Capel Rugs Expands Licensing Program
Capel Rugs is adding five new collections to its popular Kevin O’Brien and WILLIAMSBURG® lines at High Point Market, April 22 to 26, as part of an ongoing expansion of its fast-growing licensing program.
In addition, Capel Rugs is expanding its High Point Market selections with an assortment of fresh styles, constructions and price points at its showroom located at Historic Market Square, Space 112.
“While our latest introductions feature a wide range of colors, constructions and style themes this market, the one element all our new products have in common is value,” said Cameron Capel, vice president of national accounts for Capel Rugs. “From our new machine made designs at the lower end to our hand tufted, 100% New Zealand wool offerings, everything we’re showing this market represents an exceptional value.”
During market, Capel Rugs will introduce two new Kevin O’Brien rug collections — Leopard and Woodgrain. Both rugs are Wilton-woven, machine made designs constructed of 100% olefin. Leopard features an animal-inspired pattern in charcoal and beige colorways. Woodgrain simulates the look of a classic woodgrain pattern with its design, which is available in three colorways — gold, light grey and charcoal. A 5′ 3″ x 7′ 6″ rug in each of the new collections may retail for $399.
“We’re very excited about these latest additions to our Kevin O’Brien rug offering,” said Capel. “Kevin always brings such an original eye to his designs, combining his unique skills as an artist with his deep knowledge of technique and craftsmanship to create innovative contemporary designs with a lively palette and very distinctive patterning.”
Also being expanded this market is Capel Rugs’ best-selling WILLIAMSBURG® line of “Trend Meets Tradition” designs. Introductions include a new flat woven design called Palace Fret, and two new hand knots — Isobel and Thompson Ikat. All three designs feature jute.
“Jute is an exciting new construction for WILLIAMSBURG®,” said Capel. “Contrary to what is typically offered, these jute rugs are surprisingly soft, which adds another dimension to their appeal.”
Capel Rugs’ new Isobel collection is based on an endpaper with an exuberant floral pattern from the Colonial Williamsburg archives. Endpapers were often used in the 17th and 18th centuries to decorate the inside covers and first and last pages of prized books. Marbled papers were extremely popular, although geometric shapes, fantastic birds, floral touches and mythical creatures often were featured as well. Hand knotted in India of 100% jute, the new Isobel collection is available in gunsmith grey, oasis blue, garnet and cream colorways. Sizes include: 3’6” x 5’6”, 5’ x 8’, 8’ x 10’ and 9’ x 12’. A 5’ x 8’ rug may retail for $699.
Also new this market, Capel Rugs’ Palace Fret collection is a fresh interpretation of a classic Chinese key design. The rug takes its cue from carving on a chair rail molding in the Supper Room of the Governor’s Palace in Williamsburg. The design, hand woven in India of a cotton-and-jute blend into a durable flat woven rug that is reversible, makes an eye-catching accent in any room. Available in amber slate, chiswell blue and bracken cream colorways, sizes include 3’ x 5’, 5’ x 8’, 8’ x 10’ and 9’ x 12’. A 5’ x 8’ rug may retail for $299.
The third addition to Capel Rugs’ WILLIAMSBURG line — the new Thompson Ikat collection — is a hand knotted interpretation of the ikat technique of weaving. “Clouded” patterns, known as ikats, reflect the use of tie-dyed warp threads in the weaving process. The Colonial Williamsburg textile archive contains 18th-century examples of Eastern ikats as well as European interpretations of the technique. As popular now as they were then, ikats offer style and flair that is timeless. Hand knotted in India of 100% jute, the Thompson Ikat collection is available in 3’6” x 5’6”, 5’ x 8’, 8’ x 10’ and 9’ x 12’ sizes. Three colorways also are offered — wheat, midnight slate and mushroom. A 5’ x 8’ rug may retail for $699.
Capel Rugs has been partnering with Colonial Williamsburg on its rug line since 2003. “The program continues to be a strong performer at retail,” Capel said. “They’ve been a terrific partner, full of ideas and inspirations.”
In addition to these new licensed collections, Capel Rugs also is adding five additional new designs and line extensions to its flagship Capel Rugs offerings this market.
Capel added that the company has enjoyed solid sales gains so far in 2017, its 100th anniversary year. “We’re celebrating this major milestone with our retailers during all of our market showings in 2017,” said Capel. “The anniversary is generating a lot of attention for our company, and for our line, which continues to evolve and expand to meet consumers’ ever-changing needs.”
At the Spring High Point Market, which takes place April 22 to 26, Capel Rugs will exhibit in Historic Market Square, Space 112. The company also offers virtual tours of its showroom via a link on CapelRugs.com.
