Summer Atlanta Market Buzzes With Optimism and Buying Activity
August 4, 2021
For many buyers at last month’s Summer 2021 Atlanta Market, returning to the biannual gift, décor and lifestyle market felt like a homecoming. Held July 13-19 at AmericasMart Atlanta, the show beat industry expectations with an uptick in out-of-region attendees, independent retailers and buying groups, along with enthusiastic reports of record-breaking sales across its home and gift collections.
“The safety measures and the graciousness of the Atlanta Market staff have left me with a smile on my face and an incredible hope for the future of our business and brick and mortar stores!” said Jorge Gonzalez, buyer and general merchandising manager for Draeger’s HOME & Market.
According to officials from International Market Centers (IMC), which owns and produces the event, pent-up demand for inventory led to aggressive buying by retailers and designers, who hailed from all 50 states and more than 30 countries, with the most notable growth in Midwest and Northeast buyer numbers.
Additionally, the show appeared to be returning to its pre-pandemic size and scope, outpacing the Winter 2021 Market by growing nearly 55% in attendance and ultimately beating IMC’s pre-market projections with more than 85% of the Summer 2019 Market turnout. By the close of business on July 14, the show had also surpassed its Summer 2020 attendance figures.
“Atlanta Market was exactly what buyers and sellers needed right now,” said Bob Maricich, CEO of IMC. “The buzz about the market quickly traveled through the industry, and the brands and buyers who did not attend were really feeling like they missed out. We’re confident that their need to be a part of Atlanta Market will accelerate the growth of the Winter Market in 2022.”
Serious Buyers, Serious Business
Summer Market buyers sourced from more than 8,000 lines showcasing gift, gourmet, home décor, juvenile, lifestyle, personal care, stationery and tabletop, including more than 1,000 in the temporary exhibits, which doubled over the Winter 2021 staging. Additionally, the market’s more than 1,000 gift and home décor showrooms featured nearly 60 new, relocated or expanded brands.
According to IMC officials, many retailers and designers said they had chosen Atlanta Market as their first market after a pandemic hiatus or as their first market ever for in-person sourcing.
“As [my first day] progressed, I eased back into the comfort of walking the show and passing by showrooms buzzing with buyers,” said Tara Riceberg of Tesoro and Tweak in Los Angeles, Calif. “When I descended the last escalator, I wanted to pinch myself. I had just had the most spectacular day! It was replete with desirable objects, wonderful conversations, hugs from old friends and foundations for new relationships. It was simply everything I hope a show would be!”
The show also presented an opportunity for showroom brands to return to the face-to-face experience, with many exhibitors across all market categories reporting brisk, record-breaking sales from serious buyers eager to touch, feel and order product.
“This was our first time exhibiting in a trade show in 18 months!” said Henry Cornell of M. Cornell. “We greatly missed the personal interaction with customers during that 1.5 years. There simply is no substitute for personally meeting customers. Atlanta is back and we’re so grateful!”
As if all that buzz wasn’t enough, the 2021 Summer Market also marked the return of at-market events organized by IMC, exhibitors and industry organizations, including a standing-room-only Market Kick-Off party, in-showroom special events, anniversaries and ribbon-cutting celebrations, and charitable fundraising gatherings.
The Winter 2022 Atlanta Market will return to AmericasMart Jan. 11–18.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
At the core of MGM Resorts' company values is its platform, "Focused on What Matters," dedicated to meeting customer needs while advancing socially responsible practices. This commitment is evident in several key areas:
Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
Committed to Community
Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
To MGM Resorts, a diverse and talented workforce is essential to success. By cultivating innovative strategies that consider multiple perspectives and viewpoints, the company creates an inclusive workplace culture that benefits its employees and community. MGM Resorts takes pride in being a welcoming home for veterans, individuals with disabilities, people from diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ+ community members, and more. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the company's recruitment and hiring practices and its social responsibility initiatives. From the workplace to the community, MGM Resorts' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion remains unwavering, and its efforts continue to create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.
MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
Add new comment