NEW YORK, New York —Richloom Contract reports increased growth in all product areas with some major introductions in the contract arena. The nearly 100 year old converter which started on the lower Eastside of New York has increased its hospitality offerings with two major collections of ‘Shield’ brand vinyl fabrics, a totally new effort directed to the cruise industry and two new books of Kelly Hoppen designs for contract, according to John Ringer, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. Domestic markets are growing for the company with the Chinese division in Shanghai holding its own. Ringer also mentions that Recreational Vehicle (RV) markets are growing for Richloom as well as a continued expansion of Richloom’s Solarium® outdoor fabric line. “Vinyls especially are being sought in trendier hotels today,” he points out. The new collections were introduced at the recently concluded Hospitality Design Show in Las Vegas. One Shield vinyl collection is for normal wear levels while an upgraded Shield product is offered featuring Richloom’s proprietary Fortress® finish for high traffic areas of the hotel in lobbies, meeting areas and guestrooms.as well as fast food restaurants, cafes and airport lounges. The finish is said to offer superior cleanability and stain resistance. Shield with Fortress is said to be constructed of three layers which has passed a seven-year hydrolysis test, Ringer emphasizes. “This product is high puncture, scratch and abrasion resistant, he adds. The imported vinyl lines are priced at $40 for Shield and the scaled down version is mid to high $20 per yard. The new IMO lines for the cruise industry represent a first effort for Richloom in this area. “We have three to four new books of IMO fabrics now for seating and window applications. We have never paid attention to the IMO market like this before.