Capel Rugs Generates Strong Placements on Fresh Products at Winter Markets

Furniture World News Desk on 2/6/2016

Above, left to right: Bayview in Sage, Sticks in Berry, Poppy Kelim in Azul


Capel Rugs reported that Business activity in the Capel Rugs showroom during the winter home furnishings markets in Atlanta and Las Vegas was brisk as retailers responded positively to new designs ranging from playful geometrics and outer space-inspired designs to eye-popping florals and elegant, nature-inspired patterns.

Capel says it enjoyed a particularly strong market in Atlanta January 13 to 16 with both attendance and sales showing solid increases from a year ago. The Las Vegas Market, which took place January 24 to 28, got off to a very robust start on opening day, but traffic grew a bit quieter during the week as many East Coast retailers struggled to make flights due to Winter Storm Jonas.

"Based on the response we got to our new introductions and other products we featured in Atlanta and Las Vegas, we're very optimistic about our business prospects for 2016," said Cameron Capel, vice president of national accounts. "We generated good business across the board, as retailers placed orders on a wide variety of new and current designs at both the promotional and higher price points."

Capel added that the company's success at the winter markets in Atlanta and Las Vegas builds on the major momentum it established at the October 2015 High Point Market.

"We are thrilled about the positive reactions we've been getting to all of our new designs at the past few markets," Capel said. "Retailers are very excited about our latest design directions, they feel that we're right on track with what consumers are looking for today for both their indoor and outdoor spaces."

One of Capel's biggest market hits was Siam, a new geometric design hand knotted in India of 100% wool. Available in four stylish patterns (Flower in grey, Ikat in ivory/blue, Temple in light blue and Tile in light grey) a 5'6" x 8'6" rug retails for $1,799.

"Siam did really well. Retailers liked the unique, transitional design and the soft, plush texture," Capel said. "Blues and greys continue to be very hot colors, so this color palette was very much on trend with what's happening right now."

While Siam isn't Capel's most expensive hand knot, it represents a slight step up in price point versus other hand knotted introductions the company has made recently.

"Retailers are comfortable with moving up because they're seeing increased demand for these looks from their customers," Capel said. "There's a willingness to pay more when the quality and creativity are evident."

At the same time, Capel Rugs also had strong placements at the winter markets on a number of new offerings in the promotional segment of its line. Leading the way was Cosmic, a flat-woven jacquard with an interstellar-inspired contemporary design priced at $249 retail for a 5' x 8' rug. Made in India of 100% polyester, this new collection features two patterns in four bold colors: Abstract in grey/purple and natural, and Patchwork in silver/black and blue/grey.

Also generating a wave of new placements was Quarry, a machine-woven design in four understated, nature-inspired transitional patterns and six colorways. Made of 100% olefin yarns in Belgium, Quarry is priced at $299 for a 5'3" x 7'6" rug.

"Retailers really liked the innovative design and highly affordable price that both Cosmic and Quarry offer," said Capel. "They are highly promotable 'price pleasers' that provide an attractive value for consumers seeking to freshen up their living spaces."

Finesse, one of Capel's top-selling lines of all-weather rugs, also made a splash at the winter markets with two exciting new designs: Tile and Heirloom. Distressed and seemingly aged, these UV-protected rugs can be used inside or outside, adding contrast and richness to any deck or patio. Made in Belgium of 100% olefin, the Finesse collection is available in two designs and seven colorways. A 5'3" x 7'6" rug retails for $149.

In addition to these brand new products, Capel also featured several introductions from the October High Point Market that hadn't been seen by many retailers shopping the Atlanta and Las Vegas shows. They included Bayview, a new North Carolina-made, textural braided design in four color ways, and recent additions to the Genevieve Gorder-licensed line: Sticks, a hand tufted design inspired by garlands of driftwood sticks, and Poppy, a new high-performance graphic pattern for indoor-outdoor use with a colorful, playful feel.

"Genevieve's new designs were very well received," said Capel. "Buyers love her creative use of color, touches of fringe and fresh, on-trend themes. Sticks did very well, and Poppy also drew lots of interest. At $249 retail, Poppy is a true bargain with a lot of pop."

Capel added that the placements Capel received from retailers on Bayview also were a "wonderful surprise." Traditional braids don't always do well in the West, she said, "but Bayview doesn't look like an old-fashioned braid. It's an updated contemporary-casual design with great texture and colors. It did exceptionally well for us in both Las Vegas and Atlanta."

About Capel Rugs: Based in Troy, N.C., Capel, Inc. offers more rugs in more categories than any other area rug company, including original braided rugs, the finest hand knotted rugs, best selling hand tufted rugs, innovative outdoor rugs and kids rugs. To see more from Capel Rugs' program, visit CapelRugs.com.