Cape Craftsmen Launches Dick Idol™ Collection At Atlanta Market

Furniture World Magazine

Outdoorsman and wildlife artist Dick Idol continues to provide consumers with new, affordable ways to bring the beauty and spirit of the great outdoors into their homes. Dick Idol Ventures, LLC (DIV), the licensing company behind one of the best-selling names in branded lifestyle furniture and home accessories, is launching a new decorative accessory collection from Cape Craftsmen, Inc. at the Atlanta International Gift And Home Furnishing Market in Atlanta, GA from July 8-17, 2003. Cape Craftsmen joins a growing list of industry-leading home furnishings companies creating quality products for the outdoor-influenced Dick Idol™ collection, affordably priced to give consumers a great value. Cape Craftsmen Inc., of Wilmington, N.C., will produce a variety of decorative accessories for Dick Idol™, from wine accessories to garden accent pieces to trunks and accent tables. “This is a perfect fit for our company because so many of our designs are inspired by nature and the outdoor lifestyle,” said John Hillman, president of Cape Craftsmen. “Dick Idol represents a very high standard of art and craftsmanship, and we look forward to being an important addition to his collection.” “We’re thrilled to have Cape Craftsmen on board,” said DIV Chief Marketing Officer Jim Williams. “Decorative accessories are an important category for us as they really complete the look both at retail and in consumer’s homes. We know we have a partner that understands the Dick Idol™ value proposition. It’s more than the ability to make great-looking products – we look for licensees we can trust to produce and deliver the right product at the right time at the right price.” The Montana-based Idol works with the design teams of each licensed manufacturer to develop product groups that reflect Idol’s passion for nature, antiquities, and art. DIV licensees that can be seen in Atlanta include Cape Craftsmen (Gift Mart 1015B and 1800/Nilan’s), Capel (area rugs, Merchandise Mart 6-F-2), Foster’s Point (home florals, Gift Mart 1118), and Big Sky Carvers (art reproductions, Gift Mart 1217B). Other licensees include Klaussner (upholstery and case goods), Pacific Coast Lighting (lighting), and J. Edward Fine Art & Mirror (prints and mirrors). Announcements introducing manufacturing partners in the bedding and bath and the apparel and footwear categories are next for the rapidly expanding Dick Idol™ franchise. Brand-building strategies include a Dick Idol™ lifestyle television show on the Outdoor Life Network beginning in Spring 2004, as well as Dick Idol™ retail stores. The Dick Idol™ home collection has exceeded expectations at retail since first hitting showroom floors in March 2002. Approximately 300 stores across the U.S. carry the furniture line from Klaussner Furniture. In total, Dick Idol™ products can be found in more than 1,000 stores located in 49 states, as well as England, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica and Dominican Republic. The brand has also been shown in Germany, and there has been interest from retailers as far away as Moscow and the Far East. For more information about Dick Idol Ventures, LLC or to set up an interview with Dick Idol, please contact Tina Livengood at (336) 812-8080 or visit www.dickidol.com