Hugh Mackay brought two brand new products to this year’s Flooring Show, representing the longstanding brand’s ambitions to both consolidate its product range and chart a course towards braver, striking designs. At the show, James Caldwell, Sales Director for Victoria Carpets and Hugh Mackay, explained the rationale behind the new launches.
“Hugh Mackay used to have a product called Riverside in three weights, which was a big seller. We’ve now discontinued the original range and relaunched it as Riverside Revivals: it’s one weight, twelve colours, and it’s in stock.” James explains that the new range is aimed to make retailers’ lives simpler and cheaper, with fewer SKUs and a more versatile offering.
Riverside Revivals is a durable 45oz twist pile carpet, made using a resilient blend of 80% wool, 10% polypropylene, and 10% melt bond. Supported by a tough hessian backing, it offers the ideal combination of comfort underfoot and lasting performance. Designed for homes that demand both style and strength, the carpet is perfect for high-traffic areas such as lounges, hallways, and family rooms – balancing a soft finish with a hardwearing construction.
The other new launch is Camden Deluxe, a luxurious 80oz 100% polyester saxony carpet featuring a dense 1/10 gauge construction and a beautiful, super-soft pile. “This is a nice thick polyester, on fleece back which is a bit more fitter-friendly,” James tells The Stocklists. Perfect for bedrooms and designed for relaxation, Camden Deluxe brings a feeling of cosiness and warmth that elevates any space. Its 10-colour palette includes charming neutrals that complement a wide range of interior styles, while its plush texture creates a truly inviting atmosphere.
Following some recent restructuring, the business is now in the process of differentiating itself within the broader Victoria group. With James as Sales Director across both Victoria Carpets and Hugh Mackay, he aims to tap into and emphasise the unique strengths of each brand to create more distinct product offerings and maximise the group’s overall reach. “With Hugh Mackay we want to be more colour and design oriented,” James says. “We will still have standard products, of course, but we’re also doing wool twists in red, blue, grey and beige – more design and colour driven. Hugh Mackay will be a bit more striking, a bit more brave, where Victoria is bold.”
This approach already seems to be paying off for the manufacturer, whose stand in Hall A was constantly flooded with visitors and abuzz with conversation. “The show has been good!” James tells us. “It was a bit quiet to start with but it’s gotten a lot busier throughout.” Reactions to the company’s direction and product lineup have also been glowing. With its newly launched ranges and confident messaging – along with many planned developments in the pipeline – this year’s Flooring Show was an encouraging one for Hugh Mackay. “There’s a good buzz about it, which is great for the industry,” James says.
www.hughmackay.co.uk
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