2nd Casual Market Atlanta Increases Resources for Outdoor Segment

ATLANTA – Atlanta’s second annual Summer Casual Market exceeded expectations, with exhibit halls and temporary exhibits growing 15 percent over the inaugural year.

The market, which took place July 15-18 at AmericasMart Atlanta, attracted furniture and outdoor/patio buyers, as well as interior designers and gift/home goods retailers looking for diverse sourcing opportunities.

“We are thrilled with the industry reception to our new headquarters at AmericasMart Atlanta,” said Dorothy Belshaw, President of Andmore, adding, “Our thesis on the value of cross-traffic between the casual market and our gift and home market has not only appealed to the core market base of outdoor specialty retailers, but also buyers from complementary channels such as mass merchandisers, general retailers and interior designers.”

Jackie Hirschhaut, executive director of the International Casual Furnishings Assn., added, “Some 38 outdoor furniture producers have joined ICFA since the inaugural market in July 2023, bringing an expanded range of resources to buyers.”

Outdoor furniture and recreation buyers from 45 states and Puerto Rico, as well as four foreign countries – Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and the United Kingdom – attended the show. Nearly half of the market participants came from the Southeast, followed by the Midwest, Northeast and West.

Atlanta’s second annual Summer Casual Market expanded to feature more than 70 permanent showrooms across five floors in AmericasMart Building 1. Additionally, more than 100 temporary exhibitors showcased their wares on specially designed, connected show floors in Building 1, on floors 7 and 8.

The Atlanta Summer Casual Market was presented in conjunction with the Atlanta biannual market. In addition to their market exposure, 40 of the casual market showrooms are also part of AmericasMart’s Open Year Round collection, creating daily opportunities for regional buyers and designers to source and purchase resources.

ICFA kicked off the week with its Dealer Roundtables and Think Tank, a forum for dealers to discuss business challenges and successes with their peers.

Among the highlights of the programming and event, the ICFA Awards Gala, held at Mercedes Benz Stadium, provided a spectacular venue for industry professionals to come together and celebrate their exceptional achievements and contributions. Renowned designer Carson Kressley emceed the evening event and the following day hosted the Casual Market Atlanta panel, Trends in Outdoor Living, moderated by Patti Carpenter.

Additionally, the 66th anniversary party, sponsored by ICFA, provided opportunities for networking and connection. ICFA’s two-day “Pink Out Atlanta” event showcased community spirit, with a vibrant display of pink-clad attendees raising awareness and funds for City of Hope.

In September, the Fall Casual Market Atlanta will be held September 16-19, featuring headline events from ICFA and Casual Market Atlanta. For more information about the market and scheduled activities, visit CasualMarketAtlanta.com.

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