October Atlanta Apparel reaches pre-pandemic participation levels

Temporary exhibits expand to five floors; brands report record-breaking orders.

Atlanta Apparel at AmericasMart Atlanta held its last market of 2021 Oct. 12 – 16. The show wrapped up with pre-pandemic buyer attendance and its largest-ever number of resources, marked by a successful first-time expansion of temporary exhibits to five floors as well as growth across all sectors of the market, according to International Market Centers.

“Due to the rapid rebound in the apparel industry, we were able to close out the year on a high note, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers of both buyers and suppliers,” says Caron Stover, IMC senior vice president, apparel leasing. “The momentum for apparel continues to grow, and we’re expecting a booming 2022 following October’s demand for inventory.”

October Atlanta Apparel continued the upward attendance trajectory evident throughout 2021, with notable gains in accounts from the Northeast (+34%) and Southwest (+237%), augmenting its core Southeast and Midwest attendance base. Buyers traveled to market from a total of 44 states, three U.S. territories and 10 international countries. Retailer demand for young contemporary inventory drove much of the attendance gains, with 30% more buyers shopping this category than reported at the 2019 October market.

“We are a new online boutique launching in February 2022. We’ve seen unique pieces here that we have not seen anywhere else and we are excited to place orders for our launch!” says Allison LeFlore of Copper Collective, a young contemporary boutique based in Charlotte, North Carolina. “The vendors have gone above and beyond and have been extremely helpful. The hospitality at Atlanta Apparel is out of this world.”

Atlanta Apparel reported a record-breaking market with 630+ permanent showrooms and temporary exhibits. The October market welcomed 35+ first-time exhibitors, many of which were young contemporary, an in-demand apparel inventory category.

Many buyers stocked up on immediate inventory this October while sourcing for spring, following demand and inventory shortages across the industry. This led exhibitors to report record order writing.

“I had a record-breaking show this October at Atlanta Apparel,” says Lacey Griffin of Lacey Griffin Sales. “I have been exhibiting here for over five years and got a mix of returning and new accounts.”

Following consumer demand, many buyers turned to social selling to showcase inventory and write orders. A number of Atlanta Apparel vendors, such as Sew in Love, installed sets for their buyers for live selling on social media networks such as Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

“Many of our buyers want to connect directly with their customers while they’re placing their orders at Atlanta Apparel, so we created three mobile studios for them to conduct live sessions,” says Ed Olvera of young contemporary brand Sew In Love. “This was the first trade show at which we had a live studio, and it was a huge hit that we can’t wait to bring back in the future.”

Adding to the energy at market were networking events to reunite the industry and celebrate the Spring season. The Spring in the Streets Market Party, which took place outdoors after market hours, featured a prosecco van, a live band and giveaways. The Boutique Hub also held two successful networking happy hours that furthered at-market connections.

“Events and inventory are in high demand, and our exhibitors are delivering,” added Stover. “October ended strong and Atlanta Apparel is committed to providing an even more electric market experience in 2022.”

The next Atlanta Apparel Market is Feb. 1-5, 2022 (temporaries Feb. 2-4, 2022) at AmericasMart Atlanta. Atlanta Apparel’s markets feature the latest looks in contemporary, young contemporary, fashion accessories and more, plus specialty categories such as children's, plus-size, bridal and social occasion. Market information is available online at Atlanta-Apparel.com.