Atlanta Summer 2024 Market Sparks New Optimism in Gift and Home Industries

Atlanta Marketplace instilled confidence among buyers and exhibitors alike, as over 6,000 brands offered unparalleled opportunities for expanded product exploration, setting the stage for a promising 2025. A pivotal platform for buying and selling, attendees also benefited from a robust program of educational sessions and social events that fostered vital industry connections at AmericasMart Atlanta Marketplace from July 16-22, 2024.

“Despite the current economic challenges, the positive results from Atlanta Market Summer 2024 were a symbol of promise for the end of the year and the beginning of 2025,” said Jon Pertchik, CEO of ANDMORE℠. “Atlanta buzzed with infectious energy and optimism throughout the event, with buyers from across the country and around the world in attendance.”

Strong industrial collaborations boost market attendance

Atlanta Market welcomed a diverse cross-section of shoppers, including attendees from all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and nearly 50 international countries. The market saw a significant increase in apparel shoppers, up 8 percent from last summer, as they took advantage of all the cross-shopping opportunities offered during Atlanta Market.

The Southeast’s largest gift and home event attracted the attention of major retailers including Anthropologie, Bergdorf Goodman, Crate & Barrel, HomeGoods, Kirkland’s, Neiman Marcus, Pottery Barn, Serena & Lily, Target, The Walt Disney Company and Urban Outfitters, who showcased their presence and influence in the gift and home industries.

Independent retailers and designers also enjoyed a week of dynamic, multi-category sourcing on the AmericasMart campus. “I’m originally from Atlanta, so AmericasMart has always been the place to go to source,” said Egypt Sherrod, designer and television personality. “It’s my go-to when my team is looking for beautiful furniture, but also a sense of community.”

Approximately 15 leading buying groups and associations converged at the Atlanta Marketplace, bringing together critical accounts, exclusive member meetings and specialized industry programming to enhance the buying experience.

“GC places a high value on market participation for our team and members,” said Janis Johnson, president and founder of GC Buying Group. “Bringing members of GC Buying Group stores together in Atlanta has been effective for our organization over the past 21 years. Having access to the best market for kitchenware contributes to the success of our events and gives stores the opportunity to shop, find new products and place orders.”

Unlimited purchasing opportunities expand business potential

With some 70 updates in the more than 1,000 gift and home showrooms on the AmericasMart Atlanta campus, cross-category sourcing was abundant in July. Exhibitors, many citing groundbreaking sales, reported a renewed sense of community at the 2024 summer edition.

As the industry faces economic uncertainty, Atlanta market participants remain optimistic about a robust rebound.

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

“Our Atlanta Summer Market was filled with our longtime clients and designers, as well as some new faces,” said Mia McMurray, executive vice president of furniture at Classic Home. “Trade shows like Atlanta Market allow us to make a lasting impression, foster new relationships and strengthen existing ones, positioning us for what is already set to be a successful 2025.”

Several of the Atlanta Marketplace’s more than 1,400 temporary exhibitors reported significant sales growth last July, citing increased exposure resulting from ANDMORE’s synergistic trade show re-merchandising across seven categories and nine floors.

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

Verona Martinez, HIGH DESIGN exhibitor and owner of Pierre Verona Minerals, said: “We broke records in Atlanta this week. This is the second time we have exceeded our expectations, so we are extremely happy.”

For the first time at the Atlanta Marketplace, the Best of Temporary Exhibit Booth Awards took to social media to select a People’s Choice winner in the Temporary Home and Gift category. Of the four contenders, Life is Rosie (children’s book and doll set) won the popular vote.

In line with continued consumer demand, outdoor accessories stood out as a product category in July. After restructuring and re-merchandising Atlanta Market for two seasons, The Gardens featured more than 55 exhibitors offering garden/outdoor ornaments and accessories in a redesigned space.

“We are so excited to be able to reposition ourselves at the Market in a reimagined Gardens space,” said Theresa Seclow, Home Bazaar’s vice president of marketing and sales. “We are fortunate to have had strong traffic and seen many of our key customers this week. Atlanta brings together many different categories of retail, allowing us to showcase to a diverse range of customers in one location.”

As an expansion of the Casual and Outdoor category, the second annual Summer Casual Market in Atlanta offered an expanded showcase of over 70 permanent showrooms and over 100 temporary exhibitors to Atlanta market retailers and designers looking for new and upcoming outdoor/patio furniture and accessories. Attendance at the Casual Market increased 5% over last year when it launched in Atlanta, demonstrating continued growth in the category.

“Overall, it was a great market for us. We exceeded the number of appointments we had planned each day, so we are confident and optimistic for the year ahead,” said Rory Rehmert, President of Castelle.

In addition to the business activities, retailers and creators were able to enjoy a comprehensive program designed to enhance sourcing at the Market. Throughout the week, nearly 20 carefully curated events took place over five days, drawing crowds to interactive demonstration kitchens, business-tailored seminars and dynamic networking sessions.

The 2025 Atlanta Winter Market will take place January 14-20, 2025 at AmericasMart Atlanta.

About the Atlanta Market

Atlanta Market is a dynamic and immersive wholesale sourcing destination housing the nation’s largest assortment of giftware, complemented by a wide selection of home decor, furnishings, and the nation’s largest outdoor living expo. It includes three buildings with 51 floors of showrooms and temporary exhibitions featuring thousands of brands that attract retailers and designers from every U.S. state and more than 60 countries. For more information, visit AtlantaMarket.com.

About AND MORE℠

ANDMORE, formerly International Market Centers, is an omnichannel wholesale market maker that powers opportunities for wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and thrive through physical marketplaces, design centers and digital channels. The company owns and operates over 20 million square feet of premium event and exhibition space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, North Carolina, Las Vegas and New York City. By combining in-person events with always-on digital tools, ANDMORE provides truly omnichannel commerce platforms for its global wholesale client base. For more information, visit ANDMORE.com.