Atlanta Apparel experiences strong attendance this June

Atlanta Apparel’s June market, where buyers and brands can finalize orders for Autumn/Winter 2022 and source immediates, reported solid attendance and order writing, June 8-11 at AmericasMart Atlanta. “Atlanta Apparel is the premier destination for brands to invest in their businesses and establish and grow connections with new and returning buyers,” said Caron Stover, senior vice president, apparel for International Market Centers (IMC). “Buyers came to June Atlanta Apparel to close out order writing through the end of the year and our brands stepped up by offering everything from immediates and game day apparel and accessories to Autumn/Winter and holiday.” Eighty percent of buyers checked in during day one of the four-day market. Overall, more than 88% of buyers hailed from local southeastern cities, with attendees from 38 states and Washington D.C., two territories: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, as well as six international countries. This market also welcomed new buyers who participated in the market’s New Buyer Orientation tours.

Apparel Sourcing

For its June edition, Atlanta Apparel presented 350+ permanent showrooms and 400+ temporary exhibits. As the southeastern hub for apparel sourcing, exhibitors and buyers alike join in Atlanta to meet clients, foster long-standing relationships and stay in-tune with the industry. Janel Heinsen, southeastern sales representative for Joseph Ribkoff, celebrated the brand’s new showroom grand opening this June. “The introduction of our showroom has been a long time coming, and we are thrilled to finally have a permanent space in Atlanta. We knew that the exposure in Atlanta would be so great for the company and we are able to see so many of our accounts here. In my region, probably 50 to 60% of our accounts that we currently do business with come to Atlanta Apparel at least once per year,” Heinsen shared. Many buyers in attendance at the June market also focused on visiting exhibitors who they have met in Atlanta and worked with for years, such as Allison Drake, owner of Island Passage Clothing in North Carolina. Barbara Levitt, CEO and lead buyer for M&F Stores in Fairhope, Alabama, noted that she visits Atlanta Apparel at least four times per year to source her inventory in showrooms, where she has long-standing relationships and can see many lines all together.

Events

Throughout the June Atlanta Apparel market, IMC delivered educational sessions and market celebrations. Attendees learned about upcoming Autumn/Winter accessories trends from trend forecaster, Jessica Richards, and found inspiration in an accessories trends vignette produced in partnership with The Accessories Council. A discussion about implementing diversity into business was led by by Kiarra Norman. Both educational sessions were well-attended, as was Thursday’s Mid-Day Soiree networking and educational event, where market-goers were able to learn more about industry technology for live selling from CommentSold. The next Atlanta Apparel Market is Aug. 2-6, 2022, with temporary exhibits offered from Aug. 2-4, at AmericasMart Atlanta. For information, visit www.atlanta-apparel.com.