Atlanta show reports record attendance

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/16/2012 2:27:21 PM

Atlanta - The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market yesterday reported its five consecutive days of record-breaking buyer traffic as of Saturday.

Buyer participation was up by double digits compared to last year, according to Jeffrey Portman Sr., president and chief operating officer.

The show saw a jump in traffic from the Southeast and significant increases from specialty store retailers from the Northeast, Midwest, Pacific and Southwest as well as better attendance from international buyers, he said.

"This market will go on record as defining the renewal and recovery of global retailing as buyers and sellers vote with their feet, and their order writing, in an event destined to help restore hope and promise to retailers and manufacturers everywhere," said Portman.

The concurrent International Area Rug Market experienced strong traffic and order writing, he added.