Atlanta—Chip Wade, noted HGTV personality and a strong supporter of using flooring as the anchor of a room’s design, was one of the many highlights at for those attending the summer edition of the Atlanta International Area Rug Market and overlapping Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market.
FCNews’ Joe Fondetti was once again at AmericasMart to report on the latest happenings, products and trends. As has been the case in recent years, the sluggish economy was front and center among discussions, it hasn’t distracted rug makers from trying to differentiate their offerings while giving buyers opportunities to be successful.
As he reports, those working to lure buyers into their showrooms during July’s Atlanta Rug Market all agreed the lingering sluggishness of the economy is affecting their bottom line. There is, however, no general consensus on just what they can do about it.
One direction that some of the major machine rug players are turning to is the “Made in USA” label. Environmentally friendly options is another avenue as end users are realizing their rugs need to be as eco-friendly as their other furnishings.
Wade’s walking tour looked at three rooms he redecorated showcasing product across the AmericasMart home furnishings merchandise mix. As part of his presentation, Wade escorted a large group of retailers and designers through AmericasMart showrooms to point out how the center offers a wide variety of rugs, furnishings and accents to meet any design need.
Fondetti’s complete recap of the many things that took place will appear in Aug. 1/8 print edition of FCNews.