Technology from Innovations International expands inventories and staff to help local retailers compete

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- New technology is helping independent retailers of oriental and other types of area rugs compete with big-box stores and Internet shopping sites. Louisville, Ky., rug-store owner and entrepreneur, David Khazai, recently launched an online tool, eCatalog, and an iPhone app, iRugz, to help independent rug businesses increase their inventories and expand sales staff.

As the nation’s economy has struggled, rug retailers have been among the hardest-hit businesses. With many consumers putting off household purchases, rug retailers have been forced to invest less in their inventory of rugs to keep in stock. Faced with less selection at their local independent retailers, customers have looked elsewhere, particularly online.

The eCatalog program allows a rug store owner to expand selection from the typical in-stock 1,500 rugs to more than 38,000 rugs. The system works in conjunction with rug manufacturers and distributors from around the world to create an online, paperless catalog that shoppers use to search, browse, compare and purchase rugs. The eCatalog enables consumers and designers to find the rug of their choice in seconds, not hours.

The iRugz app enables rug stores expand their sales staff by reaching customers in new ways. It combines the searchable online catalog with Google mapping technology to allow customers to shop for rugs on their iPhone or iPad and find the nearest retailer where a selected rug can be purchased. Decorators can take the application into customers’ homes to help with rug selection.

“With a quality product like a fine rug, consumers want to work with a retailer they know and trust,” Khazai said. “This system allows smaller rug retailers the ability to provide the tremendous inventory of online retailers while providing the customer service and ongoing rug care that only local retailers can.”

Abu Kahn, owner of Abu Rug & Home in High Point, N.C., said “It’s amazing how it changes the rug buying experience. It keeps business within your store, all the while providing a large inventory like an online store. The customized look and feel of the site is a bonus as well. Even our vendors can personalize the eCatalog site to have their image, yet everything links back to our store.”

Expansion plans

The eCatalog and iRugz systems are the latest in Khazai’s ongoing efforts to help home-furnishings retailers remain competitive. His company, Innovations International LLC, also offers the internationally sold RMPro, a complete retail software solution that helps retailers manage day-to-day operations, including inventory, sales data and e-commerce, while reducing paperwork.

Khazai said there are plans to expand the eCatalog and iRugz systems to more than 1,000 items and offer it for other categories in the home-furnishings industry.

The eCatalog and iRugz systems will be demonstrated to rug retailers and distributors from across the United States at the National Oriental Rug Show held in Atlanta on July 9, 10 and 11.

Information is available at www.innovations-intl.com.

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CONTACT:

Bandy Carroll Hellige
Matt Kamer, 502-589-7711
mkamer@bch.com

KEYWORDS:   United States  North America  Georgia  Kentucky

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Online Retail  Software  Home Goods   Mobile/Wireless  Manufacturing  Textiles  Interior Design  Retail  Specialty  Construction & Property

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The iRugz app combines the searchable online catalog with Google mapping technology to allow customers to shop for rugs on their iPhone or iPad and find the nearest retailer where a selected rug can be purchased. (Photo: Business Wire)

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The eCatalog program allows a rug store owner to expand selection from the typical in-stock 1,500 rugs to more than 38,000 rugs. (Photo: Business Wire)