Capel To Introduce New Dick Idol Rug Collection

Furniture World Magazine

Capel Inc., manufacturer and importer of area rugs, today announced a licensing partnership with Dick Idol, one of America's best-known authentic outdoorsmen and wildlife artists. Idol will collaborate with Capel designers to bring his unique, outdoor-inspired concepts to life in a line of high-quality area rugs. Capel will utilize the talents of the famous wildlife artist and outdoor authority in a variety of styles of area rugs including braids, woven/flat woven, loop hooked, hand tufted and combinations. The line will launch at the October 2001 International Home Furnishings Market in North Carolina in conjunction with the unveiling and launch of Klaussner Furniture's Dick Idol Home Collection. Capel plans to distribute the line worldwide. The Capel partnership is an integral part of the home furnishings strategy that Dick Idol Ventures, LLC, the marketing and strategic licensing company for Dick Idol products, began building only one year ago. "Our clear objective is to build the Dick Idol name into the premier outdoor lifestyle brand," said Steve Regan, president of Dick Idol Ventures. "Thanks to the size and growth of the outdoor category, as well as Dick's reputation as a wildlife artist and outdoor authority, we have been remarkably successful in attracting the top companies in their respective industries to capitalize on his talents." This license complements other home furnishings companies that have joined Idol including Klaussner Furniture Industries (upholstered products and case goods), La France, a division of Mount Vernon Mills (home textiles), As You Like It, Inc. (lamps and accessories), Foster's Point (home florals) and Big Sky Carvers (wildlife art reproductions). Idol is also developing new lines with the Mossy Oak Apparel division of Russell Corp. (outdoor sportswear and apparel) and the Trebark division of Haas Outdoors (outdoor products licensing). "The outdoor industry is growing at a phenomenal rate," said Kea Capel, director of marketing. "More people than ever are taking the time to enjoy the beauty of nature. Capel's Dick Idol Collection is being designed to help this large consumer group bring some of the splendor of the natural world into their homes." In another recent development, Idol has signed an agreement with Foster's Point, Spring, TX, a highly-acclaimed permanent floral design company. The company will incorporate elements from Idol's Montana home including antlers, native flowers and brush, river rocks, etc. in permanent floral, greenery and tree displays. It also plans to use accessory pieces such as pottery from another Dick Idol licensee, As You Like It, Inc., to give the displays a finishing touch. For more information about Capel Incorporated, please visit www.capel-rugs.com or www.dickidol.com