The Atlanta Fall Gift & Home Furnishings Market started with a rush Saturday morning. Registration lobbies were filled with buyers eager to 
hit the floors. While many were looking to fill in sparse inventories prior to the holiday rush, a group from VerdeGo – a design and garden center in Bunnell, Fla. – was in Atlanta to buy for a new store as they expand to a second location.
There were plenty of educational opportunities for buyers to gain new skills early on Saturday. Home retailers heard 
industry experts’ advice about how to grow business in a tough economy. Crafty buyers learned to creatively construct gift baskets that will thrill customers while garnering strong profit margins. And one of the most popular spots of 
the morning was a social media seminar explaining why smart retailers should make the most ofopportunities to speak to customers through Web sites, Facebook, Twitter and every other possible medium. Foodies learned from one of Atlanta’s top chefs, Shaun Doty in the state-of-the-art Gourmet Kitchen in Building 2 WestWing. And in the afternoon, the much anticipated Best of Atlanta winning gourmet products were revealed.
Sunday sets up to be just as busy with another Gift Basket 
University class; ample opportunities to source exceptional product from both permanent and temporary exhibitors and get ready for a promising holiday buying season.
Buyers: Need a place to park this weekend for the September Markets? We have a FREE spot for you! All buyers* that park in the Peachtree Center Garage (located on Peachtree Center) on Saturday and Sunday are eligible for free parking. Just park, and as you leave, show your badge. You’ll be able to leave with no parking fees.
When I got back to the office after Market, I was still pinching myself. Was that Atlanta Market for real?! What a great show it was, and what a wonderful surprise. I was a bit nervous and uncertain as to what would happen at this market, but I truly never expected the success I had. It was a record show, even in this economy. I am very lucky to have had such a great show.
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.
