AmericasMart's summer rug market stocked with new intros, special programs

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 6/13/2011 12:15:36 PM

Atlanta - The upcoming Atlanta International Area Rug Market in mid July is set to be a venue for many new product launches as well as several special presentations by industry experts.

Set for July 14 to 17, the rug market will run concurrently with the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market "to give retailers and designers unmatched product resources across the rug and home product spectrum," said the AmericasMart, where both bi-annual events are staged. "July Market buyers will discover an area rug collection enhanced and enriched with new lines and designs, plus new resources offered in adjacent home furnishings floors, all in a fully integrated whole-home presentation aligning rug, furniture, accents and fine linens in unified presentation of merchandise from top manufacturers and importers."

The Area Rug Center, located on floors 3-6 in Building One, covers more than two million square feet and houses dozens of showrooms of the industry's major players.

AmericasMart has planned a series of rug-industry featured events and educational programs during the rug market. These include:

• Mix-Amize Profits with Area Rugs, 11 a.m. to noon on July 14 in Building 1's fourth floor. This presentation is by Andy Fried, business consultant at Kennesaw State University, who will demonstrate how the proper pricing tactics and strategies for area rugs can drive profits and are easy to implement;
• The Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA) CF Rug Auction to benefit ORIA Charitable Fund, which will take place in Building 1's fourth floor in room 4-B-1. Here, attendees can view more than 20 rugs donated by ORIA members, all of which are open for bid from July 13 through July 15 during open market hours;
• Demystifying Area Rugs on July 15 from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. This panel discussion will feature four of the world's largest area rug manufacturers who will help you sell rugs to your clients and customers with confidence;
• Knot to be Missed is set for July 16 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and will feature a presentation by Phil Menendian to help members pass the CRA exam.