Beauty, Quality and Selection: Find Your Magic Carpet at Knotty Rug Company

When you’re a regional leader in your line of business, it makes sense to think outside the normal concept of a brick and mortar store. Darrel Wingo, owner of the Knotty Rug Company, understands that to realize the tremendous growth opportunities available to his store, utilizing the internet holds an important key. Darrel recently completed a major overhaul of his website that allows customers to view thousands of his gorgeous rugs online without stepping a foot inside his store.

Choices for Customers
“So much business is done online and that opens us up to the whole world. It makes a lot of sense to invest in our expanded website and Facebook page. In the coming weeks, we will have online sales available and an app,” noted Darrel. “We have more inventory in stock than anybody in Kansas City, even the Midwest—7,000 square feet of carpets, close to what they have in the big shops in New York City.”

Darrel notes the new website can be a huge timesaver for customers, helping them narrow down choices from his stock of thousands of carpets before they walk through the door. Out-of-town customers can shop the entire inventory and expect the same level of service that in-store customers receive.

At the Knotty Rug Company, you’ll discover thousands of antique, semi-antique and modern rugs that will amaze you with exquisite detail and artistry, backed by excellent service. The inventory is constantly changing and competitively priced. Most are one-of-a-kind, hand-knotted wool rugs, made by craftsmen and craftswomen around the world just as they’ve been for centuries.

“We specialize in a wonderful selection of antique rugs about 100 years old, which we’ve recently increased, to semi-antique ones around 50 years old and currently produced rugs,” noted Darrel. “Our collection comes from India, Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, Turkey, Persian rugs from Iran and many other countries featuring oriental patterns and modern styles. We sell fine, hand-knotted area rugs to designers and retail clients.”

Selection Process
Some customers may be perfectly comfortable with an online process, but the majority of Darrel’s clients come into the Knotty Rug Company to experience their selection in person. Darrel and his knowledgeable staff look forward to the opportunity to guide their customers in choosing the perfect piece. “The first thing we do is to home in on what space they’re putting the rug in. What are the color and style of the space? Are there other carpets close by? They need to be compatible. What’s in place that won’t change? Next, describe your wall coverings, draperies and furniture,” Darrel shared. “We put all of that together and lead them to things that work within their setting. Of course, bringing in samples of their furniture or wall coverings helps us a lot.”

While an impressive selection and outstanding service are hallmarks of the company, the Knotty Rug Company also allows customers to take their rug selection or selections home to see how their choice fits with their interior design. “We let people take their rugs out to their homes before they buy to see how they look and how they work with their lighting,” advised Darrel. “They can buy with more confidence when they see it in their own space. I’m not comfortable selling until my customers see a piece in their home because it’s too easy to miss something. This is an investment of considerable dollars. We need to get it right.”

Care and Cleaning
Darrel notes that the Knotty Rug Company also does appraisals and deep cleanings, which can be completed in the store. Alternately, the rug can be picked up at the customer’s home and taken to the facility for attention. The Knotty Rug Company can also do repairs such as reweaving and re-stitching edge bindings, which are natural spots to give way, show wear and begin unraveling. Skilled craftsmen expertly repair the finishing stitches at the edges. But Darrel warns that it’s imperative to have repairs made early. Don’t procrastinate, since repairing an edge is not an expensive task, but reweaving your rug will be.

If you’re looking for the perfect rug for your home, shop from a company that stands behind its products. Whether you’re shopping online or in the store, Darrel and his staff at the Knotty Rug Company will expertly guide you in the process of selecting the rug that’s right for you and your family. ■

Visit Knotty Rug Company at 4510 State Line Road, Kansas City, Kansas, knottyrug.com or on Facebook.