Business Editors

MILFORD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 22, 2002

Industry Leader to Strengthen Ties with Current National

Agency Rep Groups and Add Dedicated Regional Sales Force

New Creative Enterprises, a Decorative Concepts Inc. company, Monday announced that effective Aug. 15, 2002 it would discontinue its relationship with the "One Coast" network of agencies.

The decision provides NCE with the opportunity to strengthen relationships with its other national sales agency reps, and to add a dedicated sales force in the south and southeast areas of the country.

"This decision was made following a lengthy discussion with 'One Coast' and a determination on how to enhance our already strong position in the marketplace," said Mark Schoenwald, president of New Creative Enterprises. "We believe that this decision will provide us with an opportunity to build productive and even closer relationships with our customers."

NCE and its division "Square Nest" is recognized in the industry for its high-quality product lines that enjoy award-winning sell-through. Its recently implemented "Team Independence" program has attracted large numbers of independent retailers who will benefit from NCE's commitment to build the business of its independent partners through this innovative and timely program.

An ongoing strength of NCE is its ability to attract nationally recognized artists such as Warren Kimble, Kathy Hatch, Judy Buswell, Debbie Mumm and others. Contracts are currently in process with other leading artists who will join the NCE team shortly.

"It appears that 2002 will be a banner year for NCE and 'Square Nest,'" said Sally Hofmann, vice president -- sales, for Decorative Concepts Inc. "We are delighted with the record-breaking results from the recent Atlanta Market, which acts as a springboard for the remainder of the year.

"We are also pleased that our flag line has received unusually high attention and remains the strongest and leading line in the industry."

About New Creative Enterprises

NCE is a leading designer, importer, and distributor of decorative accessories for both indoor and outdoor use. Included among its leading product lines are decorative flags, and hand-painted garden giftware, including birdhouses, wind chimes, and lawn ornaments. NCE is a major resource for seasonal holiday decorative items.

Other product lines include home accessories and various other decorative giftware. NCE's products consistently rank among the top-selling general, seasonal, and outdoor decor gift items. In addition to its proprietary designs, NCE has product license agreements with several leading companies.

NCE sells its products through approximately 20,000 independent retailers in five major distribution channels (giftware, hardware, lawn and garden, department and mass merchandise stores) located primarily in the United States. NCE's top 10 customers account for less than 25 percent of sales and independent gift stores account for more than 55 percent of sales.

About Decorative Concepts Inc.

Decorative Concepts Inc. is the country's fastest growing gift and floral company serving over 30,000 accounts including mass merchants, craft chains and independent gift retailers.

As a leading designer and distributor of home decor products for indoor and outdoor display, such as artificial flowers, decorative flags and garden items, table top and gift accessories, the company is frequently cited in industry journals and annual surveys as having the top-performing lines throughout its divisions.

Divisions within Decorative Concepts include Aldik, New Creative Enterprises, Teters Floral Products Inc., Square Nest, Decorative Concepts Licensing, and Decorative Concepts International, its direct import division.