Jul 17, 2019

July 2019 Atlanta Market reports steady sales

Exhibitors reported strong order writing at the close of the summer 2019 Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market. The market drew buyers from all 50 states and nearly 60 countries sourcing from 8,000 brands across all categories of home décor and gift showcased in 1,400 permanent showrooms and 3,000 temporary exhibits according to International Market Centers (IMC).

“Serious business was in evidence in Atlanta this week,” said Bob Maricich, CEO for IMC. “Buyers from across the retail and design spectrum came to AmericasMart with a purpose: to find new products and resources to differentiate their stores and successfully carry them through the holiday season.”

Brisk order-writing came from small and large retailers alike. The Market’s Home Décor category featured 22 new, expanded and relocated showrooms and 350 complementary temporary exhibits among its more than 650 total resources. “We more than doubled our business before the end of the day on the first day,” said exhibitor Cathy Cloutier of The Curated Home.

Exhibitors also reported a strong market in the Gift category, which presented 83 new, expanded, relocated and renovated showrooms. The robust and diverse temporary presentation featured 2,500 brands across 28 product categories.

“We’ve been very pleased with the turn out from new customers, which is great for us because we are a seasoned brand in the industry. So that’s a great indicator of overall success,” said Garry Shermann, senior vice president of sales of Creative Co-Op. “Our average order is up. Our customers are happy. It means our retailers are getting what they want and we are delivering what they need.”

“We had a wonderful show with lots of new business and double-digit increases over last year. This has easily been our strongest show yet,” said Christopher Sherer of gourmet brand Sugarfina.

IMC’s at-market announcement of Atlanta NEXT— a staged initiative that includes significant strategic and physical improvements to the AmericasMart campus — was met with excitement by exhibitors and attendees. “It’s all hugely encouraging. Business as usual is not an option. It’s great that IMC is investing to make the market center better than it already is with the planned physical changes, the new ADAC synergy and the call center outreach,” said Doug Self, principal of home décor showroom j douglas.

Market programming entertained and educated attendees. Shop the Show returned for its third season with a new group of design and lifestyle influencers who shared their style, inspiration and know-how at educational events, cooking demos, meet-and-greets and parties throughout the market. Other highlights include editors from Flower Magazine, Gift Shop, Home Accents Today, Luxe Interiors + Design and Stationery Trends in conversation with thought leaders and tastemakers including Michel Boyd, Nora Fleming, Annie Selke, Justin Shaulis, Mark D. Sikes, Bunny Williams and Michelle Workman.

For more information on upcoming shows, visit AmericasMart.com. The next staging is January 14 through January 20, 2020.