble, @alpineswinter, @phoenixhalliwell, @idocarealot, @lavalleon, @facelessmemories, @h-leigh, @20forty9, @glitter-anon-asks, @emily-who-killed-a-man, @neelehksttr, @aeneanc, @escapefromrealitysm, @i-d-1-0-t, @pparcxysm, @hawkscanendme, @caramlizedtomatos, @konigsleftkidney, @sanfransolomitatm, @maelstrom007, @jemandderkeinenusernamenfindet, @pheobees, @glitterypirateduck, @uselsshuman, @fan-of-encouragement, @halfmoth-halfman, @ghostlythunderbird, @I-inkage, @pukbadger, @kopatych11, @0nceinabluem00n, @cocrorapop, @knightofsexyness, @abnormalgeil, @smallseastone, @jacegons, @330bpm-whiplash, @simon-rileys-housewife, @4-atsu, @tiredmetalenthusiast

[kidgetrash]

Monsters and Mana 2 - Save the World, Get the Girl - Chapter 12

Character:  Keith Kogane, Pidge Gunderson/Katie Holt, Lance McClain, Hunk Garrett, Shirogane Takashi, Coran, Princess Allura, Matt Holt

Pairings:  Keith/Pidge

Summary: Pidge continues her escape!

Pidge ran so hard her chest hurt and her legs shook, so hard she was seeing spots, but still she ran.

The yells of her pursuers rang loud in her ears, although she dare not look back to gauge their distance, and she hit the tree line so hard it was as though she could feel it.  The trees here were sparse but quickly thickened, giving her plenty of opportunities to get lost in their midst.  She swerved right as soon as she was sure she was out of sight and continued to dodge around trees until she found one big enough to shelter behind.  She crouched and put her hands over her mouth, trying to disguise her heavy breathing so she could hear any pursuers.  She could hear people moving, the breaking of small twigs, the crunching of bracken underfoot.  Orders were being given, sending people off in other directions, and she soon realised there were more than the three remaining kidnappers she had left alive.  They had probably recruited the ruffians she had sat at the fire with; the prize of a kidnapped princess was too good to pass up; which meant perhaps a further eight.  She looked around the ground at her feet, searching for a rock, anything that would make some noise, and upon finding one she carefully peered around the tree.  She saw no one directly so threw the stone as far as she could from the direction she faced.  Sure enough, it drew shouts and the sound of running, and she took the opportunity caused by their additional racket to push herself up and away from the tree.  She ran again, this time not at full speed, but fast enough she could dodge the trees as they appeared in her vision.  Her eyes darted at her surroundings, looking for threats, for anything she could use, but all around seemed to repeat itself; bracken, trees, stumps, fallen logs, just the placement or size differed.  She knew better than to panic, it wouldn’t help her, and she knew if it was a kidnapping they needed her alive, at least for now, but she had no intention of being captured again.

She began looking for somewhere to hide to get her breath back again when she saw what she thought was a flash of white light but disappeared as quickly as she saw it.  She was unsure whether it was a good or bad sign, whether she should follow or avoid it, not that she knew where it had gone, but it did make her slow her pace enough to be cautious.  She knew of the fairy tales of wisps that would lead people so deep into forests they would be lost forever, but also of spirits who helped those who were already lost, leading them to safety.  The way she saw it, she had a fifty-fifty chance and at this point she was willing to take the risk.

She continued to progress through the trees, the ground beginning to incline somewhat, changing direction whenever she saw a flash of light.  With it to guide her she made slow but steady progress, the trees thinning in places where the soft ground gave way to more rugged terrain.  She paused by a large rock with a resilient sapling trying to grow around it.  She perched on the edge of it, resting her legs and weary feet, looking both behind and ahead of her.  There was no sign of her pursuers but, as she watched, the small light ebbed out of a fallen tree, coiling in and out of tufts of long grass, as though trying to get closer to her without being noticed.  Pidge smiled to herself, the form taking shape the closer it got, but so timid that she knew if she moved it would either run away or attack her.  So she stayed, and it came closer.

Masterlist

[wythedumpstercat]

Wy and the Hermit

The old man creaks a snicker at Wy from across the heavy set wooden table, but the scruffy teen doesn't stop staring blankly at the tower of flatbread, the assortment of wild berries, and neat slices of boiled eggs and cured meat spread out in front of him. This wasn't quite where he'd expected to find himself after weeks meandering through unmarked woods, avoiding any and all settlements (and blacking out in what he'd thought was the middle of nowhere. But that wasn't really that important.)

