Home Interiors and Gifts, Inc. Approved by United States Bankruptcy Court as Lead Bidder to Acquire Open Invitation/House of Lloyd

Business Wire, March 12, 2002

Business Editors

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 2002

Home Interiors & Gifts, Inc., one of the nation's largest direct sellers of decorative accessories and gifts, announced today that on March 11, 2002, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri entered an Order approving it as the lead bidder to acquire assets of House of Lloyd L.L.C. a/k/a Open Invitation.

If the successful bidder, Home Interiors plans to build upon the integrity and value of the Lloyd family's 50-year legacy of brands, including Christmas Around the World.

With 45 years of strong direct seller performance, and a reputation for excellence in the home decor and direct selling industry, Home Interiors has over 70,000 independent contractors (Displayers) around the United States, Mexico and Canada. If successful in its bid for House of Lloyd, Home Interiors will be eager to explore independent contractor opportunities with House of Lloyd's devoted consultants and the potential for bringing them into the same family of care and creativity that Mary Crowley established at Home Interiors in 1957. If the successful bidder, Home Interiors intends to explore independent contractor opportunities with the House of Lloyd consultants including, opportunities to grow a home-based business, set one's own hours, achieve unlimited income, and participate in a variety of contests and incentives for achievement in sales and recruiting.

Joey Carter, Chairman and CEO of Home Interiors stated, "The bid presents a great opportunity for us and for House of Lloyd consultants to move forward with an eye toward future potential in our company's culture and legacy of success. From home accessories and gifts to seasonal and holiday products, we think House of Lloyd would not only enhance Home Interiors' flourishing brand, it would also create a greater value for our combined customers, hostesses and Displayers."

Home Interiors believes its strong and stable financial position bodes well for a successful future, and takes pride in its legacy of first-rate products and services. To add to this legacy, Home Interiors will offer former House of Lloyd's Christmas Around the World products, plus new home decorating accessories from Home Interiors Kids and great new gift ideas through a partnership with Thomas Kinkade, known as the "Painter of Light."

Home Interiors is also seeking to acquire assets of House of Lloyd in Mexico and Canada and looks forward to the opportunities in those countries as well.

A hearing will be held in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri on March 29, 2002 to determine who the successful bidder is for the assets of House of Lloyd.

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements and could differ materially from outcome. Any ultimate sale of assets of House of Lloyd is subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Missouri.

About Home Interiors

Established in Dallas, Texas, in 1957, Home Interiors and Gifts is a leading direct sales company. Founded by Mary Crowley and led by her grandson and CEO, Joey Carter, Home Interiors has empowered thousands of people to "decorate lives" and realize their creative and personal potential while achieving rewarding and financially independent lives.