Trade Show News Brief

Mutual Sales Offers a Virtual Alternative to In-Person Trade Shows

Shop from the comfort of your home or office. The holiday season can be a tough time for travel, so Mutual Sales has implemented a virtual alternative for those who do not want to attend in-person trade shows. Show specials, new product releases, custom towels and entire order savings can be found right on their website: www.mutualsales.com.

Shop the virtual show from November 7-21, 2022 for the best savings on the 2023 season. Product can be shipped any time through June 1, 2023. With the ongoing supply chain issues, act now to secure product for your best season yet.

(For more information, visit www.mutualsales.com or circle 55 on the reader service card.)

Connections Drive Commerce

Making connections with new buyers and reconnecting with existing customers was top of mind for brands and sales agencies at Atlanta Market.

“I certainly met a lot of new people at Atlanta Market that I didn’t have exposure to before and probably wouldn’t have found on the road,” said Daniel Ratchford, national sales representative for décor brand Chelsea House. “Business

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Trade Show News (From page 24) is strong. This was my best Atlanta Market ever and a nice ‘summer bump’ for Chelsea House.”

Jordan Godwin, director of marketing and graphic design for Chelsea House’s sister brand Wildwood, echoed that sentiment, noting that about half of the brand’s buyers were new accounts while the rest were existing buyers excited to be back at market. “After COVID, buyers are getting back into the swing of things. It felt like old times with people socializing, hanging out and talking. There has been an exciting buzz going on throughout the market.”

The Summer 2022 Market was also an opportunity for established brands to continue to leverage investments made over the past few years in AmericasMart Atlanta’s strategic campus updates. Gift and décor brand TAG experienced a continued benefit from a relocation made in Summer 2022.

“We have been averaging about 35% new accounts each market with buyers coming back to Atlanta Market and seeing our new location for the first time,” said Thom Petrouski, TAG senior vice president of sales, who also reported growth in average order size and interest in “at-once” orders for immediate goods. “IMC really hit it out of the park with the showroom restack. This is the most cohesive Atlanta Market has ever been. The depth .and breadth of product and grouping together of the lifestyle brands is what made the key accounts fly in and the independents come back to market.”

For new brands, Atlanta Market offered an unmatched opportunity to connect with buyers and share their stories.

Eva Lester who debuted her

Gleam eyewear brand as part of the RISE pavilion of women-owned brands produced by JuniperMarket by IMC, explained. “Atlanta Market was a such big opportunity for exposure. I don’t think I would have been able to meet this many buyers in one place without this chance.”

The Summer 2022 Atlanta Market presented 8,000-plus gift and home décor brands in 1,000-plus showrooms and 1,110-plus temporary exhibits including 250-plus new, expanded and relocated exhibitors. It launched two new categories - Boutique LUXE and Cash & Carry LUXE – and three new showcases: two Emerging Brands Showcases featuring up-and-coming gift and personal care brands and RISE by JuniperMarket by IMC.

Key Accounts, Buying Groups and Associations Amplify Atlanta Market

Expansion of travel opportunities encouraged Atlanta Market attendance from key accounts, buying groups and associations.

Top trade associations used the Atlanta Market temporary exhibits to showcase member brands in pavilions including The Greeting Card Association’s (GCA) *Noted @ Atlanta Market area, the Museum Store Association’s (MSA) The Gallery Collection and the Virginia’s Finest and Georgia Grown.

Atlanta Market hosted events for 13 associations and buying groups in Summer 2022. Of note was the new GCX: Expo & Education, a bustling one-day vendor display and a half day of programming open to GC Buying Group members. The Gift and Home Trade Association (GHTA) hosted a cocktail reception when Gift for Life honored founder Peter Schauben of Schauben & Co for his 30 years of service at $6 million raised.

Market Events Encouraged Discovery and Networking

Some 20-plus events and gatherings enhanced buying energy throughout all three AmericasMart buildings. Building 3’s mainstage hosted top international tastemakers as well as a standing-room-only Market Kickoff Party. Building two featured engaging cooking demonstrations and a bustling Buyer’s Lounge. Building 1 presented tastemaker education and a toast to the new Designer Workspace. Buyers also enjoyed Instagrammable moments and product displays for Market Snapshot and new temporary exhibitors throughout the buildings.

The next Atlanta Market is Tuesday, January 10 – Monday, January 16, 2023.

Surf Expo Attracts More Than 600 Exhibiting Brands to Upcoming September Show

Surf Expo, the premier watersports and coastal lifestyle tradeshow, returns Sept. 8-10 to the Orange County Convention Center’s West Concourse in Orlando, Fla., with a wide range of brands and a diverse floor plan.

“We are thrilled to return to Orlando this summer with an extensive and impressive list of brands to help retailers fulfill all their buying needs,” said Roy Turner, Surf Expo senior vice president and show director. “Coastal and beach related categories have been in high demand the past two years, and with our increased list of exhibitors, we Continued on page 30