“Atlanta Apparel’s October market wrapped up our 2023 sourcing season and kicked off 2024 with a bang,” said Caron Stover, ANDMORE SVP, apparel. “AmericasMart Atlanta is the Southeast’s premier apparel sourcing and trend destination, and we are looking forward to continuing the electricity in 2024.”
The October edition of Atlanta Apparel showcased over 3,150 brands across permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits, and attracted attendees predominantly from the southeast region, with growth in western and international attendance. Buyer retention statistics reflect a loyal retail audience, with 76% of attendees at the October market having visited the market in the past two years, 66% having attended earlier in 2023 and 35% having attended the last edition in August 2023.
Exhibitors reported strong order writing this October, with many brands noting an uptick in walk-by traffic, bringing in new business alongside continuing relationships.
“We have been at AmericasMart over 30 years. For this market, we had a typical amount of appointments but as the week continued, we've had more foot traffic than usual,” said Paula Hyman, owner of Michael and Paula Hyman Showroom. “We added three new lines to our showroom this market and it was extremely successful. Our new Italian line, Milio Milano, had its market debut in Atlanta this past week and it created a big buzz.”
Temporary exhibitor, Tony Letorre, account manager of TOMS Shoes, spoke to the importance of showcasing the brand in Atlanta.
“Atlanta Apparel draws buyers from all over the country, and this market we saw accounts from Maine, Iowa, Illinois and Pennsylvania alongside southeastern accounts,” noted Letorre. “We have been exhibiting in Atlanta for over 13 years and show at all five Apparel markets per-year. It's a great way to open new accounts and to reconnect with our many existing boutique apparel and gift shops, plus there is always something fun to do at all times of the day.”
Buyers raved about the full range of products available across Atlanta Apparel’s temporary exhibits and permanent showrooms, alongside the hallmark, attendee-focused experience.
“No matter what demographic, no matter what color, no matter what fabric, you're going to be able to really stock your store and get what you need, because everything is here at Atlanta Apparel,” said Tara Kamiya, owner of Boudoir Boutique in Raeford, NC. “I've done all the other markets and Atlanta is where it's at. Atlanta Apparel is a good time and they really have invested in the buyer’s experience.”
“Atlanta is more fun than any other market we have been to, and the dates work perfectly with our schedule,” said Grace Keen, owner of Peachy Keen Boutique in Cape Girardeau and Dexter, MO. “We wished the market party could’ve lasted all night, but you come to market the next day and there’s so much more to do.”
First-time buyer, Tiffany Levine, owner of Tiffany’s of Camp Hill in Camp Hill, PA, added, “We have gotten to see brands we already work with, we’ve met so many new brands and we’ve placed a few large orders. Atlanta Apparel is great because we have a week here that we can stop and establish relationships with the different vendors. It takes time to really look at the whole product range that brands have to offer, and we don’t feel rushed to get everything done in Atlanta.”
The next Atlanta Apparel market runs Tuesday, Feb. 6 to Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at AmericasMart Atlanta. Starting in 2024, both Atlanta Apparel’s permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits will open Tuesday and close Friday. Market information and registration is at www.atlanta-apparel.com/Markets/atlanta-apparel/February.
