On Saturday, August 29, one of AmericasMart’s High Design exhibitors Avindy took their product to a new level, debuting their line of handmade jewelry LIVE on QVC. The mother-daughter duo took center stage to show off their fabulous pieces. Continue to be on the lookout for these rising stars, especially at the January 2010 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.
The August Atlanta Apparel Market, featuring the Nation’s Largest Prom and Special Occasion Market ended strong last Monday. Floor 10, the special occasion destination, was full daily with retailers shopping the latest in prom, pageantry, bridal and special occasion trends. Retailers experienced more gowns, more fashion shows and more designers here than anywhere else. 
I know it’s hard to believe but the holiday season is just around the corner. That means gearing up for those all important holiday sales dollars. With consumer confidence still on shaky ground; what can gift professionals do to stay ahead of the competition? I offer one crucial word: packaging.
Raising the perceived value of your holiday gifts is much easier when you offer creative and affordable packaging for all of the fabulous new gift and gourmet items you’ll pick up at the September show. Here are a few tips:
Want to learn more? Join me September 12 and 13 at Gift Basket University and learn more tricks and tips on packaging for profit. We’ll also discuss how creating a specialty (niche) business can mean a boost in sales!
Lynn Rogers, the Gift Diva, is owner of Atlanta based Mini Masterpieces. Her company specializes in custom gift packaging for small and mid sized corporations, entrepreneurs and individuals. She can be reached at 1-800-399-3175 or on the web at www.minimasterpieces.net
Thomas and Ethel Smawley with Penny Eskew from Jovani by their new mustang
During the August Atlanta Apparel Market, Jovani gave away a FREE Ford mustang to one lucky retailer. All retailers had the chance to enter by stopping by the Jovani showroom on the Special Occasion floor 10 during Market. On Sunday evening at a cocktail party in the showroom, the winner was drawn and announced. Thomas and Ethel Smawley of The Encounter, headquartered in Kingsport, TN, were the lucky winners. The Smawleys have been in the apparel business for more than three decades and have been coming to Atlanta for Market for 34 years. Ethel told AmericasMart that this was the first time they had ever won anything. The couple drove away their hot red Ford Mustang today…heading back to Tennessee in style!
Jane Fort, editor-in-chief of TeenPROM magazine and Linda Korman, advertising director of TeenPROM and SeventeenPROM, took to the podium on Saturday during Market to a full house with more than 90 attendees at their seminar. Jane and Linda spoke directly to the group of buyers and exhibitors about trends for next Prom season, what they are hearing and seeing about Prom, how to get the girl and her mom in the store and keep them there and much more. Attendees got real insider information and walked away with tools to make the sale and continue growing stronger.
Retailers learned to reshape how we look at body type to drive retail sales at the Shape Event as part of AmericasMart University at Atlanta Apparel Market on Saturday, Aug. 22. Licensed image consultant Mary Ann Sudnick, 
owner of Mariani’s Boutique, spoke about going beyond sales to establish credibility as a true expert customers are comfortable trusting with wardrobe decisions.
She outlined the three major body types – without using the familiar “fruit” analogies that often leave women feeling less than good about themselves. She explained how to use color and accessories to create balance and harmony that accentuates a customer’s best features and camouflages those she doesn’t like.
“We have to encourage customers and inspire them to step out of their comfort zone,” says Sudnick. “Women’s bodies change, so they need to be able to find styles that still flatter – and that is possible.”
Ellie de Souza Cruz, managing director of Plie Europe, (www.plieusa.com) offered advice on why shapewear 
isn’t just for special occasions anymore. “It’s about all-day comfort to be able to look good in whatever you wear,” she says. As fabrics and manufacturing processes improve, shapewear continues evolving into everyday wear that makes clothes fit better without conjuring memories of our mothers’ stiff girdles. There are options to flatter without sacrificing comfort, and it’s important to help customers understand all the products available to help them improve the fit of their clothing choices.
Since every woman wants – and needs – a great pair of jeans that actually fits, Kathy Moca, founder of Beija-Flor Jeans, (www.ilovethesejeans.com) shared her experience of going from a successful retailer to 
developing a line that uses Brazilian design to flatter figures around the world with comfortable, durable, fashionable jeans.
To tie the whole look together, Sudnick showed examples of her Top 10 Wardrobe Essentials ranging from a great white shirt to a patterned trench, then demonstrated how to turn each into a stylish ensemble. “What’s the difference between a good outfit and a great outfit?” she asks. “Accessories. They create a trademark.”
As retailers look for every advantage to gain and retain customers, service is more important than ever. Being able to help a customer find clothes that flatter – whether she’s a size 6 or size 16 – is invaluable. Developing that trust creates lasting sales relationships that extend beyond economic cycles.
With more than 500 spectacular gowns plus menswear, the Style Runway Fashion Show at Atlanta Apparel Market was simply stunning. Bright, bold colors and patterns stole the show. Canary yellow. Hot fuschia. Deep turquoise. Abstract florals. Full sequin and sequin accents. Pageant and prom styles are popping for next season. 
Bridal fashions jumped straight from storybooks with styles to fit any princess on her special day, created with runching, lace, pearls and embellishment – many strapless but some with beaded mock-sleeves. For the gentlemen, color added pop to traditional styles with hues to complement the intensity of the ladies’ styles.The little ones shimmered as well in flourishes of color — some bright, some sweet.
Whether outfitting a junior miss, a high school prom queen or the next Miss America, every retailer can find myriad options, unparalleled by any other Market collection in the country in Floor 10 showrooms and Floor 5 Temporaries!
The band “Flavor” added spice to the Opening Night Prom Party at Atlanta Apparel Market on Friday as buyers mixed, mingled, dined and danced. After a full day viewing some of the premier lines anywhere in the world, buyers were ready for a break. The evening epitomized the excitement of the 10th Floor Showrooms and 5th Floor Temporaries that are sparkling with shine and color.
The gem of the Market – the Style Fashion Runway Show – starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday in the 15th Floor Fashion Theater. More than 500 prom, pageant, bridal and special occasion pieces for women, men and kids from renowned lines such as Precious Formals, Emerald Bridal, Cassandra Stone, Terani and Kiss-Kiss by Mary’s along with many, many others are in the line-up. Don’t miss it!
Showrooms at the Atlanta Apparel Market are filled with exciting new looks including lots of texture and color. Here are a few glimpses at some of the three-dimensional pieces on display.
As you shop, what’s your “must-buy” style you won’t leave Market without ordering? We’d love to hear what your searching out for your store!
FREE admission into Opera tonight for all Atlanta Apparel buyers and exhibitors! Opera is one of Atlanta’s hottest night clubs, and you can experience it free tonight. It’s just down the street in Midtown on Crescent Avenue. Stop by the Registration desk to pick up your free admission ticket today before you leave. See you there!
