Article Number : 5084 |
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| Date | 11/30/2009 10:05:40 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=5084 |
| Abstract | ATLANTA—Buyers from across the retail spectrum will return in January to the one market created for big business: AmericasMart and the all-new Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and the Atlanta International Area Rug Market featuring... |
| Article | ATLANTA—Buyers from across the retail spectrum will return in January to the one market created for big business: AmericasMart and the all-new Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and the Atlanta International Area Rug Market featuring the National Oriental Rug Show (NORS), taking place Jan. 7 to 10. January at AmericasMart will be “all about capturing endless product resources, engaging and exciting customers and igniting business as the first market of the year,” said Chaz Sydney, senior vice president of area rugs for AmericasMart, “which promises broad opportunity for retailers poised to tap the buying power of consumers primed for new product.” In the weeks leading up to market, long-term exhibitors continue to reaffirm their commitment to and support of AmericasMart and the industry as a whole. Oriental Weavers, one of the largest area rug showrooms in the country—staged in a 12,000 square foot space—has renewed its multi-year lease at AmericasMart. Strategically positioned on the third floor of the product center, Sydney called Oriental Weavers one of the most recognized brands in the machine woven rug and carpet industry today. Its new lease starts this January. “Oriental Weavers, ORIA and our entire industry all believe Atlanta is the premier showplace for rugs,” said Mike Riley, president of Oriental Weavers. “We choose to only align with the most dynamic partners, and we have for many years benefited from our partnership with AmericasMart and look forward to many more. We look forward to a fresh start to the new year in Atlanta this January.” The company will debut two rug collections at the winter market. “AmericasMart will be ready with a product line-up that brings the depth and breadth of the area rug, home, gift and apparel categories together at one time in one singular presentation, all in a single market experience that is enriched and enlivened by premier events, celebrity appearances and educational programming,” Sydney explained. Beyond the showroom He added, along with the multitude of product introductions, the market offers attendees numerous educational offerings and other events to ensure a profitable experience. On Thursday, Jan 7, from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., as part of the AmericasMart University, the industry’s premier educational program, offering buyers a comprehensive schedule of business classes taught by business professionals, a seminar called, “Does Selling Oriental Rugs Have You Tied in Knots?” will be presented by Steve Boodakian of Mera Consulting. This seminar focuses on how Oriental Rugs are made and those events in the past 50 years that have profoundly impacted the product, where it is sold and what it sells for. “You’ll gain a better understanding of Oriental rugs and the value they represent,” Boodakian said. On Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., “Are You Pushing Your Customers to the Competition?” will be presented by Sy Mahfuz, also of Mera Consulting. This is a seminar designed for all design and home-furnishing professionals who want to attract and retain clients—big or small—and get the whole house by re-learning the fundamentals of great service. On Saturday, Jan. 9, at 3 p.m., “The Area Rug Program: Walk the Market with Phil” will be available. Visit selected importer showrooms or temporary booths for the latest and most innovative textiles. Those interested should meet at the ORRA booth in the temporaries area—Floor 2, Building 1, promptly at 3 p.m. The tour is free of charge. “This event is looked forward to by many and is always informative and fun,” Sydney noted. Crowning the January rug market will be the celebrated America’s Magnificent Carpet Awards. Sponsored by Architectural Digest, Sydney said it honors the industry’s top manufacturers and designers of area rugs from around the world while recognizing America’s newest rug introductions in one night of elegance. This year’s edition will feature a high-energy performance, Acrobatique, by The Peking Acrobats, on Saturday, Jan. 9, at 6 p.m. in the Atrium Ballroom at the Marriott Marquis. Attendees can view the Museum of Introductions (MOI) gallery as well. Sydney noted this is the area rug industry’s exclusive showing of product introductions in a sophisticated museum setting in one complete presentation. The MOI Gallery will be open Thursday, Jan. 7 through Sunday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday the Gallery will be open from 9 a.m. to noon.) On Sunday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ORRA will host “CRA Prep 101,” which will be taught by Valentina Arbab and Frank Eways. Due to the special nature, intensity and educational value of this course, there will be a charge of $250 for ORRA members and $350 for nonmembers. Also on Sunday, ORRA will hold its popular “Course for Certified Rug Appraiser’s Exam 101,” which will also be taught by Arbab and Eways. Check with ORRA for any fees and course schedule. “This is only the beginning of what’s in store for retailers at the first market of the year,” concluded Sydney. “There’ll be more product, more entertainment, more education and more market.” For more about the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, call 404.220.2384. |