Aug 10, 2023

Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets see increased sourcing

ANDMORE’s overlapping August markets — Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets, July 31–Aug. 5 at AmericasMart Atlanta — reflected healthy buying across contemporary, children’s, bridal and prom categories, with an increased number of buyers and brands beginning to source and launch early spring, according to the company.

“ANDMORE is at the forefront of industry trends and networking connections. The energy of the overlapping formal and apparel markets could be felt across all 14 floors at AmericasMart Atlanta and buyer enthusiasm is showing no signs of slowing,” said Caron Stover, senior vice president of apparel at ANDMORE. “There were reports of larger-than-ever orders being written across contemporary women’s apparel, children’s apparel and bridal and prom categories, with the combined markets offering more sourcing resources, more education and more face-to-face connections.”

The combined apparel and formal markets drew attendees from 47 states as well as 26 international countries, with strongest attendance from the Southeast and Midwest. ANDMORE also reported 20% of buyers at the August market as first-time attendees.

August Atlanta Apparel featured more than 450 temporary exhibits and 410 permanent showrooms, with emphasis on popular categories: accessories, children’s, holiday and resort. Buyers previewed highlights of upcoming styles in the Atlanta Apparel Kickoff Party’s live model presentation, showcasing 12 looks with popular resort trends such as crochet, halter tops, relaxed sets, bucket hats, shell jewelry, mini skirts and vacation shirts.

“Atlanta is my favorite market for its variety in vendors, styles and age ranges we can dress,” said Kelly Terracina, owner of Three Sisters Boutique in Williamsburg, Virginia. “We source clothing, accessories, shoes and more for college-aged women through retirement and are so pleased with all the products we found at Atlanta Apparel.”

Brands also experienced strong order writing, with many buyers beginning to source early Spring while wrapping up the last of their immediate and holiday orders.

The children’s category, which presents temporary exhibits twice annually, reported notable growth in both showrooms and temporary exhibits with a busy 13th floor across all market days, according to ANDMORE.

Veteran children’s exhibitor, Karen Anderson, sales representative for MIA NY, reported writing more orders than ever before in her three years with the brand.

“This market has been astounding. I’ve never I’ve really never seen anything like this one. You can see from my stack of orders, I literally have not stopped writing all day. It’s the best show we have had since I’ve been repping MIA NY,” Anderson said.

Social occasion and bridal categories

Formal Markets showcased more than 180 individual collections across AmericasMart Atlanta’s permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits, making it Atlanta’s largest-to-date formal showcase, according to ANDMORE.

“Social occasion is an electric category, and the proof is in the number of buyers and brands we welcomed to Atlanta this August,” said ANDMORE’s Stover. “Retailers are hungry for new and trendy products across all price points, and exhibitors continue to exceed expectations with inventory.”

Buyer Jennifer Fox, marketing director of The Bridal Collection in Centennial, Colorado, noted bringing her largest team to-date.

“We get to see all of the brands we want in Atlanta which is why we bring such a large team – to divide and conquer,” she said. “In doing so, we are placing our largest orders to date this week.”

The bridal and formal markets continue to grow through partnerships across prom and bridal brands. Portia and Scarlett, now partnered with Allure Bridals, made its co-located debut at the August Market.

Beyond exhibits, the Formal Markets signature fashion show had standing-room-only attendance, with retailers and exhibitors excited to preview and showcase the upcoming trends from top brands across the market. The runway fashion show showcased 83 looks featuring bridal, quinceañera and prom bestsellers.