Atlanta—The July 2006 Atlanta International Area Rug Market—co-sponsored by the Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA)—gave retailers an unmatched selection of merchandise that only the nation’s largest collection of area rug product could deliver, noted Chas Sydney, executive vice president of AmericasMart Atlanta, the Rug Market’s producer.

From July 16 to 19, “area rug and home furnishings retailers shopped the Area Rug Center and discovered thousands of handmade and power-loomed area rugs in every style,” he said, “at every price point in classic and contemporary styling well suited to any retail environment ( FCNews, Aug. 7/14).”

The crowning jewel of the summer market was the 13th annual Rug Retailer of the Year (ROY) Awards. Each July, the ROY Awards salute outstanding achievement among the nation’s premier area rug and home furnishings retailers. All ROY nominees are nominated by AmericasMart area rug exhibitors and voted on by an independent panel of industry experts.

A capacity crowd was on hand at the Georgia Aquarium and its majestic Oceans Ballroom to recognize and celebrate the winners. “The Georgia Aquarium is the world’s largest aquarium and arguably the most beautiful,” said Sydney. “Its Oceans Ballroom is situated among the most spectacular and endangered sea creatures, including Beluga Whales and Whale Sharks.” The evening’s festivities featured live entertainment, a lavish cocktail buffet catered by chef to the stars, Wolfgang Puck, giveaways, as well as a very well-received Monte Carlo-themed casino evening.

The winners of the July 2006 Rug Retailer of the Year Awards are as follows: