ATLANTA—The momentum of the January 2008 Atlanta International Area Rug Market continues this July at AmericasMart, where more buyers and sellers from more places do more business.

The July 13 to 16 market is poised to offer the world’s largest single collection of area rugs with new lines, designs and introductions and more product, variety and re-sources than anywhere else, noted Chas Sydney, senior vice president of new business development for AMC, the parent of AmericasMart Atlanta, and senior vice president of floor coverings.

Buyers shopping the market will have access to a product mix unmatched in the area rug industry, he noted, with more than half of all exhibitors offering their merchandise exclusively at AmericasMart. “Spanning more than 400,000 square feet in five floors of showrooms, the market presents new and antique, handmade and machine-made rugs in classic to contemporary styling from around the world.”

AmericasMart will welcome major players and celebrate the expansion of several other industry leaders in July. Chandra Rugs, Silk Route International, Imperial Rugs, Tamarian Carpets and J.D. Staron are among the new resources and companies taking more space. An established exhibitor, Chandra’s new showroom (5-A-7, 9) will now span more than 3,300 square feet on Floor 5 in Building 1.

“Rugs are not only our specialty, but our passion, and we are committed to bringing the finest quality product to our customers,” says Ravi Tiwari, vice president of Chandra. “Our focus has always been on high design and high value. AmericasMart holds the same standards in showcasing the best-of-the-best and offering unique and superior rugs to buyers. It is because of this and the Atlanta Market’s momentum that we remain strong partners and that we see it necessary to grow our business and deliver our product in a significantly enhanced setting.”

Sydney said, “It is because of the quality product our exhibitors offer here that AmericasMart has established itself as a leading international resource for the rug industry. We are able to provide such a unique showcase because of partnerships from industry veterans like Chandra who will celebrate its expansion in July.

In addition to the expansions, the Rug Retailer of the Year (ROY) Awards—the industry’s exclusive program designed to honor the most innovative rug retailers in America—headlines the July market. This provides AmericasMart exhibitors the opportunity to award industry leaders by nominating them for an esteemed award. The winners will be announced at the ROY Awards at the Georgia Aquarium on Monday, July 14 at 5:30 p.m.

AmericasMart has a full lineup of seminars and events specific to the area rug industry, which further educates attendees and extends their market experience, including:

Partnerships for Profit: Thriving in a Tough Economy - Steve Boodakian and Sy Mahfuz will host this seminar created for rug retailers and professional designers who want to separate themselves from the competition and grow their business in this challenging economic environment. MERA Consulting shows the best way to establish and maintain strong dealer/designer partnerships that will lead to lifelong client relationships.

Sunday, July 13, 11 a.m., Building 1, Room 4-B-1.

Walk the Market with Phil: ORRA’s education chairman, Phil Menendian, facilitates a guided tour through select market showrooms, which presents a great opportunity for retailers to learn about new innovations in today’s market.

Sunday, July 13, 3 p.m. The tour starts at Building 1, in front of room 4-B-1.

Green Rugs: The Latest Environment Friendly Weaving of Qashqai Ladies. Dr. Khosrow Sobhe presents a lecture and exclusive video presentation of Qashqai rug weaving.

Monday, July 14, 9 a.m., Building 1, Room 4-B-1.

Structures of Hand-woven Piled Oriental Rugs: Val Arbab presents an in-depth, hands-on study of Oriental rug construction including materials and their structures; types of weaves; dyes and chemical treatments; designs and shapes; dating and piled rugs construction.

Monday, July 14, 10 a.m., Building 1, Room 4-B-1.

Certified Rug Appraisal Exam: This certification is generally accepted by the U.S. banking and court systems, as well as the U.S. Customs Dept., the Internal Revenue Service, and major insurance companies. Retailers will be tested on historical and technical knowledge of hand-knotted rugs as well as proper identification of rugs onsite. Open to ORRA members only.

For more information, call 804.270.3195.

Monday, July 14, 1:30 p.m., Building 1, Room 4-B-1.

Tips on Proper Rug Appraisal Techniques: Menendian hosts a presentation of proper tips for rug appraisal techniques.

Monday, July 14, 1:30 p.m., Building 1, Room 4-B-1.

Certified Rug Appraiser’s Exam for rug appraisers.

Monday, July 14, 2 p.m., Building 1, Room 4-B-1.

Oriental Rug Review: Discussion and examination of Oriental rugs for current CRA’s re-certification.

Monday, July 14, 4 p.m., Building 1, Room 4-B-1.

For more on exhibiting or attending the Atlanta summer rug market, call 404.220.2384.