Atlanta Market Highlights
Vendors say buyers are focused on restocking
Jenny Heinzen York -- Home Accents Today, 7/9/2009 7:44:00 AM
As the Atlanta Market kicked off Wednesday, the mood was upbeat and cautiously optimistic.Vendors told Home Accents Today their customers are in need of restocking, so are coming to market this week ready to buy, but with very focused shopping lists.
Husband-and-wife retailers Ron and Rhonda Erwin were shopping in the Creative Co-Op showroom Wednesday afternoon. The couple own “competing” stores in Madison, Ga., about an hour east of Atlanta. Ron’s store carries home decor, furniture and accents, and Rhonda sells gifts, jewelry and apparel.
We’ve been here about six hours; this market we’re looking for color. With the economy and the situation we’re in, we believe people want to put a little color and fun into their lives. Has the recession bottomed out? Well, I also sell real estate so I’m basing it on the real estate market; but I also watch the foreclosure rate. The foreclosure rate in this area is starting to drop and I think that’s a sign that things may be about to change. The proof in the pudding will be over the next few months -- if the foreclosure rate stays steady and things start leveling off. --Ron Erwin
What we’re up against more than anything in the last two years is competition from the big box stores. To stay competitive, one of the questions I ask my vendors is ‘what big box stores are carrying any part of your line, or something like it, or a knock off of it?’ --Rhonda Erwin
Market officials cut the ribbon on the new 14th floor of Building 1 Thursday morning. The new floor, formerly home to The Gardens, includes several showrooms showcasing more than 30,000 square feet of premium furniture, lighting and accessories.
The grand opening of the new 14th Floor is supported by several seminars and events. A new program highlighted at the July Market is the ART Retail Roundtable, sponsored by Accessories Resource Team, from 9-11 on Saturday in 14-D-9.
In other news from around the show:
Imax debuts new textiles lines and designs from R. Francel Goude
Imax Worldwide Imports announces the introduction of an exclusive line of lighting and home accessories by veteran home accents designer R. Francel Goude. The company also is introducing Imax Embellished, a line of textiles including decorative accent pillows and table runners in a combination of colors, patterns and textures.
“Our goal was to present Imax customers with a high end look for less,” stated IMAX International Buyer Kendra Harp. “There is a definite void in our marketplace for the small to mid-size retailers to purchase textiles with a significant perceived value at a reasonable price. It took a year in the development process to build strong relationships with the suppliers for exclusivity and to achieve the right product presentation, but we are very happy with the results.”
Imax’s showroom in Americasmart is GM 1100.
Lazy Susan USA Launches Shopatron Program
Lazy Susan USA, has announced that the company has launched a program from Shopatron that allows Lazy Susan’s independent retailers to complete an order placed on the company Web site. The retailer-integrated Web site launch coincided with the start this week’s Atlanta market.
Lazy Susan has enabled Shopatron to let the closest retail store fulfill the customer’s order if the item is in stock. Local order completion allows for faster order delivery and the convenience of local in-store pickup.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of Shopatron,” said David Moses, CEO. “This program will provide our independent retailers with additional sales and an increase in traffic directed to their shops.”
Lazy Susan’s showroom here is GM 901B.
Manual Woodworkers unveils new textiles designs
Manual Woodworkers & Weavers is using a new dye-sublimated printing process on a group of textiles debuting this week. The process, dubbed Pervade, allows the company to achieve a more urban look.
Although dye-sublimating is a break from the company’s usual tapestry style, the pieces still use its domestically woven fabric. The fabrics used in conjunction with Pervade have a woven texture such as a herringbone, silk or leaf pattern.
Pervade products will debut from a number of existing collections including the both the Terri Conrad and Michelle Palmer licensed lines.
“It is a departure for us,” said Susan Hardie, head of the new products division. “We are finding that Pervade allows us to touch an entirely new customer base. We are able to get much more detail.”
Pervade pillows, table runners and other soft goods will be available at Manual Woodworkers & Weavers’ showroom in the Gift Mart, WestWing, Suite 697.
Several events are also planned for market. A luncheon will be served in the showroom on Friday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
On Saturday, July 11, artist Susan Winget will attend a signing with a free gift from 4 - 5 p.m., followed by a tailgate party from 6 - 8 p.m.
Linon opens Atlanta showroom
Linon Home Decor Products will open its showroom in AmericasMart for The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings and Area Rugs markets, July 8-15.
Linon will feature all its indoor/outdoor rug introductions along with a new licensed collection, Southern Living Home. Senior editors of Southern Living magazine will meet and greet customers at Linon’s showroom.
On July 12 at 5 p.m., Linon will host The Big Fat Greek Party to mark its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting by Chas Sydney. This will be the first of many parties to come, said Jim Ziozis, president of Linon Home Décor Products Inc. Ziozis promises great Greek food, wine and plenty of dancing.
“The Atlanta Summer Market is a chance for us to show many of our product categories and we are excited as we see that the economy is improving as sales are picking up,” Ziozis said. “We have a lot of products to offer that meet the quality and price points needed for this current economy. The normal has changed and we are ready for the new normal.”
Ziozis said his Linon’s team is looking forward to the Atlanta market. “We see more and more of our larger accounts as well as smaller attending this market. The management team of AmericasMart is making every effort to promote this summer Market.”
Linon also will be featuring its cutting-edge, affordable stocking RTA furniture and wall art, which can be drop shipped by UPS anywhere in the nation for the first time during an Atlanta show as well.
Linon will be unveiling its new complete licensed collection Southern Living Home. The collection includes Low Country, a new group of hand-hooked indoor/outdoor rugs, made of 100% polypropylene pile and backing. With a UV-4 rating, the rug designs range from floral to tropical. Suggested retail would be $249.
Linon feels the Southern Living Home Collection is a perfect fit for retailers who feature traditional and transitional looks. Many of these rugs are being featured in the 2008 Southern Living Idea Houses, which opened to the public in June.
ANNIEGLASS DEBUTS its first recycled collection, Greenieglass in its showroom in the Gift Mart, suite 900. The collection of votives and ornaments are made from 100% recycled glass with gold accents.
The salvaged glass scrap is stacked and heated to very high temperatures, creating an alabaster type of look with a texture unlike any other Annieglass product.
Annie Morhauser, founder of Annieglass, developed this new technique. With much trial and error, she said she has produced a green line that is both luxurious and eco-friendly.
“This is a really novel approach to glass making and we used a lot of creative thinking and problem solving to create a recycled and beautiful piece of glass,” said Morhauser. “It’s been a lifelong goal of mine to make something beautiful out of scrap and I can’t wait to unveil Greenieglass.”
Morhauser underscores Annieglass’ commitment to sustainability, pointing out it is one of the few tableware companies to manufacture their products in the United States. They further reduce its carbon footprint by purchasing glass produced only 60 miles from the studio.
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