ATLANTA—As the No. 1 resource for the area rug industry, the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, slated for July 15 to 18, is poised to offer retailers 
from around the globe a complete package of the most unique products, new business opportunities, networking and education. So said Chas Sydney, senior vice president, area rug, external business development, adding that the market will feature the newest products and designs from the industry’s leading suppliers.
This summer AmericasMart welcomes back Concepts International to a permanent showroom on Floor 3 in Building 1. “The company, which has shown at AmericasMart since 1979 in permanent and temporary spaces, has searched the world for nearly 40 years to bring its customers the most upscale products in the floor covering industry,” Sydney said.
Concepts International, a division of Prestige Mills located in Long Island City, N.Y., will be among the many manufacturers and importers debuting fall lines at the market. The company offers innovative product from places such as China, India, Nepal and Europe. “Concepts International has spent years bringing together the finest constructions and designs in order to create its area rugs,” he said.
Charles Kalison, vice president of Concepts International, referred to Atlanta as the “heart” of the American rug market. “There is no doubt Atlanta is the place to be if you want to have a successful business.”
The market encompasses four full floors (Building 1, Floors 3 to 6) of merchandise with new lines and designs, ranging from traditional to modern lines. “Key executives will be present during the market, and buyers will have the opportunity to network and gain exclusive access to them,” Sydney said. Run concurrently with the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings show, the summer rug market “creates energy and excitement with expanded product offerings and opportunities for crossover buying within the home category.”
In addition, AmericasMart will provide industry-specific educational seminars, events and workshops with more hands-on business-building solutions than ever. The programming is in partnership with Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA) and features renowned designer guests.
Setting the stage for education is AmericasMart University (AMU), which offers business classes taught by business professionals. In addition to the 12 courses in the curriculum, AMU will spotlight two keynote addresses on Sat., July 17, and Sun., July 18, that discuss how social media can increase customer interaction and loyalty, and how retail can survive in a post-recession world. Among the highlights of the many educational rug seminars scheduled, “Conservation, Repair or Restoration?” by rug specialist Thea Sand will be presented on Fri., July 16, at 9 a.m. A lively and timely discussion about what’s realistic, best practice versus client expectations and cost, before-and-after photos, and samples will be on display. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own pictures and pieces to share.
Outside of AMU are nearly 30 classes, seminars and workshops that delve into methods to attack and solve challenges and strengthen business while helping directly link AmericasMart product to store profits. Many of these offerings are category-specific, enabling retailers to grow in their niche or learn more about pursuing new options for cross-merchandising and attracting new customers.
For more information on attending or exhibiting at the July Atlanta International Area Rug Market, call 404.220.2384.