TROY, NC - Capel Rugs reported increases in sales and traffic to their High Point showroom during this year's October market, crediting the growth to its newly redesigned showroom as well as the introduction of trend-right new designs, including well-received patterns by HGTV designer Genevieve Gorder.

"We had a very strong show," said Cameron Capel, vice president of national accounts, referring to the October High Point Market. "The last few months have been very good for us as well as many other retailers. Prospects look bright for the rest of this quarter and early 2016, so retailers came to our showroom looking for new products that can help them build on that momentum."

"Retailers and designers loved the showroom's cozier configuration that featured a new kitchen designed for entertaining and improved traffic flow that made finding products easier. Everyone said the space has great energy and is a very fun place to work," said Capel.

Capel Rugs introduced a number of popular new designs during Market. Hits included Bayview, a North Carolina-made braided rug in four colorways; Solace, a serene hand-knotted collection inspired by the sky; and two new colorways added to the best-selling Kasbah Collection.

Especially popular were Genevieve Gorder rugs, in particular the new collections Sticks and Poppy. The hand tufted Sticks design is inspired by the Norse God Odin and his garlands of driftwood. Following a Scandinavian tradition, Gorder says she lays driftwood piles based on Odin's garlands around her house for good luck. "This rug will hopefully bring every home it enters a burst of good fortune," she said.

Poppy offers affordable playful patterns for indoor-outdoor use that are perfect for kids' rooms, first apartments and high-traffic office areas. "Genevieve's new designs were very well received," said Capel. "Buyers love her creative use of color, touches of fringe and fresh, on-trend themes."

As part of the introduction, Gorder spent two days in the showroom meeting customers, posing for photos and sharing juice with them as part of Capel's successful Gen + Juice event. "People love to come and see her - she generated a lot of buzz and excitement," said Capel.

Adding to the excitement, two lucky retail executives won a special Capel-sponsored raffle.  LeAnna Ramsey, head designer and merchandise buyer for West Coast Living Thomasville won "his and her" Apple Watches, and Don Dilliplane, a furniture and accessory buyer with Art Van Furniture, was awarded a Biltmore wine basket filled with three bottles of select Biltmore wine plus two admission tickets to America's largest home. "These giveaways were the perfect way to celebrate the launch of our redesigned High Point showroom," said Capel.

10.29.15