Christmas came early for buyers on Floors 16-20 on Friday night as they shopped showrooms and enjoyed the festive atmosphere of the “Night Before Christmas” event. More than 500 buyers received special stockings and gift bags filled with fun giveaway goodies from participating showrooms. Every floor was filled with people looking, shopping and enjoying holiday hospitality.
Colleen Piggott, showroom manager of Kurt Adler, Inc., says their business was holding steady with both long-time customers as well as some new accounts. They focused on helping buyers fill in last-minute holiday orders to supplement what they already ordered at January Market. “People are looking for things they know will sell but also searching for that one special collection to set their store apart and make it a destination in their area,” she says. “Variety is so important to make sure a buyer can find whatever constitutes ‘special’ for his or her customers.”
Some buyers were cautious, but optimistic for a good holiday season for 2009. Bob Williamson of Yard & Haus in Statesboro, Ga., says they are looking for fun and colorful for this holiday. “It’s been a tough year, but we’re looking forward and planning ahead. The unveiling of our holiday windows is always a big event, and we’re planning on making as big a splash this year as ever with a Christmas-a-Go-Go theme in one window and a more traditional look in the other. We have high hopes for the season that people will be upbeat and ready to spend some and enjoy the holidays,” he says. He was ordering lots of silver from Winward International to augment both display ideas. He also plans to specifically seek out whimsical, creative display pieces that he can both use in the store and sell.
The holiday season is just around the corner with many retailers already prepping their holiday displays. July Market is the time to add and fill in to make sure everything is perfect when the holiday shoppers start feeling festive and ready to shop.
Kelly O’Neal, owner of Design Legacy, says Friday was their best opening day ever. “Buyers are looking for something different, something interesting to offer their customers’ he says. “We took additional space for this Market to showcase new products, and it paid off. We’ve been writing non-stop since the floor opened.”
offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship behind their products. With all the razzle and dazzle, they were award the “Best of Show” prize for this Market.
Customers sampled gourmet products at Bella Cucina, who also reported a stellar day on Friday. Buyers shopping at Victoria Richard were treated to a colorburst of interest both outside the booth and in, with myriad new products this Market.
At Barkology, Owner and Designer Zoe Lancaster says she’s been steady since opening with both established customers and some new accounts. She reports her customers are being careful, but they’re still buying. “My store owners want to see what’s new, but they’re also buying what they know will sell. I’m working with them to ensure we keep a steady flow of product into their stores to ensure their customers can always see fresh, creative designs that keep them coming back in.”
For those interested in the culinary realm, Chef Jay Swift of the famed Fourth & Swift restaurant (
Michael Sims of Lion Ribbon Co. (
branding your business. She explained how something as basic as a logo generates the first impression a customer has of your business and why it’s so vital to communicate the right message. She also offered advice to those who want to do some of the work themselves as well as insight into effectively communicating with a graphic design firm to achieve the results you need. Vicky’s second class helped demystify company Web sites. As the one marketing tool you completely own and control, she explained why a dynamic Web presence is crucial to success for any type of retailer in today’s social-networked, internet-based marketplace.
For those interested in the culinary realm, Chef Jay Swift of the famed Fourth & Swift restaurant (
use ribbon as both an accent and a centerpiece for any occasion or season – even teaching attendees how to make intricate (but deceptively simple) ribbon roses. As everyone is trying to do more with less these days, Micheal showed how something as simple as ribbon can add depth and interest to any display without tremendous expense.
understand the importance of graphic design and how it impacts branding your business. She explained how something as basic as a logo generates the first impression a customer has of your business and why it’s so vital to communicate the right message. She also offered advice to those who want to do some of the work themselves as well as insight into effectively communicating with a graphic design firm to achieve the results you need. Vicky’s second class helped demystify company Web sites. As the one marketing tool you completely own and control, she explained why a dynamic Web presence is crucial to success for any type of retailer in today’s social-networked, internet-based marketplace.
No one sees an economic downturn earlier than a retailer. Even though the rest of the world acknowledged it last fall, the reality is that most of you felt the first tremors as early as eighteen months ago. By July gift shows last summer, many buyers were reporting the worst June they’d seen…ever.
Check out what’s going on TODAY in the Market Temporaries! Don’t miss your chance to grab free trail mix in High Country Lodge, Distinctly American and Antique, Vintage & One-of-a-Kind. It’s easy. Stop by Building 1, Floor 2 at 1:30 p.m. for the “You Got Trail” Trail Mix Giveaway from Happy Snacks.
Experienced retailer Melissa Haberstroh had audience members taking detailed notes earlier today as she discussed strategies for sustainable sales in her AmericasMart University seminar “Doing Business in the New Norm.”
Television personality and performer Marie Osmond can add her new line of giftware and tabletop products to her long list of accomplishments. Osmond will make a guest appearance at the July Market to introduce her new line with Giftcraft, which also includes quilted bags & accessories, jewelry and home décor. Come meet Marie in person Saturday, July 11, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Building 2, Floor 15, Room 1521. 
basic to elegant to traditional to contemporary. Usually shown in natural hues or grayed tones, the fabric offers an interesting contrast to a variety of washed, painted or polished woods. These pieces provide a perfect background to show off interesting accent pieces with pops of color. Or, they work well for an almost monochromatic tonal environment that’s booth calm and interesting.
One look prominent at the European shows is starting to show up in Atlanta collections as well. Not always just traditional Americana, the flag motif works with upholstery, case goods and accessories to create colorful comfort pieces.
