PROS, CONS OF SELLING RUGS, TEXTILES ONLINE; THE VERDICT IS OUT ON E-TAILING, SINCE COLOR AND TOUCH ARE VITAL TO PURCHASING.(Brief Article)

HFN: The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network, March, 2000 by Herlihy, Janet

HFN REPORT-When it comes to e-tail and its impact on the home textiles and rug businesses, it's still all about potential and opportunity.

Virtually every industry source contacted said the Internet is going to be an influence, but whether it will turn out to be a good way to sell textiles and rugs or be more of a channel for information and communication has yet to be decided.

Rugs and textiles are essentially "see and touch products." Color and design are the most important factors in making a buying decision, and both are problematic to communicate over the Internet. The feel of a textile -- rug pile or blanket fleece -- is the next most-important factor in a purchase decision for many and, obviously, the Internet can not deliver that at all. ...