Spring 2020 - 14

ATLANTA MARKET RECAP:
HOT TRENDS, HIGH ENERGY
Emily McDowell
The excitement around the start of the trade
show season was palpable at the newly dubbed
Atlanta Market at AmericasMart. With the charm
of southern hospitality paired with the colors and
variety on the show floor, it's always bound to be
a high-energy show. January 2020 Atlanta Market
did not disappoint.
Tiramisu Paperie
Just My Type
As anticipated, the special events throughout
campus fueled shopping and kept the level of
excitement at a high the whole week. From
seminars and cooking demonstrations to breakfast
bars and cocktail stations, shoppers always had
something to help them stay charged and inspired,
while maximizing their time spent on the show floor.
New lines and fresh looks in stationery
permeated both showrooms and temporary floors.
Anne McGilvray's Helene Wack, director of sales,
and Meg Gilmore, vice president of sales, as well
as Molly Wilson of BEST of Show, shared their
insights on what buyers were
looking for.
Finishes and textures such
"
Lady Jayne
as fur, foil and glitter were
eye-catchers. Also spotted:
unexpected embellishments,
3D elements and hand-cut
edges. Graphique de France
journals bound in vegan leather
called attention to the need
for environmentally friendly
products that consumers are craving. Expect to
see recycled and upcycled materials become more
prevalent at future shows.
Palettes in pastels that shone with both bright
and neutral tones were popular at Market. Buyers
loved Lady Jayne's Superhero Women collection
at Anne McGilvray, featuring everyday superheroes
in capes (moms, teachers, nurses, etc.) in softer,
feminine shades.
Themes that were echoed in many lines
included pets, animal prints, inspirational phrases
and tropical foliage. Molly & Rex's You Grow Girl
line was found at Anne McGilvray and featured
southwestern botanicals in cacti with terra cotta,
plus the perennial favorite, succulents, to marry
- Helene Wack
Circle 408
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inspiration and
foliage in a clean and
inspiring style.
It's a big marketplace,
so I think there is
something for everyone,
from small retailer up
through chain.
Snarky or naughty
humor continues
to be popular with
buyers as well. At
BEST of Show, both
Tiramisu Paperie
and Emily McDowell
& Friends have this
trend in the bag.
Emily McDowell &
Friends' cute, handlettered
designs with watercolor backgrounds
embrace real emotions in a frank, yet endearing
way that appeals to buyers from all types of stores.
To match the needs of buyers, " many of our
stationery lines have also branched out to offer
a lot more than just paper, "
Wack said. " They are
building collections that start
with paper but also include
other great gift items, like
a little hydration, candles,
wellness and personal care. "
Offering multiple items of the
same designed set helps
stores increase sales volume
and value.
Emily McDowell
For those buyers who didn't make it to January
Market, Wilson said they should make plans to
attend in July. " It's time. The energy is so fabulous, "
Wilson said.
" It's a big marketplace, so I think there is
something for everyone, from small retailer
up through chain, " Wack said. Atlanta Market
overall generated positive energy that buyers and
makers alike had stored from a strong Q4 and in
anticipation of a stronger 2020.
Atlanta Market will return July 14-20, 2020, with
Temporaries running from July 15-19. To learn more
and register to attend Atlanta Market in July, visit
AtlantaMarket.com.
"
http://www.AtlantaMarket.com
Spring 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spring 2020
