Rug & Home, based in Gaffney was awarded the Nations top award in Rug Retailing — Nations “Rug Retailer of the year for 2005.”

Nearly 60 different companies from across the country were nominated for this prestigious award. Nominations are based on innovative business operations, demonstrated success in sales, training, store promotions, customer service, visual displays and overall business credibility.

Rug & Home was given this prestigious award — a handworked glass sculptured designed by the famous Frabel Gallery of Atlanta.

Americas Mart, Atlanta, & Oriental Rug Retailers Association hosted the annual Retailer of the Year awards gala July 17 in Atlanta.

Rakesh & Dolly Agarwal accepted the award.

“It is very exciting to compete against these big city store from new York, Washington D.C., Boston, and Los Angeles; and to be the one to be picked for this award is truly an honor”, said Rakesh Agarwal, CEO of the company.

Rakesh & Dolly Agarwal, owners of Rug & Home, also own and operate Art & Décor in Asheville N.C. Between the two stores, they have shipped rugs to customers in all 50 states. The Agarwals and their two stores were featured in Southern Living Magazine; and Entrepreneur Magazine selected Rug & Home among the “Hot 100 new businesses” in the nation in the year 2000.

“To be recognized as No. 1 in rug retailing now in the USA is a big achievement for us and it says a lot about our employees” said Dolly Agarwal, president of Rug & Home and Art & Décor. “We are blessed to have excellent employees and very happy customers."