TRADE SHOW NEWS

The Industry Loses Ronald Charles “Ron” Pierotich

Ronald Charles “Ron” Pierotich, who found his career niche in the souvenir and gift business, passed away May 19, 2021. Pierotich, an entrepreneur from an early age, had previously worked in the vending/amusement industry, and later in the package store business.

Pierotich, who was predeceased by his wife of more than 50 years and high school sweetheart Judy Ewing, opened the Lighthouse Gift Shop. He later formed a partnership with his son JJ and created what is now Sharkheads and Souvenir City, which are still in operation, according to a published obituary.

Memorials may be made to St.Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy, P.O. Box 1228, Biloxi, MS 39533 or Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi, MS 39531. ❖

Expanded Atlanta Market Temporaries Feature More Brands and New Partnerships in Summer 2021

Growing comfort in attending in-person buying and selling events plus investment from key industry organizations working to get their members back to business is driving expansion of the Atlanta Market temporary collection with nearly 1,000 lines anticipated for the Summer 2021 Market, July 14-18, at AmericasMart® Atlanta.

“Gift and décor brands are ready to exhibit at in-person markets and are choosing Atlanta Market to reconnect with their customers,” said Scott Eckman, International Market Centers (IMC) cheif revenue officer. “This summer in Atlanta, buyers will have even more opportunities to discover new products and vendors.”

The Summer 2021 temporaries also include the new and returning participation of vendors from three industry organizations: The Accessories Council; the Museum Store Association; and Virginia’s Finest.

Atlanta Market presents the industry’s largest collection of gift and home décor temporary exhibits. The thousands of exhibitors are showcased in 31 categories on eight floors across AmericasMart’s three buildings. ❖

The CollectionGalleryMakes its Debut at the Summer 2021 Atlanta Market

Atlanta Market and the Museum Store Association (MSA) recently announced exclusive collaboration on a new buying destination – The Gallery Collection – which makes its debut at the Summer 2021 Market with a curated collection of apparel, books, educational products, Fair Trade, games, garden, home decor, independent artist, jewelry, Made in America, multimedia, paper, recycled/green, reproductions, toys and souvenir/ promotional merchandise that is open to all market attendees.

“We are proud to work with MSA to create a new product discovery opportunity for buyers,” said Terence Morris, senior Continued on page 20