‘Contagious Energy’ Brings Optimism for the Future to the Atlanta Market in Summer 2024

With over 6,000 brands on display and available to buyers, the Atlanta Market in summer 2024 offered promising opportunities for AmericasMart Atlanta.

Thousands of people came to the summer market, which took place from July 16 to 22, to shop for new products and make new connections in the industry. Buyers from all 50 states were present, as well as buyers from Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and nearly 50 international countries.

“Despite the current economic challenges, the positive results of Atlanta Market’s Summer 2024 edition provided a symbol of promise as we close out the year and into 2025,” said Jon Pertchik, CEO of Andmore. “Atlanta was abuzz with infectious energy and optimism throughout the event, with buyers coming from all corners of the country and around the world.”

This year’s market saw a big jump in apparel buyers, up 8 percent from last summer. A host of leading retailers were in attendance, including Anthropologie, Bergdorf Goodman, Crate & Barrel, HomeGoods, Kirkland’s, Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn, Serena & Lily, Target, The Walt Disney Company and Urban Outfitters. About 15 buying groups and associations were also in attendance.

Independent retailers have also shown up in waves to take advantage of the multi-category sourcing on the AmericasMart campus. “I live in Atlanta, so AmericasMart has always been my go-to place for sourcing,” says Egypt Sherrod, a designer and TV personality. “This is my home base when my team is looking for beautiful furniture, but also a sense of community.”

Restructuring pays off

Cross-category sourcing was a major highlight of this summer’s market, as more than 70 updates to the 1,000-plus gift and home showrooms were unveiled to market attendees. Many exhibitors reported “groundbreaking sales” and a renewed sense of community as the industry navigates economic uncertainty.

“Inflation, higher costs and political uncertainty are reducing disposable income, which is impacting our industry’s discretionary spending,” said Randy Eller, president of Eller Enterprises. “Nevertheless, retailers that are weathering the economic challenges are actively engaging in markets, resulting in stable traffic and strong performance across multiple product lines.”

The 1,400-plus temporary exhibitors also reported strong sales, benefiting from increased exposure through remerchandising of the temps. Atlanta Market recategorized the temps into seven categories across nine floors.

“You don’t find these types of buyers anywhere else,” said Diana Pfeifer Justice, owner of Grits Bits, an exhibitor in the Kitchen + Table category. “Atlanta Market is where I find and connect with all of my customers.”

High Design exhibitor Verona Martinez, owner of Pierre Verona Minerals, shared similar sentiments: “We broke records this week in Atlanta. This is the second time we’ve exceeded expectations, so we’re extremely happy.”

In the outdoor category, growing consumer demands brought more changes to Summer 2024 Market. Following the two-season restructuring and redesign of Atlanta Market, The Gardens featured more than 55 exhibitors offering garden/outdoor ornaments and fixtures in a redesigned space.

“We’re very excited about the opportunity to rebrand ourselves at Market in a reimagined Gardens space,” said exhibitor Theresa Seclow, vice president of marketing & sales for Home Bazaar. “We’re fortunate to have had a lot of traffic and see a lot of our key customers this week. Atlanta brings together so many different types of trade, so we’re able to show to a variety of customers in one location.”

Atlanta Market also offered the second annual Summer Casual Market Atlanta with an expanded presentation of more than 70 showrooms and over 100 temporary exhibitors. Casual Market Atlanta attendance was up 5 percent from last year when it made its debut.

“Overall, this was a great market for us,” said Rory Rehmert, Castelle president. “We exceeded our appointment numbers every day, so we are confident and optimistic about the year ahead.”

The next edition of Atlanta Market will take place from January 14 to 20, 2025.

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