The Australian and New Zealand distribution of Mad Mats by Mariachi Imports has been taken on by Cairns-based Razzamattazz.
Mad Mats are manufactured from recycled plastic in Thailand under fair trade conditions, and are designed to work both in and outside the house. The flat weave rugs are available in a range of designs including fashion-forward geometric patterns and a more traditional stripe. Each design comes in three colours and is reversible, with most available in three sizes.
According to Debbie Eldemire, founder of Razzamattazz, the mats are a perfect fit for the Aussie lifestyle because they require little maintenance. “From the beach to the bedroom, these mats highlight any area in which they are placed and are lightweight, stain proof and waterproof,” she says.
Because they don’t absorb water the mats can be left on a wooden deck without causing it to rot, and just need a quick hose down to get rid of any spills.
Eldemire, who has owned and operated gift shops and galleries since she was 24, first discovered Mad Mats in a furniture store and loved them.
“I had to have them and being entrepreneurial by nature of course I had to sell them too,” she explains. She initially contacted the company as a wholesale customer, until taking on the distributorship when Mad Mats decided to close down their Australian arm.
“I am proud to be involved with Mariachi Imports, an outstanding company that has taken a common household item and made it a beautiful, versatile, easy care and cost effective must-have homeware.
Although the mats come in display boxes, Eldemire says the best way to merchandise the product in store is to have a few open so customers can feel the material and see the double sided feature.
By Ruth Cooper
