Aug 19, 2010

AmericasMart Atlanta: the Gateway to the U.S. markeplace

Atlanta, GA — AmericasMart’s position as a leading international market center was reinforced last month at the July Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings and International Area Rug Markets with the showcase of nearly 100 companies headquartered oustide of the United States—representing more than 20 countries. Leveraging AmericasMart as the gateway to the U. S. market, the international participants not housed in permanent showroooms secured temporary booth space in the renowned Market Temporaries, spanning a combined total of more than 20,000 sq. ft (1,858 square meters).

Two of the European temporary companies committed to visual display excellence at Market and were awarded the honor of Best of Floor and Best of Show for outstanding visual design showcasing product in an artistic and innovative display, including creative use of space, product display and placement, signage, flooring and lighting. Chehoma, headquartered in Belgium, was bestowed the highest honor of Best of Show and Ateliers C & S Davoy, based in France, was presented the Best of Floor in Home Furnishings & Home Accents.

It was not only the companies’ dynamic displays, but also, and more importantly, the unique product offered within the booths—resulting in major buyer interest and large orders. Marie Ange Bon of Chehoma believes this to be one of her best shows in Atlanta, increasing sales by 30 percent and opening more than 200 new retail accounts.

“We have been exhibiting at AmericasMart for more than 20 years and are never disappointed, especially this Market,” says Bon. “We have nearly 2,000 customers here in the U.S., and it is primarily because of our presence here in Atlanta during Market. It is a major market and a show we must attend.”

Stéphane Davoy from Ateliers, though a novice in Atlanta with only two years experience showing at AmericasMart compared to veteran Chehoma, shares the same feelings, stating that they sold nearly 80 percent of their product on the first day of Market. The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market is the only U.S. show in which the company exhibits, leveraging AmericasMart as a platform to showcase its designs and attract new customers with different tastes than its French clientele.

Ateliers prides itself in its special crafted product, designed by Davoy himself and his wife, Caroline, along with two other associates. They design and produce unique home furnishings and accessories that have a rustic, yet timeless, antique look.

Chehoma, much like Ateliers, showcases unique home furnishings and accessories with a French flair and elegant look. From glass to chairs, its product exudes class and style.

Ateliers and Chehoma are just two of the many companies outside of the U.S. taking advantage of the temporary space in Atlanta to attract U.S. customers. In addition to the temporary collections, AmericasMart has become an American headquarters for companies wanting a permanent location in the U.S. AmericasMart is an American home for more than 30 companies based across the globe. They have committed to a permanent showroom in one of AmericasMart’s four buildings and have the ability and facilities to do business in the U.S. year-round.

The number of companies that rely on AmericasMart to expand into the U.S. is expected to grow each Market, starting with the January 2011 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings and Atlanta International Area Rug Markets.