Spring 2024 - 14

NAVIGATING
ATLANTA MARKET
Exploring market trends, top priorities and essential tips for attendees
Howard Aspinwall, owner of Mellow Monkey Gifts & Décor in Stratford,
Connecticut, offers his insight into the world of retail and market trends.
From his current bestseller to his top priorities for July Market, Aspinwall
discusses the importance of innovation and adaptability in retail. Sharing
his preferred stops at Atlanta Market, plus offering essential tips for firsttime
attendees, Aspinwall highlights the dynamic market.
Current Bestseller: That's a difficult question to
answer because of our large inventory, but currently, our
genuine Starfish Trees (sourced from Stetson's Seashells)
because they're not only a hit during the holidays, but
customers want to display them year-round.
Top Priority for July Market: We'll be looking for
emerging trends and suppliers that are bringing new ideas
and products to the market. We also seek out makers
who are willing to work collaboratively with us to bring
new products to the marketplace that have never been
made before. This strategy has been a success story for
the store.
First Stop at Market: I'm almost always booked solid
with vendor appointments starting on the first day of
Market, but I do like to hit the Temporaries early on to see
what's new.
Favorite Temporary Floor: One of our very favorite
temporary vendors, Second Chance Art, just moved to
Building 2, Floor 2 with the Home category, so that's our
new favorite!
Favorite Showroom: It's a tie between Creative
Co-Op and Two's Company. Creative Co-Op for stylish,
decorative home decor and Two's Company for gifts that
consistently sell through.
Most Inspiring Displays: I'm always inspired by the
displays by the main door of Demdaco. The staging is
always lovely to look at and top-notch.
Go-to Meal on Campus: Definitely Chicken Salad
Chick! Always tasty, fresh and a must-visit at least once,
if not twice!
Favorite Atlanta Restaurant: When I come down south
from Connecticut, I need to indulge in authentic Southern
food, and Mary Mac's Tea Room never disappoints.
Favorite Place to Stay: When I'm bringing my team
down, I find it more cost-effective and comfortable to
rent an Airbnb. But when it comes to staying at a hotel, I
consider myself lucky if I can stay at the Glenn Hotel. It's
fun and trendy, a very short walk to Market and it has a
MUST-SEE rooftop bar.
Top Tip for First-Time Market Attendees: Arrange to
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get a " virtual card number " from your credit card company,
which is a secondary number to your card account. This
way if your card is compromised, you won't have to cancel
the main card, which is always a massive headache.
Also, as much as you want to look good at Market, wear
comfortable shoes. Being on your feet all day at the pace
of shopping makes for sore feet! As tempting as they might
seem, avoid vendors' complimentary drinks. Instead, drink
lots of water because it's easy to get dehydrated. Then,
treat yourself to a nice cocktail after your solid day of
shopping - a well-deserved reward!
For more information, visit atlantamarket.com
http://www.atlantamarket.com
Spring 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2024
