Back on the Floor: My First Impressions from Atlanta Market — and the Trends You Need to Know

This week, while packing my bags for Atlanta Market, I was more excited than usual because it would be my first market since maternity leave, and I couldn’t wait to see what stylish innovations our industry’s product designers had dreamed up. As usual, the industry did not disappoint.

I can’t express how happy I am that, though market attendance isn’t as busy as it used to be pre-COVID (and likely never will be), it seems that retailers and manufacturers have found their post-COVID groove. There are plenty of fresh ideas, innovative products and trendy goods that are pulling me back into the showrooms, and the buyers that are here are optimistic.

Besides a genuine buzz from those that came focused and ready to buy, the market is also filled with stylish accessories, joyful home goods and versatile solutions. Here’s my first take at a few of the trends I’ve noticed so far.

The Handcrafted Moment Is Here to Stay

If there is one overarching aesthetic thread running through the market this week, it is the appeal of the handcrafted movement. Everywhere I look, I see handcrafted moments, from crocket kits to embroidered ornaments and journals.

Snoozies, long beloved for its cozy footwear, surprised me the most this market with a new line of embroidered slippers that feel elevated and artisanal. Design Imports also offered several tactile moments, like in its strawberry-themed embroidered tea towels, as did Rifle Paper Co and Hazel Mazel. What I love about this movement is how it signals the craving for a deeper consumer sentiment. Shoppers are placing value on quality and personal over mass-produced, and I’m here for it.

Plethora of Pouches

While women’s apparel is seeing a huge uptick in sales thanks to more consumers losing weight, fashionable accessories are rising right along with it. The hottest accessory this week? Fashionable pouches! Some of this market’s standouts include Powder’s new astrology collection, dog-portrait series and sparkly floral collection. Snoozies is also showing off a strategic expansion this week with its limited series of coordinating zipper pouches.

Versatility is a Core Value

These days, versatility isn’t a bonus feature; it’s a design mandate. And two manufacturers truly understood the assignment.

Keva’s trays with reversible and interchangeable textile inserts struck the perfect balance between form and function, giving consumers the freedom to refresh their décor without replacing their investment pieces. Even more impressive was Plate and Pattern, which is reimagining entertaining entirely. The company makes a core set of entertaining pieces: Galvanized metal tins, wicker baskets and platters, as well as a slew of decorative parchment paper liners that fit inside the tableware pieces. The liners not only make the tabletop pieces more festive, but they also keep the pieces clean while being used. The disposable liners are durable (withstanding even meat being cut on top of them) and include multiple themed designs, like stars and stripes, game day and botanical.

Building Relationships 

One of my favorite trends I’ve noticed is consumers’ and manufacturers’ focus on connection. Products designed not just to sit on a shelf, but to bring people together.

From Christmas goods centered on family traditions and the rituals of gathering, to Schiffer Publishing’s activity books designed specifically for best friends, this week’s market had several heartwarming goods that either helped customers connect or celebrated the value of relationships.

We’ll be posting our full trend reports in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more.