ATLANTA—Time is fast approaching for the more than 100 area rug exhibitors preparing for the summer edition of the Atlanta International Area Rug Market— July 12 to 15—at AmericasMart here.

Spanning four permanent floors of showrooms, the market features the world’s largest collection of area rugs, half of which show exclusively at the venue. Two of these exclusive exhibitors—Amadi Carpets and The Creative Touch—have relocated and expanded their showrooms for the upcoming market.

Amadi’s high-end Afghani rugs will now be shown in a 4,000-square-foot space (5-D-7). “With the current economic situation,” explained Zubair Ahmadi, co- owner, “we must stay strong and support each other. That is why we continue to be a part of this show and have expanded into a larger showroom.”

Creative Touch has moved into a 3,000-square-foot showroom (5-F-2). The company’s Baki Ildiz also noted how the larger space is a long-term strategy. “With the expansion and relocation of our showroom, we will be better positioned to showcase our unique antique recreations.”

And, with the debut of the redefined home furnishings and accessories product center, now all in one building, the unmatched buying center provides attendees unlimited cross-merchandising opportunities, noted Chas Sydney, senior vice president of new business development for Americas Mart.

“We are continuing a half-century of service to retailers and manufacturers primed to leverage the power of more— more selection, more variety, more introductions, more new lines and designs, more value, all channeled through the unmatched resources of the world’s largest single home/gift/area rug/apparel product mix,” he said. “And, now with the Area Rug Market and the Gift & Home Furnishings Market running together under one roof, attendees get an unmatched home furnishings market experience.”

He explained the combined markets, which debuted together in January, provide retailers with the full spectrum of the home experience from area rugs to home furnishings and accessories and more.

However, the market does not just feature showrooms and products. And, this July several area rug add-on educational seminars will be available to attendees, including:

• Taking Control of Your Cash Cycle: Working Capital Management

• Essential Tools for Business Decisions: The Income Statement and Balance Sheet

• Risk and Reward: Managing Inventory

• Tips on Proper Rug Appraisal Techniques

• Certified Rug Appraiser’s Exam

• Oriental Rug Review CRA Recertification

“New product introductions, new and newly expanding showrooms, industry networking opportunities and educational programming drive the one market where the area rug business does business,” Sydney concluded, noting expansions, guest appearances and other details will be announced soon.

For more information on the market, visit americasmart.com.