RETAILERS PLAY MATCH GAME BY PUTTING TOGETHER ACCENT, AREA RUGS.(innovative marketing strategy)

HFN: The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network, September, 2004 by Quail, Jennifer

Byline: Jennifer Quail

NEW YORK-While it's still dorm season for many retailers, another merchandising tactic showing prominently among a growing number of them is presenting area and accent rugs in coordinating patterns and colors together on the selling floor, making it simple for shoppers to create a coordinated home without having to put much thought into it.

At press time, the front entrance of Bed Bath & Beyond can simply be called dorm central. It's everything one can imagine possibly needing during four years of confined spaces and shared showers: storage units, alarm clocks, shower caddies and yes, rugs. The rugs are sturdy enough and inexpensive enough to both battle collegiate wear and tear and not break mom and dad's bank.

The...