People talked, and Miss Ca–The Hag's reach was widespread. Even though she rarely pursued the defectors, Wy knew she still kept track of them all.

And he did not want to be found.

Even the remote possibility of her knowing where he

was was……….

If his real family didn't know, neither should she.

His stomach gurgles impatiently at him. The old man makes more creaking noises and tosses a dark coloured berry at Wy's face. His jaw reacts before his hands, but he absolutely doesn't complain as he bites down on it and tart sweetness hits his tongue. Hunger and insomnia had already gnawed through most of his mass, and with his guard now down, reaching out and taking the next greedy bite, then another and another didn't need further persuasion.

It doesn't even occur to Wy to be wary of the old man until he suddenly reappears beside him bearing more food. This time a pungent smelling hard cheese, which Wy eyes with skepticism for a moment. A small taste confirms that while pungent it doesn't taste spoiled, so down it goes too alongside several flakes of flatbread and an entire jug of water.

When Wy finally makes his way back to reality he finds himself with a nearly painfully full belly, and very much alone in the little cottage cabin. He hadn't even noticed the old man leaving.

A strange man, that was. Crooked back and crooked teeth and a crooked nose in a crooked looking face, accentuated by the sparse tufts of fuzzy white hair on his bumpy skull. The cottage bears the same crooked nature, nothing in there is quite straight. From the doors to the table and chairs and tableware and the large fur rug on the floor in front of the equally askew stone hearth with a bumpy black cauldron hanging over the dwindling embers.

Just as the last of the embers fades out, the door swings open with a whisper that ends in a squeal and the old man comes trudging in in a huff carrying a few logs of wood. He heaves them towards the little alcove beside the hearth that's obviously normally supposed to be kept full, but it's conspicuously empty. With that kind of progress it'd take the man forever to fill it up.

Wy frowns. His stomach is still uncomfortably full, but the man had fed him. Not only fed him, but let him have a roof over his head, and even a fur padded cot to sleep on. Waking up surrounded by fur and scratchy, but delightfully warm, wool blankets had been so unexpected, there had been a few long moments where Wy wondered if maybe he'd died.

Either way, it wouldn't be right of him to not give something back to the old geezer. Never was Wy to be considered ungrateful. No service would go un-repaid, somehow. So he gets up, and plucks the logs from the old man's arms, tucks them in the alcove, and asks him where the rest of the logs are. The old man cracks a grin, then points to the door as he says a foreign word.

Outside?

Sure enough, there's a small pile beside a chopping block close by, the ax resting against its side.

He manages to carry half of the ready pile inside, and as he's stacking more logs into the alcove, the old geezer snorts another foreign word while wiggling his fingers at the hearth.

In the matter of a single blink of an eye, the air seems to respond to the old man's voice. Something gathers at the tips of his fingers, and what Wy can only identify as energy seems to rush past him and gather into the point the man is focusing, bursting into light and warmth and crackling fire on the lone log in the fireplace.

The old man must catch him staring at the fire that sprouted out of nothing, as he creaks another laugh, and wiggles his fingers at Wy with the most massive creases at the corners of his eyes. He seems to ask a question in that foreign tongue, probably inquiring about his interest in the little trick he'd just done.

Wy had seen magic being done before. The streets of Goodhaven saw its fair share of magic users passing through often enough, but he'd never…actually felt it like this before.

Wy knew he couldn't use magic. Miss Candy had put him through the testing paces, just as most of the other kids. Magic users were rare, but incredibly useful after all, and she couldn't afford to have kids with magic not using magic for her. So this probably wasn't magic. A trick? Must be. But it felt replicable. Something told him he could probably…probably do the same. Something was whispering to him right outside his hearing range. What was the word the old guy had used?

Wy mutters it to himself, words it like a question, testing it out on his tongue. A tingle dances past his cheek, down his arm to his fingertips, then he promptly tosses the log in his hand into the fireplace as flames overtake it as if it had always been on fire. It crackles spicily beside the other log the geezer ignited.

The old geezer cackles, slapping his knees. He laughs till tears start rolling out of his uneven eyes. When he finally gathers his breath again, he herds the still frozen and wide eyed Wy outside again to chop more wood.

