Atlanta—AmericasMart• Atlanta will host the January 2007 introduction of Martha Stewart Area Rugs for Safavieh in an exclusive worldwide debut Friday, Jan. 19 during the Atlanta International Area Rug Market. The collection will be unveiled at a private presentation in the Safavieh showroom at 6 p.m. with an industry-exclusive gala reception to follow from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Capital City Club. Martha Stewart is expected to attend the presentation and reception.

The new collection is currently comprised of four categories and 32 designs, each inspired by Martha Stewart Living Omni-Media’s ( MSLO) archive of ideas and singular patterns, as well as Stewart’s personal antique area rug collection. It was created by the MSLO design team with Stewart’s guidance. Handmade, power-loomed and wire-loomed offerings in a full range of sizes and styles will be avilable at retail in spring 2007.

For January 2007, retailers’ buying experience is enhanced by immediate access to selected handmade and machine-made designs offered on the National Oriental Rug Show temporary floor (AmericasMart floor #2), which is 100% committed—the earliest sell-out date in AmericasMart history—and features many exhibitors making their Atlanta Market debut.

Three of AmericasMart’s most respected Area Rug Center exhibitors are in the midst of some major changes with comprehensive showroom renovations. Amici Imports (6F11), Ebison Harounian Imports (5F5) and Dynamic Rugs (3C5) each will debut newly designed showrooms at the January 2007 edition from Jan. 18 to 21.

New styling brings new colors, textures, surfaces and lighting to Ebison. A neutral color palette, faux finished floors and new fixtures give the company’s 3,200-square-foot showroom an elegant yet warm ambience.

“Ebison is again renewing its commitment to Atlanta,” said Michael Harounian, principal. “For area rug and home furnishings retailers, Atlanta is the place to shop. It is the largest and most prestigious home to manufacturers and importers selling handmade and machine-made rugs.”

Maryland-based Dynamic Rugs’ renovation coincides with the company’s 10th anniversary. A total renovation of the 3,200-square-foot third floor jewel featuring new flooring, lighting and color schemes presents a cool, sophisticated, thoroughly modern approach to retailing. In celebration, Dynamic Rugs will host a party on Friday evening, Jan. 19, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We’re planting our roots here,” said Mathew Rouhanian, president. “Atlanta is the only true area rug market. We thought it would be appropriate to celebrate new beginnings and lines with a new, completely contemporary look for our showroom.”

Also adding to the burgeoning momentum and synergy in the Area Rug Center is the Amici Imports renovation. The 2,500-square-foot showroom—located at 6F11—is being updated with a decidely transitional, more contemporary look highlighted by a new facade, new flooring and complimentary lighting, as well as a new color scheme.

“Amici’s showroom promises to be fantastic,” said Chas Sydney, senior vice president of floor coverings and new business development for the Mart. “Amici’s a progressive, forward-thinking company with its eye on design and style.”

Finally, Lofty & Sons announced it will make its return to the Atlanta Market in January.

When asked about its decision to return, Marty Banilevi, president, explained, “Our industry has changed dramatically since we last showed in Atlanta. Our business has increased to the point where our return was the next logical step for us to continue our expansion.”

A well-established company, Lofty specializes in mid-prized hand knotted programs from India, China and Pakistan, stocking many particularly difficult to find sizes and shapes.

Lofty & Sons will be exhibiting on AmericasMart’s third floor, showroom 3E9.

For more on the Atlanta International Area Rug Market, call 800.285.6278.