Monthly Archives: January 2010

Spring 2010 Accessory Trend Update!

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shoes pic   scarves    shoes again

January Market was filled with Accessories as Buyers looked for cute, classy and fun trends! All across market trends included:

  • Cuff Bracelets
  • Studded & Colorful Bangles
  • Bling & Sparkle Details
  • Big Chunky Rings
  • Piled on Jewelry including Necklaces & Bracelets
  • Colorful Leggings
  • Summer Scarves
  • Jewel Tone Pumps & Sandals
  • Patent Pumps & Sandals
  • Python Prints in Flats & Sandals
  • Mixed Media Accessories & Metallic Accents

Check back next week for more trend updates and let us know what trends you saw during January!

Guest Blogger Brooke Giannetti Talks about Her AmericasMart Discovery

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When I opened my store last year I never thought that I would be visiting Atlanta to find home furnishing resources.

I asked myself “What could AmericasMart possibly have that I couldn’t find here in Los Angeles?”

The answer to that question turned out to be “A lot!”

Here are my top 10 things that I discovered/enjoyed during my latest trip to AmericasMart:

1. Blue Ocean Traders

Blue Ocean Traders Showroom was filled with a wonderful combination of antiques and amazing reproductions.

2. Tritter Feefer

I found furniture maker Tritter Feefer during my first visit to Atlanta last July. I was really impressed with their beautiful finishes and their reasonable prices. When I stopped into their showroom this time I fell in love with their new designs, including these two new dining tables.

3. Bobo Intriguing Objects.

No other showroom is as inspiring as Bobo. Owner Mark Sage has no fear and is willing to go all out for his designs.

4. Peddlers Home Design

Owner Robert True Ogden’s passion for vintage industrial is apparent throughout his showroom. I loved everything!

5. Solaria Lighting

I’m always search for new lighting resources. I was thrilled to find Solaria. They’re designs and finishes are fantastic!

6. Aidan Gray

I knew of Aidan Gray before my trips to AmericasMart, but I never had the opportunity to see all of their products in person. Being able to touch their products convinced me to carry their lighting and furniture pieces in my store.

7.  The AmericasMart Rug Market.

I found some fantastic rugs for the shop!

8. Thom Filicia

Yes, I got to meet Thom Filicia and attend his talk about his new book! It was such a treat to get some insight into his design process.

9. Kathryn M. Ireland

I also enjoyed hearing designer Kathryn M. Ireland speak. Her latest book is about her love affair with a gorgeous Wallace Neff house that she beautifully restored. While listening to Kathryn, I could feel her passion for design and this home. Just stunning!

Me, Kathryn M. Ireland, and our mutual friend Veranda Fine Arts Editor Leslie Newsom Roscoe.

10. Meeting other design obsessed people!

It was so much fun bumping into other design bloggers (like my friend Rachel from the blog Nest Egg) as well as other designers and store owners.

Brooke Giannetti
bgiannetti@mac.com
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Velvet & Linen
Giannetti Home

Giannetti Interiors

 

AMU Guest Blogger Peggy Johnson Spills on Survival Strategies

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peggy-head-shot-medI often refer to a quote by Helen Keller’s teacher: 
“I came to teach, but I stayed to learn.”  That describes every class I have ever taught, every fashion show I have done….and more.  I have always found frontline decisions and experience to be the most valuable…along with sage advice from our sales reps…that give us insider tips on survival.  I always look forward to market to pull me up out of the fray of my  everyday retail life to re-focus in a beautiful and caring market atmosphere… reviewing the designer’s current offerings (while searching for some “new” to add to the mix). 

But something keeps us going.  It’s the smile of a satisfied customer who received rave reviews at last night’s reception for her company…or on her cruise. A “where did you get that gorgeous outfit?” goes a long way!

One of my current favorites from a forever customer while at the airport in LondonEngland….A very gentile English lady came up to me and said “Would it make you mad if I threw you down on the ground and snatched your jacket?  I just love it!”

Laura smiled and said “It probably would, so why don’t I just tell you where I got it.” You couldn’t make that one up!

Our survival strategies seminar covered many diverse directions gleaned over the years, including:

·          Fashion Show Production, made easy and profitable

·          Closet Makeovers

·          3 X 5 Wardrobe Plan

·          Packing Checklists for Planning Travel wardrobe (For men and women)

·          Conducting Fashion Seminars

·          Publicity opportunities you may not have realized were there.

·          Question and Answer portion

There is always more from where that came from. Find out here: http://www.petuniapatch.org/

Peggy held a seminar at the Atlanta Apparel Market this past weekend.

Children’s Buyers Upbeat in Atlanta

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baileyboys

Bailey Boys

On Floor 13, AmericasMart’s Children’s World showrooms stayed busy as retailers restocked inventories depleted by a good holiday sales season.

Monogramming is still popular, but it’s taking different forms other than traditional initials. There are more creative options. If you don’t want to invest in equipment for your store, partner with a trusted local business so you can offer the service to your customers, then present interesting alterantives for monogramming.  

