FOCUS ON CARPETS, RUGS & ACCESSORIES A New Direction Nick Acaster, Managing Director of Rugs Direct, discusses


the rug trends we can expect to see popping up in 2018 to help you ensure your stock reflects what people are looking for.


To keep your customers happy and encourage as many purchases as possible, it's important that your stock reflects what people are looking for. So, you should always keep an eye out for the latest trends and update your inventory accordingly.


There have already been signs of what's going to be popular this year so, if you haven't looked at updating the rugs you offer for 2018 yet, it's about time you did. Here, I'll outline just some of the rug trends we can expect to see this year, and how you can capitalise on them.


Eco-Warriors


80% of Europeans are concerned about the environmental impact their purchases may be having, according to a survey carried out by the European Commission. The study also found that people are willing to pay more for products that are


“To stay competitive and ensure that customers come back to you time and time again, it’s important that you take trends into account when updating your stock.”


made in an eco-friendly way. Potential customers are only going to become more eco-conscious as time goes on so, as a retailer, it's important that you look for ways to manufacture your products more responsibly, or buy from suppliers who are trying to limit the negative impact their work has on the environment.


Stocking rugs made using natural fibres from renewable sources is a great way to improve your green credentials, and mats made from recycled materials are also likely to prove popular.


Making a Statement


People are always looking for easy and affordable ways to breathe new life into the décor of their homes, and statement rugs are perfect for this. So, it's vital that you have a selection of them in your inventory.


Of course, statement rugs come in many different forms. While bright and bold designs might spring to mind, geometric monochrome mats can also work wonderfully. With a handful of eye-catching designs, you can create a collection to suit anyone's taste.


Works of Art


Once upon a time, rugs were purely a practical purchase. Today, however, they have to do more than just keep your customers' feet warm — sometimes they'll also have to work as an art piece.


When it comes to deciding what kind of arty rugs you would like to stock, you'll find there are many options available to you. For example, there are abstract designs that look like they've been splashed with paint, landscape rugs that almost look like watercolours, and even pop art styles. Any of these are sure to attract customers who are looking to do something a little bit different with their flooring.


To stay competitive and ensure that customers come back to you time and time again, it's important that you keep your ear to the ground and take trends into account when updating your stock. These are just some of the rug trends we can expect to see in 2018. Adjust your inventory accordingly and you'll be far more likely to offer everything potential customers are looking for.


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