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On the global stage, wallpaper “Made in America” is so in demand that retailers can’t keep it on the shelves.  In countries like Russia and China, designers and consumers are particularly smitten with American wallpaper:  “The designs are compelling, the quality is superior, and there is a definite cache that comes with ‘imported’ papers,” says Bob Senior, CEO of New Jersey-based Thibaut.

Thibaut’s world-wide business increased 100% in 2007 and Brewster Wallcovering in Massachusetts has shown 50% sales volume increases in China alone every year since 1999.  What’s driving that demand?  Classic American design:  Traditional damasks, toiles and stripes in metallics and warmer hues.

While American-made wallpaper may only fill concert halls at home, this world-class performer fills stadiums abroad: Russians bought 177 million wallpaper bolts in 2006; Americans bought 10 million, say industry insiders.  “Americans are just now falling back in love with wallpaper,” says Tim Quinn, president of Chesapeake Wallcoverings.  “It’s the classic story of an outsider helping us appreciate what’s in our own backyard.”

Wallpaper Bolt Sales Around the World (2006)

*Source:  IGI, International Wallcovering Manufacturers Association

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