Strong order writing, expanded discovery opportunities, standing-room-only events and significant participation from industry organizations brought energy to the bustling Winter 2023 Atlanta Market, which took place January 10-16, 2023 at AmericasMart Atlanta.
“Atlanta Market is thriving!” says Bob Maricich, International Market Centers (IMC) CEO. “It felt like the Atlanta Market that buyers and sellers know and love. The surprise and delight of new product, connecting with new and old industry friends, engaging with programming — and even waiting for a packed elevator – were welcomed signs of a confident industry looking forward.”
Atlanta Market attendance posted double-digit growth over the Winter 2022 staging, attracting buyers from all 50 states and 56 countries. International traffic significantly increased, nearly doubling year-over-year with a notable 350% increase in Canadian attendees. Domestically, attendance from the Northeast grew by 40+% and the Southwest by 70+%.
The soft launch of AmericasMart’s new Casual / Outdoor Furnishings collection was a major draw at Atlanta Market this winter, according to IMC. Some 41 showrooms opened for their first Atlanta Market with expansive presentations for retailers and designers.
Designer Lisa Wester of Lisa Wester Interiors in Oneota, Ala. said “I enjoyed the new casual living floors. I found several interesting new vendors and was happy to see a few of my old staples there as well. It was so refreshing to see tons of fresh merchandise at Atlanta Market — it finally felt like we’ve put the pandemic behind us.”
James Oh, Assistant Vice President of Sales for Summer Classics and Gabby, adds, “We were much busier than we expected for our first show in our new Floor 2 space – we had more than 600 badge scans. Business was definitely happening on Floor 2 with influential showrooms like Telescope Casual, Lloyd Flanders and us together. Our new showroom is going to have an impact on the Summer Classics brand.”
