High Point, NC – April 7, 2008 - - Homeowners are heeding the trend and increasingly making use of their outside spaces, creating a surging market for décor items that can withstand the outdoor elements. As a pioneer of the outdoor/indoor area rug category, Couristan has the most diverse and fashionable selection of weather-proof floorcovering designs and has now developed a space-effective new merchandising unit to help dealers showcase these vibrant styles. Just in time for the summer season, Couristan is offering its new Outdoor Living Merchandising Display Box, which retailers can use to feature a custom assortment of all-weather area rugs from Couristan’s Recife and Five Seasons Collections.

Acting as a silent salesperson, the Outdoor Living Merchandising Display Box gives dealers a ready-made option that markets Couristan’s finest and freshest outdoor/indoor designs in one compact unit. Requiring minimal showroom real estate, the display box holds up to twenty (20) 7’6” x 10’9” or 5’3” x 7’6” area rugs. Measuring only 271/4”(L) x 215/8”(W) x 34¾”(D), it is an efficient way to maximize floor space while housing an array of different looks from Couristan’s weather-resistant Recife Collection as well as the company’s new Five Seasons Collection. Adding even more appeal, dealers can fill the display unit with any combination of sizes, shapes and patterns available in the Recife and Five Seasons lines. Making the program even more enticing, Couristan will provide the Outdoor Living Merchandising Display Box for free with an initial order of 20 Recife and/or Five Seasons area rugs. The only investment by the retailer is the cost of the merchandise and shipping.

“We tested this merchandising strategy last summer and it turned out to be a win in several aspects, as we served our existing customers with a value-packed deal that resulted in sales and secured additional distribution by establishing a presence in non-traditional retail stores such as Patio & Garden shops,” stated Ron Couri, President and CEO of Couristan. “Our goal is to continue that success through this season and help dealers attract buyers for this burgeoning product category.”

More than just a turnkey solution for exhibiting Couristan’s innovative, trend-leading designs, the Outdoor Living Merchandising Display Box also serves as an educational tool. Graphics prominently labeled on three sides of the box feature a collage of lifestyle shots that depict Recife and Five Seasons designs in luxurious outdoor environments. The four-color image also includes key-selling features, construction details and product benefits. Advertisements featuring both collections are scheduled for inclusion in top shelter publications such as Coastal Living, New York Spaces, Elle Décor, Southern Accents, Metropolitan Home and Veranda through this July.

Power-loomed of 100% fiber-enhanced Courtron™ polypropylene, Recife and Five Seasons area rugs provide long-lasting quality and intense durability. Couristan’s award-winning Recife Collection features a traditional color palette of beige, black, terra-cotta and other neutral tones, while the Five Seasons Collection offers a more expansive palette with up to five different colors in certain designs.  Both of these structured flatwoven products are mold and mildew resistant, pet-friendly and UV stabilized to prevent fading. Suggested retail price for a 5’3” x 7’6” Recife or Five Seasons area rug is $119.00 and $109.00 respectively.

Established by the Couri family in 1926, Couristan is the trusted name in the floorcovering industry, offering a vast assortment of exclusively designed power-loomed and handmade area rugs, as well as quality residential broadloom. Couristan is also known throughout the industry as the pioneer in new construction and color techniques, which are used to create exquisitely designed area rugs and residential broadloom products that are crafted from all over the world. Couristan products are available through department stores, home furnishings catalogs, specialty floorcovering and furniture retail stores. Couristan’s global headquarters with full showroom is located in Fort Lee, New Jersey, at Two Executive Drive, 800.223.6186, or visit our website at www.couristan.com.