Heard at Market
News from Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market
Lane Harvey Brown -- Home Accents Today, 1/9/2008 6:43:00 AM
As the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market opens its doors this week, a burst of warm weather has buyers in the mood for spring introductions. And companies have their showrooms decked out with the season’s freshest colors and designs.Modern, earthy themes are making a strong showing. A host of new products offer rich natural textures and hues, from manufacturers including Roberta Schilling, Urban Trends and Siwthaisilk. Look for several rug companies – Nourison and Momeni among them – to unveil eco-friendly collections at next week’s Atlanta International Area Rug Market.
Payne Street and The Breece Collection, as well as Bella Rose by Chateau, have both moved into the Napp-Deady showroom for this market (GM 1100). This marks a return to the show by Payne Street after an extended absence, and for Bella Rose means a significant space expansion.
Kaaya, an Indian company specializing in natural fine linens, is showing its eco-friendly products in MM 7-K-17. The company’s artisans use eco-friendly vegetable dyes or azo-free dyes in their fabrics. The company is introducing a line of pillows and fabrics using “ahimsa” or peaceful silk, which the company says is created without harming the silk worm.
In the fast-growing outdoor segment, Soraya Jones (AM 2-1019) is showing new floral, fruit and veggie designs on melamine trays are bursting with color. The designs complement the manufacturer’s mix and match, waterproof placements and ceramic tiles.
AmericasMart University’s first graduating class of 17 will receive their certificates at an exclusive dinner Friday evening at the Capital City Club. AMU is a study program that offers professional-level courses taught my experts on a range of business practices. This year, the program is expanding to offer courses through Webinars at AmericasMart.com.
In people news, Uttermost has added two designers, Matthew Williams and David Frisch. They joined Uttermost on a freelance basis in May 2007 and are debuting their first products this week. Steve Roan has been named chief operating officer for Calhoun, Ga.-based Surya, Inc., according to Satya Tiwari, president. In the new position, Roan will be responsible for all areas of operations, with the exception of sales and marketing.
The Williamsburg license is marking its largest season of new products this month. The six biggest launches are Aldik, C&F, Troy/Hudson Valley Lighting, Campania, Reed & Barton and SPI-Home. There are parties and events at several of the licensees’ showrooms this week to celebrate the debuts.
Interesting speakers and events always abound in Atlanta and this week will feature popular designer Christopher Lowell, who will lay out the steps in merchandising stores like homes to connect with hyper-busy consumers; wedding planner Mindy Weiss, who will share tips on how to tap into the bridal market; and Lea Berman, former White House social secretary, who shares secrets of entertaining and decorating, Pennsylvania Avenue style.
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