Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets see increased sourcing
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ANDMORE’s overlapping August markets — Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets, July 31–Aug. 5 at AmericasMart Atlanta — reflected healthy buying across contemporary, children’s, bridal and prom categories, with an increased number of buyers and brands beginning to source and launch early spring, according to the company.
“ANDMORE is at the forefront of industry trends and networking connections. The energy of the overlapping formal and apparel markets could be felt across all 14 floors at AmericasMart Atlanta and buyer enthusiasm is showing no signs of slowing,” said Caron Stover, senior vice president of apparel at ANDMORE. “There were reports of larger-than-ever orders being written across contemporary women’s apparel, children’s apparel and bridal and prom categories, with the combined markets offering more sourcing resources, more education and more face-to-face connections.”
The combined apparel and formal markets drew attendees from 47 states as well as 26 international countries, with strongest attendance from the Southeast and Midwest. ANDMORE also reported 20% of buyers at the August market as first-time attendees.
August Atlanta Apparel featured more than 450 temporary exhibits and 410 permanent showrooms, with emphasis on popular categories: accessories, children’s, holiday and resort. Buyers previewed highlights of upcoming styles in the Atlanta Apparel Kickoff Party’s live model presentation, showcasing 12 looks with popular resort trends such as crochet, halter tops, relaxed sets, bucket hats, shell jewelry, mini skirts and vacation shirts.
“Atlanta is my favorite market for its variety in vendors, styles and age ranges we can dress,” said Kelly Terracina, owner of Three Sisters Boutique in Williamsburg, Virginia. “We source clothing, accessories, shoes and more for college-aged women through retirement and are so pleased with all the products we found at Atlanta Apparel.”
Brands also experienced strong order writing, with many buyers beginning to source early Spring while wrapping up the last of their immediate and holiday orders.
The children’s category, which presents temporary exhibits twice annually, reported notable growth in both showrooms and temporary exhibits with a busy 13th floor across all market days, according to ANDMORE.
Veteran children’s exhibitor, Karen Anderson, sales representative for MIA NY, reported writing more orders than ever before in her three years with the brand.
“This market has been astounding. I’ve never I’ve really never seen anything like this one. You can see from my stack of orders, I literally have not stopped writing all day. It’s the best show we have had since I’ve been repping MIA NY,” Anderson said.