-:-

It was heartening how Nature seemed to know exactly what Rayi needed and promptly sent exactly that his way without him having to reach out himself. Rain to fill his water barrel when his back was too stiff to hoist water up from the well. Two ducks falling out of the sky after they'd seemingly crashed into each other mid-air and offed each other on the day he craved some fresh meat. And now, just as his old body was complaining most severely about its many years of use, suddenly he had a strappingly healthy youth chopping and carrying firewood for him with the most impressive affinity to Nature and the Craft he had ever witnessed in his many years of life.

The Boy didn't quite seem aware of it himself, but Nature spoke to him freely, and he instinctively followed its cues. It was no wonder he'd managed to stumble his way to Rayi's cottage this far into the wilderness. He had chosen this spot exactly for its remote and closed off nature. And, well. There was that mine shaft not far off. Thus he should have both expected and predicted the boy's penchant for befriending…Nature's Creatures.

Sure, it was cute when he talked to the sparrows in the bushes while out picking berries, and also with the deer coming all the way up to the cabin to greet them in the early hours in the morning.

It was less cute when the boy came bursting out of the bushes, the arm of his shirt in tatters and carrying a screeching and bleeding owlbear cub, followed closely by a roaring mountain lion, and the sound of Mama Owl screeching even louder as she came crashing through the forest not far behind. The mountain lion bailed the moment it realized it'd be outnumbered by Threats and at a major disadvantage when Mama Owl arrived, but the crisis was far from averted even then.

Calming down a furiously terrified and protective Owlbear mother wasn't exactly a walk in the park, but a few aptly placed vines, followed by soothing words in Owl with the help of a few spells deescalated the situation efficiently. Rayi had thought he was too old for mediating like this.

The Boy meanwhile, having just recently picked up the simplest healing spell after Rayi had shown the process to him following the Boy's tumble down a fruit tree, was busy patching up the cub, now that he could concentrate on it in peace. Rayi eyds the tattoo circling the Boy's exposed elbow. It slowly shifted in colour as the Boy mumbled calming words to the cub, and the cub goes from squirming to rapt attention at the Boy when his human words slowly blended over into calming chirps and hoots instead. Interesting.

Freshly healed, the cub is eventually released to rejoin its mother, and they trudge back into the forest.

"Where'd you get that tattoo, boy?"

The Boy glances between Rayi's finger pointing at his elbow, and Rayi's face, frowning, obviously still completely blank on Druidic. He'd learn, with time.

"My…elbow?"

Rayi shakes his head. "Not elbow."

"The tattoo?" The boy tries.

"Yes. The tattoo."

Considering it for a moment, the boy touches the water-like swirls inked into his skin, looking a bit sheepish. "I…um…pickpocketed a lady once when I was pretty little. She was of the traveling adventurer sort. Found me the same day, saying she wanted her money pouch back. Turns out she'd talked to a few alley cats and bribed them with fresh fish to stalk me down. When I asked how she talked to the cats, she showed me her own tattoo on her wrist. So….I…gave…back…the money pouch in return for having her help me…get the same tattoo? and teaching me how to use it. It takes a while to work, but it's very useful!" He finishes in a rush, looking ready to bolt.

Rayi just grins. And wild shapes into a large greying mastiff, licking the Boy's shocked face. It was still too soon for the Boy to learn this skill in particular, but how could Rayi not show him the possibilities when the Boy's love for Nature's Creatures showed so true; and seeing the youth's eyes sparkle in wide eyed wonder at the transformation warmed Rayi's old heart.

Rayi hadn't thought he'd ever find a suitable apprentice, but Nature truly never did let him down.

[tameblog]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[ramestoryworld]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[alexha2210]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[angusstory]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[tumibaba]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[romaleen]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[monaleen101]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[iamownerofme]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[shelyold]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[iammeandmy]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

[januishstory]

