Market Report — Atlanta
By Caroline Kennedy -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 8/1/2006
Getting to market is always a challenge, whether you are an exhibitor, buyer or reporter, especially when you travel by air. The elements are always a concern: in winter, it is the snow; in the summer, thunderstorms.
Huge thunderstorms in the New York area inconvenienced many travelers last month, including one Gifts & Decorative Accessories editor trying to get to Atlanta. Flights were cancelled and flights were delayed, creating cranky travelers who'd risen very early to catch a flight — only to be informed that it was cancelled
Notwithstanding traveling woes, the Atlanta market got going in a hurry, with familiar exhibitors and new faces rolling out new lines for excited buyers. European floral and accent manufacturer Sia bloomed bright with bountiful, exotic faux florals, including four lush seasonal collections to fit with any decor or occasion.
Another faux creating buzz in Atlanta: faux furs at the Manual Woodworkers and Weavers showroom. The popular Isabella's Journey lifestyle line of home and personal accessories features faux fur coats, jackets and even aprons!
The Tag showroom was buzzing; big sellers in Atlanta included carved pumpkin soup bowls and reindeer motifs in the holiday line. The stick figure reindeer collection drew plenty of attention, with the white reindeer motif — a change from the traditional brown — attracting special notice. Tag also introduced a holiday children's line that includes mugs, a cookie and mug plate for Santa, aprons and more.
