New Collections From Capel Well Received At Summer Markets

Capel Rugs generated strong placements on all three of its new collections introduced at this summer’s Atlanta and Las Vegas markets, with buyers responding to the key themes of texture and value.”

At the latest round of markets, Capel Rugs added three fashion-forward collections: Laramie, a contemporary-casual collection of leather patchwork rugs; Avanti, an innovative transitional offering with tribal influences; and Peyton, a nature-inspired hand tufted design. In addition, the company featured an assortment of well-received designs introduced at the April High Point Market that were new to many Atlanta and Las Vegas buyers.

“We received rave reviews for all three new collections,” said Cameron Capel, vice president of national accounts. “The Brushed Blocks version of Laramie was an especially big hit, but the other patterns in the collection also did well.”

“Traffic in Atlanta was quieter than last summer, but our Las Vegas attendance showed a modest gain,” Capel said. “Business overall was tough for many dealers in the second quarter, so that may have kept some stores home. But those retailers who were at market came into our showroom eager for new ideas and fresh looks to promote. As a result, we had solid markets in both Atlanta and Las Vegas with dealers responding very positively to our new rugs and actively placing orders.”

To encourage retailers to visit its showrooms, Capel Rugs offered several special promotions, including a 20% discount on the purchase of three or more new rugs sized 5’ x 8’ or larger. In addition, customers placing qualifying orders on both new and existing models also had an opportunity to pop a balloon for a cash reward of up to $100.

“That was a very fun ‘extra’ that ties into the 100th anniversary of Capel Rugs, which we have been celebrating at markets throughout the year,” Capel said. “We also kept customers cool during the heat of this summer’s markets by offering ice cream pops.”

Capel Rugs’ new introductions at the Las Vegas Market held July 30 to August 3, and the Atlanta International Area Rug Market held July 12 to 16, offer strong value with Avanti and Peyton priced at under $299 retail for a 5’ x 8’ rug and Laramie priced at under $649 retail for an 5’ x 8’ size.

“Peyton and Avanti are wonderful, new loop-pile designs in a range of on-trend colors, and Laramie’s leather Brushed Blocks design features a unique surface treatment that gives it a vintage, slightly ‘scratched’ look,” Capel said.

Both rugged and stylish, Capel Rugs’ new hand-sewn, hair-on hide constructed Laramie collection is made India using naturally colored strips and squares of quality cowhide leather transformed into art for the modern floor. The rustic-leaning collection features a distressed, ‘scratched’ pattern, Brushed Blocks, in copper, midnight, pewter and sky, and five contemporary-casual patterns in a range of geometric and abstract patterns with unique dimensional and textural effects in grey multi, natural, grey and multi.

Also generating strong interest and orders were the new Avanti and Peyton collections. Avanti is an eye-catching transitional collection of four designs with primitive and tribal influences. Peyton, a traditional-themed collection, features overscaled floral motifs and free-flowing, nature-inspired organic and geometric shapes.

During the summer markets, a variety of best-selling new rugs from Capel’s spring High Point Market showing also were on display. They included Clara, an elegant hand tufted design in four soft tones with a micro loop pile; the Lariat collection of flat woven, all-leather rugs, which was expanded with three new colors; and Metropolis, a Wilton woven collection of seven transitional and traditional designs in 100% New Zealand wool.

“The Metropolis collection offers a lot of fashion at a very sharp price, and it’s already in stock and ready to ship,” said Capel. “Retailers like its delicately distressed design and creative range of on-trend colors.” She added that a 5’3” x 7’6” rug may retail for $449.

In addition, Capel Rugs showed three popular new models recently added to the best-selling WILLIAMSBURG line of “Trend Meets Tradition” designs. They included a new flat woven design called Palace Fret, and two new hand knots — Isobel and Thompson Ikat. All three designs feature jute.