Hearst Magazines & Capel Rugs Partner To Launch Country Living Rugs

Furniture World Magazine

Hearst Brand Development announced a licensing agreement with Capel Rugs to introduce Country Living Rugs. The latest venture in the extension of the Country Living brand will be sold nationwide beginning this summer. The line will launch to the trade on April 27th at the High Point International Home Furnishings Market in North Carolina, and will target the 12 million readers of Country Living who appreciate a relaxed American lifestyle. Country Living Rugs’ debut collection will include 10 casual styles including braided, outdoor, and loop hook rugs in multiple colorways. Given their stature as the oldest rug manufacturer and importer, Capel Rugs was a natural choice in partnering to create a line specifically inspired by authentic American design. “We are extremely excited about our partnership and newest brand extension,” said Glen Ellen Brown, Vice President of Hearst Brand Development. “We are particularly impressed with Capel’s market leadership, and the breadth of their capabilities, especially their innovative use of color and design. Following the successful launches of the three Country Living Furniture Collections, and based on what we know our consumers look to Country Living for, a rug line inspired by the pages of the magazine was a likely next step into furthering the brand and expanding our offering.” “We are very excited to partner with Hearst Brand Development to launch the new Country Living Collection,” said Charles (Bud) Young, Vice President of Marketing at Capel Rugs. “Our combined equities will bring an innovative approach to licensed product development and the ability to offer a rich collection that will serve the decorating needs of today’s consumer.” Country Living Rugs will be available to consumers at select department stores and home catalogs; independent and national furniture stores; rug and floor specialty stores; and Capel-owned stores and showrooms. Hearst Brand Development: Hearst Brand Development is a division of Hearst Magazines, one of the world’s largest publishers of monthly magazines, with 18 consumer titles including Cosmopolitan, CosmoGIRL!, Country Living, Esquire, House Beautiful, Redbook, and Seventeen. Hearst Brand Development is responsible for expanding the company’s magazine title brand franchises across multiple product categories and distribution channels. Capel Rugs: Capel Rugs is the oldest and largest privately-owned rug manufacturer and importer in the United States. Founded in 1917 in Troy, N.C., Capel produces original Capel braided rugs and imports area rugs made by master artisans from all over the world. With over 20,000 rugs including braids, flat and machine weaves, hand knots, hand tufts, loop hooks, and designer licensee collections, Capel offers the most comprehensive collection of quality rug styles and constructions in the industry.