Zackali 4 Kids

Zackali 4 Kids

Sometimes on its own, sometimes paired with a bright accent color, black & white was prominent both in clothing and juvenile

MissTeeVUs

MissTeeVUs

accessories. Maybe it’s driven by more “dad-friendly” items or maybe it’s the next generation of parents looking for a cleaner, crisper look, but there are many products on the scene.

 
klein

The Klein Group

Almost anything collegiate still sells, in almost any region of the country as alums want new ways to show their allegiance as they become parents. Bright and funky is also still popular for customers looking for alternatives to more traditional pastels in childrenswear, especially anything reminscent of the 1960s and Woodstock.

Larry Lucas

Larry Lucas

Industry veteran Larry Lucas says he’s seen at least three downturns in his long career, though none quite as severe as last year. However, he sees definite signs of recovery and was up significantly over January 2009. “Many people ran out of merchandise during a strong holiday season so they need to build inventory again,” he says. “They were shopping and writing good orders for a variety of lines.”

Denise Hostetler of The Klein Group reports their showroom was busy in spurts throughout the weekend, but wrote good orders with their steady customers. Richard Holzheimer of Zackali 4 Kids says they saw return customers, but also had several new buyers come in who are either looking for new lines or opening new stores – always a good sign for the business.

Difference is in the Details

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Throughout the January Atlanta Apparel Market, one thing stand out – detailing. Casual to contemporary, special occasion to betterwear, across categories and price points, various forms of visual interest abound.

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Interesting dimensional elements of sweaters give the appearance of layers in a single piece. Or new knitted options give customers a sweater option beyond traditional.

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Embroidery has been around for ages, but its even more interesting with bold placement and creative designs. It’s almost an rural chic look that’s anything but “country.” Instead conjures more Bohemian, more Gypsy – all with an urban edge.

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Frayed edges, three-dimensional florals, pleated add-ons for necklines and shoulders. There’s nothing flat about these fashions. Each piece is almost enhanced with its own accessory simply though interesting elements. Look for pieces that offer something different, whether it’s a strap reminiscent of a folder hankerchief or layered fabrics. There are new options everywhere at Atlanta Apparel sure to excite your customers about shopping again.

T.J. Reid Offers Accessories Advice

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reid2rPopular speaker and editor of Fashion Advantage Magazine T.J. Reid presented her insight into creating an advertising and promotions plan for 2010 to buyers at the January Atlanta Apparel Market.

Reid covered topics ranging from the basics of advertising and promotion to ideas for year-round in-store activities to draw buyers into your store. From how much to spend to where to spend to who to reach, Reid offered advice on all types of advertising, signage, direct mail, sponsorships, newsletters, etc. Tips included understand your objective, knowing your customer, creating an image, establishing a theme, developing a time line and mining potential resources.

She explained the benefits of various forms of promotion and even offered examples of “holidays” throughout the year to use as building blocks to drive reid4rstore traffic.

Bottom line is understanding your customers and the best way to reach them. The best method depends on your store personality. Have a plan, then build on what you are and what matters to your target audience.

For additional information, go to Reid’s Web site: www.tjreid.com.

Wrapping up Scarves

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At the January 2010 Atlanta Apparel Market, accessories abound, but one item is in all types of showrooms – scarves. Both permanents and temps, womenswear and accessories exhibitors are showcasing their versatility.

A scarf can complete an outfit, lending an element of dimension and often a pop of pattern or color. An obvious for fall and winter, lighter fabrics and tempscarvercolors easily transition to spring and even summer. Just walking floors, it seems every fourth person is wearing some sort of wrap, either draped, twisted or loosely tied around the neck or waist.

Traditional apparel retailers, accessories boutiques, even gift shops can easily turn scarves. Darlene Robertson, owner of Darlene’s Boutique & Gift Shop in Alabama, swears by the idea, saying they are consistently one of her best selling items. In Atlanta, she’s reordering scarfcustomerrtrusted lines while looking for new options.

For sales advantage, display a group together to showcase the diversity, and make sure to incorporate a scarf into a mannequin outfit.

There are scarf options to suit any customer. While in Atlanta, find the right one for your store.

We have a NEW Website!

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homepage-screenshot-smallWe’ve launched a new website specifically for you! You will find a fresh and advanced site to easily find answers to all of your Market questions. We have buyer and exhibitor info, general facts and a look at what it is like to experience Market. Here, you’ll be able to view video, pictures and details of the Market—Discover everything we are and everything we have!

Click here to check it out now!

Fabulous Young Contemporary Lines Hit 2nd Floor this Market!

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YCJanThe “Young & Now” Young Contemporary category debuts on the 2nd floor this market. Make sure to visit the 800 aisle to check out all the new lines available at Atlanta Apparel in January. 

To see a complete list of lines to debut on Floor 2 please view our website here.

New Temp Changes at Market, Starting Today!

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scarvesJanuary Atlanta Apparel Market starts today!! We are so excited to announce new changes to the temporaries on Floor 3. The 3rd Floor will now feature Ready To Wear, Accessories, and Shoes. Make sure to stop by and check out all the new product and new lines to Atlanta Apparel. 

Also, plan to attend the Grand Opening Cocktail Party on Friday January 22 at 5 p.m. to enjoy a one of a kind cocktail and shop the new additions to the 3rd floor.