ATLANTA–Opening up a busy couple of weeks in Atlanta, the International Gift & Home Furnishings Show does bring some business to rug vendors throughout the AmericasMart complex.
Even some whose primary business will be had the following week, during the International Area Rug Market, open their showroom doors for special appointments or the occasional walk-in.
The typical shopper tends to be stocking up more in the accent rug category, so vendors are stocking new options.
Home Comfort, for example, plans for 50 styles to be introduced this week, specifically for its Jellybean brand. Always on the move, the Jellybean indoor/outdoor accent rugs gain both new artists and new designs this market. Amy Biggers, one of the company’s fastest-selling new artists, adds bright and playful designs; Michelle Killman adds a touch of summers-gone-by with Surf Bug, a design featuring surfboards lined up beside a VW Bus; and Robin Roderick adds five new designs, including a colorful ladybug atop a flower. The Jellybean claim to fame is the rugs “wash better than your jeans.” The rugs in the line are mildew-resistant, fade-resistant and machine-washable.
Homespice Decor adds to its popular hooked rug collection with three new designs: Antique Symmetry, Wild Rose and Walk in the Flowers.
The patterns here take on a feminine, folkloric feel with soft, muted, earthy shades and bring in accents like zigzag and triangular borders prevalent in historic motifs. The new designs here are created with a traditional hooking technique that hooks narrow strips of wool fabric into a flat base, creating raised loops that form a pile.
One featured aspect of the market is the three-part event with designer Christopher Lowell, which includes a Design Showcase, a trend forecasting seminar and a special session where Lowell will share his insight into how America decorates and how to merchandise your store like an inviting home.