NEW YORK – The area rug market, once buoyed by the Covid-era home décor surge, finds itself facing substantial challenges in almost every facet of the business. Sales started to slow dramatically in the spring of 2024 as persistent inflation, political uncertainty and escalating costs for goods and services left a noticeable impact on both consumers and businesses. As the industry heads into 2025, the outlook remains complex, but there is cautious yet palpable optimism for recovery. Like most home product segments, the area rugs category saw a remarkable boost during the pandemic as consumers invested in home improvements. This trend thinly stretched into 2023. Retailers experienced flat to slight increases in business levels, albeit far below the pandemic peak. Consumers’ spending behaviors and preferences began to shift as the year progressed, with high inflation and economic uncertainty creating hesitancy among shoppers. “We saw a steady performance in 2023, but the enthusiasm from the pandemic has faded,” Cameron Capel, president of sales, marketing, and imports at Capel Rugs, told sister publication Home Textiles Today. By the first quarter of 2024, the rug category hit the wall. A tightening economy led to decreased spending, with rug sales nearing a standstill for many retailers. “It’s been a downturn across the board,” Capel continued. “The exception has been our high-end offerings, which are less affected by economic shifts.” Shifting up-market to chase sales  As economic pressures continue to shape consumer spending, high-end products are proving to be a saving grace for some companies. Capel Rugs, for example, is shifting focus toward more affluent customers who remain resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. The company’s high-end, handmade rugs — such as hand-knotted and tufted wool varieties — have shown resilience, as these shoppers are less affected by inflation. To manage shipping costs, the company has subtly shrunken large rug sizes to avoid surcharges from major freight carriers. “When and where possible, we’ve adjusted the sizes to hit just below eight feet,” Capel explained. “A rug that once shipped for $50 might now cost $250 extra to get out the door, so it’s helped to minimize those fees for the end consumer who gets stuck with that added expense.” Similarly, Kaleen has taken steps to make its products more appealing to luxury markets while avoiding exorbitant shipping costs. “Our Luxe Collection is crafted with foldability in mind, making it efficient for shipping without incurring surcharges,” said Monty Rathi, Kaleen’s chief operating officer. This trend toward higher-end products is expected to carry through early 2025, with some companies banking on a recovery in consumer confidence under the incoming presidential administration. For now, however, budget-conscious consumers remain hesitant to make discretionary purchases, particularly for home decor. A tougher environment for machine-made constructions Because of its vertically integrated business model built solely around domestic production, Maples Rugs benefits from several advantages over its competitors despite the challenged environment. “Business for machine-made rugs has not been strong, that’s true, but we are hopeful it will soon start to improve,” said Wade Maples, founder of Maples Rugs – which he claims is the “one true domestic producer of rugs left in the U.S.” The family-owned company manufactures tufted rugs made from pre-dyed yarn and printed area and accent rugs. “We make all of our product, we warehouse it and we ship it,” he continued. “Carrying that big inventory allows us to ship quicker and more reliably than our competitors because we ship direct so that the retailers pay the freight, not the consumers.” While high-end products are seeing some resilience, the machine-made rug sector faces a different set of challenges. The market is crowded, with an influx of lower-priced imports – particularly from Turkey – creating fierce competition and driving down prices. Machine-made rugs, once seen as cost-effective options offering variety and versatility, are now perceived more as commodity items with little differentiation, especially in online marketplaces. “It’s become a pure pricing war,” Bart Hill, senior vice president at Mohawk Industries, told HTT. “E-commerce has turned the category into a race to the bottom, making it difficult for suppliers to stand out.” As a result, some companies are reconsidering their investment in machine-made rugs, instead focusing on higher-quality specialty items that perform better in brick-and-mortar settings where consumers can appreciate them firsthand. Warehouse clubs and mass market retailers have emerged as major outlets for these volume-driven products, leaving independent home decor shops and department stores struggling to keep up. Looking for an upswing in the demand cycle Despite these challenges, manufacturers are hopeful that 2025 could bring a rebound in demand. Many consumers haven’t updated their home decor since the early pandemic years, and companies believe that once economic conditions stabilize, there may be pent-up demand for home updates. Larry Mahurter, senior vice president of marketing at Couristan, pointed out that interest in high-end and custom area rugs has been on the rise. Couristan, which introduced a full range of hand-loomed carpets in recent years, has seen strong demand for custom rug designs — a segment it is actively expanding. “There’s untapped potential among consumers who haven’t refreshed their home decor in years,” he said. “As stability starts to resume, we anticipate a resurgence in demand.” Another factor affecting consumer spending in the rug market is competition from other industries. According to Nourison’s vice president of marketing & creative, Giovanni Marra, changing consumer priorities post-pandemic have also played a role. “Some consumers are spending their disposable income on experiences, like travel and events, rather than home decor,” he said, noting that this shift has affected furniture and décor sectors as a whole. Amid the industry’s struggles, some companies are embracing diversification as a means of navigating a tough market. Mohawk Home, for instance, broadened offerings through its 2022 acquisition of Foss Flooring, moving beyond decorative rugs to include functional products like utility flooring in addition to doormats and rug pads. This diversification has allowed Mohawk to enter new retail channels and better weather the fluctuations in demand for fashion-oriented area rugs. “The rug industry is over capacity and over-inventoried right now,” Hill added. “We’ve adapted by expanding into non-traditional categories and adding value-driven products. We believe that diversification is essential for survival in this challenging environment.” In tandem with the macro economy, the area rug industry also finds itself at a crossroads. Inflation remains a factor and consumer confidence wavers, and manufacturers and retailers are having to face difficult choices. Rising shipping costs, competitive pricing pressures and shifting consumer priorities have made this year one of adaptation and resilience. For now, many companies are making strategic adjustments, from reducing sizes to avoid surcharges to focusing on luxury markets less affected by economic fluctuations. As manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers adjust to this “new normal,” they’re banking on these changes to help weather the storm and prepare for the rebound they hope will come in 2025. “There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” said Hill. “We’re anticipating a more stable environment and believe that consumers will return to home decor purchases when the economy stabilizes. And that should be sooner rather than later.”       !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window, document,'script', ' fbq('init', '693453330863834'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); Source link

