Daily News
From Home Furnishing Business
Capel Rugs Reports Solid Market; Fresh Kevin O’Brien Designs
October 31,
2018 by Jane Chero in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, High Point, Industry, Market 
Troy, N.C.- based Capel Rugs enjoyed a busy High Point Market earlier this month as retailers responded enthusiastically to a variety of high-value, on-trend rug introductions.
“Retailers were really excited about our Kevin O’Brien designs,” said Cameron Capel, president – sales and marketing for Capel Rugs. “They loved the subtle, soft texture of Fiore, as well as the intricate construction and color. Willow also was a big hit, with retailers responding to its made-in-the-USA Wilton construction and very fashionable design.”
Capel Rugs displayed a total of four new Kevin O’Brien designs in a special vignette in the front of its showroom during market, along with a variety of other textiles created by the Kevin O’Brien Studio, such as decorative pillows, bedding and throws. Capel Rugs’ other two new Kevin O’Brien rug models were Gilded Age and Brushstrokes.
New to the collection were several new machine-made additions to the licensed Kevin O’Brien line, including Fiore, a new Wilton-woven, machine-made traditional design with a paisley motif in three colorways; and Willow, a nature-inspired design in azul and champagne colorways with a one-half inch pile. A mix of 50% polyester and 50% olefin, Fiore may retail for $449 for a 5’3” x 7’6” model; Willow, in olefin, may retail for $599 for that same size.
“Customers loved the new Finesse-Lattice designs, especially the lovely fleur-de-lis motif that appears in a few select spots on each rug,” Capel said. “It’s kind of hidden, which makes it an unexpected surprise.”
Capel Rugs also added a new easy-care rug with Sunbrella border that uses an exclusive Biltmore by Castelle fabric.
At market, Capel Rugs’ flagship line of Capel-branded products also was expanded with a number of fresh imported designs. Introductions included two new transitional patterns added to the Metropolis collection — Carthage and Sojourn. Machine made in Moldova on Wilton looms, Metropolis features 100% New Zealand wool in three colorways. Carthage is available in smoky blue, and Sojourn offers the option of moonstruck or portico beige. A 5’3” x 7’6” rug may retail for $449.