New Creative Enterprises Signs Licensing Agreement With "America's Sign Artist"; Marty Mummert Joins Distinguished List of NCE Licensed Artists.

Business Editors

MILFORD, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2002

New Creative Enterprises, a division of Decorative Concepts Inc., announced today that it has signed a licensing agreement with "America's Sign Artist" Marty Mummert. His unique art features original hand-lettered storefront and diner-era signs of the 1940s, '50s and '60s and will become a focal point of NCE's extensive new line of home accessory and kitchen products.

In a world where high-tech art is the standard, and computer technicians create commercial signs and ads, Mummert is the exception. His signs are originals, and are true to the style and artisanship found in the era of the 1940s, '50s, and '60s. A student of the craft and history of signage, he is captivated with designing signs "the old fashioned way."

Mummert began his fascination with signage while studying the history of the sign trade of the early to mid-1900s. Inspired by old books, movies, old building signs, and early advertising, he began creating his own nostalgic signs in the 1980s. He notes that product packaging became very creative and developed into an art form in the post-World War II era.

Mummert's signature product is the Rusted Metal Sign, which he introduced in 1997. No other artist has captured the authenticity of the old grocery store and diner-era signs like Mummert. His original artwork and lettering, combined with top-quality materials and a special rusting process he perfected, set him apart from other artists in this genre. His signs have been available in such well-known retail chains as Cracker Barrel and Anthropologie and he plans to publish his artwork beginning January 2003.

"I have been very selective in choosing the various outlets for my art," said Mummert. "I want to be sure that companies presenting my art work will do it in a way that fits with the era I am depicting. I am very excited about NCE's new home accessory and kitchen line and feel that it is the perfect way to use my art form."

"As we developed our new home accessory and kitchen line, our research indicated that there was a great interest in and return to the style of the 1950s and 60s," said Sally Hofmann, vice president - sales for Decorative Concepts Inc. "As we looked for artists who depicted the distinctive style of that era, there was no question in our minds that Marty Mummert was that artist. His ability to replicate the artisanship of that time is quite stunning and we have developed a line of products that will bring a nostalgic, but fresh approach to the marketplace."

"Marty Mummert is quickly becoming a household name as America becomes familiar with his art," said Mark Schoenwald, president of New Creative Enterprises. "As a company we are looking at new and innovative ways to respond to the interests and tastes of our customers, and our research indicates that the art of Marty Mummert is exactly what they are looking for. We are pleased that he has joined the ranks of NCE's nationally ranked licensed artists."

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 Ltd., its direct import division.

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 Mummert Sign Co.

Mummert Sign Co. is located in East Berlin, a small, historic town in central Pennsylvania. A family owned and operated business, Mummert Sign Co. is a division of the parent company, Marty Mummert Studio. The current business plan calls for an expansion into a larger facility containing an art studio and retail store. The store is being designed for fun, with an atmosphere and products reminiscent of the 1940s. Mummert's sign art is available for licensing through CBH Licensing, a division of Coal Bank Hollow Inc.