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How Hand Tufted Rugs Are Made: The Craftsmanship Behind the Art

When it comes to adding sophistication, warmth, and character to your home, few items can match the beauty and craftsmanship of hand tufted rugs. These rugs, known for their luxurious feel and intricate designs, have been a staple in interior design for centuries. In this blog, we will explore the art of Hand tufted rugs, their unique qualities, and why they are a perfect addition to any space.

What are Hand Tufted Rugs?

Hand tufted rugs are made using a traditional yet innovative method of rug-making. Unlike machine-made rugs, which are woven on industrial looms, hand tufted rugs are created by a skilled artisan using a tufting gun. This tool allows the artisan to punch yarn through a fabric backing, creating intricate patterns and textures. The process involves a combination of handcrafting and modern technology, making hand tufted rugs stand out for their detail and durability.

The Craftsmanship Behind Hand Tufted Rugs

The production of hand tufted rugs requires precision, skill, and a deep understanding of textile arts. The process starts with a design, which is often drawn by hand or digitally, and then transferred onto the fabric backing. The tufting gun is then used to push yarns through the fabric to create the pattern.

One of the key benefits of hand tufted rugs is their ability to showcase highly detailed and complex designs. From traditional floral patterns to contemporary geometric styles, these rugs can be tailored to fit any décor. After the tufting process, the rug is backed with latex and trimmed to ensure a smooth finish.

Why Choose Hand Tufted Rugs?

Durability: Hand tufted rugs are known for their durability and longevity. The dense weave of the yarns ensures that the rug can withstand heavy foot traffic while maintaining its appearance. Whether placed in your living room, bedroom, or hallway, a hand tufted rug will continue to look beautiful for years to come.

Customization: One of the major advantages of hand tufted rugs is the level of customization they offer. You can choose the colors, patterns, and sizes to suit your personal taste and the aesthetics of your home. This makes hand tufted rugs ideal for both modern and traditional spaces.

Comfort: With their thick, plush pile, hand tufted rugs offer unmatched comfort underfoot. Whether you're walking barefoot or lounging, the softness of these rugs adds a layer of luxury and warmth to your home.

Versatility: Hand tufted rugs come in a variety of styles and designs, making them perfect for any room in your home. From intricate Persian-inspired designs to minimalist modern patterns, there is a hand tufted rug to complement any interior theme.

How to Care for Hand Tufted Rugs

To maintain the beauty and longevity of your hand tufted rug, regular cleaning and care are essential. Vacuum your rug regularly to remove dust and dirt, but avoid using a beater bar or excessive force that may damage the fibers. Additionally, periodic professional cleaning will ensure that the rug retains its vibrancy.

Conclusion: A Touch of Luxury for Every Home

Hand tufted rugs are more than just decorative pieces; they are works of art that add warmth, texture, and elegance to any space. With their exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and customization options, hand tufted rugs are a wise investment for homeowners who seek to elevate their interiors. Whether you're revamping a room or simply looking for a way to add a touch of luxury, a hand tufted rug is sure to transform your space into something truly special.

If you're ready to enhance your home with the timeless beauty of hand tufted rugs, explore our collection today and find the perfect rug that fits your style and needs.