The New Zealand and Australian markets remain slow for the manufacturer but sales of premier wool carpets have grown as synthetic carpet turnover has declined, chief executive Paul Alston said.
Growing consumer awareness of wool’s tangible qualities is increasing demand for both carpets and rugs.
Product and marketing manager Rochelle Flint has been appointed marketing and international operations general manager and will oversee the Australian market as well as continuing responsibility for product development. The role of general manager Australia has been dropped and state managers will have more autonomy to allow them to respond quickly to market demands, Alston said.
The system will be more flexible and agile and client-facing roles will be enhanced over the next year.
For a time, several years ago, Australia provided the highest sales for Cavalier. Its share of revenue in 2018 was 39%.
Alston said the company also proposes the main NZ office will take over the duties of the Australian finance and administration team. That will cut overhead costs and generate synergies with the NZ operations.
Cavalier will provide more detail after the Australian election.
