Atlanta International Area Rug Market Shows Double Digit Growth:

Furniture World Magazine

Boasting more rugs than any other marketplace in the country, the January 1998 Atlanta International Area Rug Market, featuring the National Oriental Rug Market, was a victory for both exhibitors and buyers. The January Market saw double digit growth in buyer attendance, occupied more than 400,000 square feet of exhibit space and showcased more than 200 exhibitors. More than 1,000 people attended the gala to recognize the area rug industry's top new designs, the fifth annual America's Magnificent Carpet Awards. In preparation for Market, more than 1.5 million pounds of rugs were brought into AMERICASMARTxATLANTA Merchandise Mart. Within just a few days, several companies sold out of product completely, and many others reported having the best Market ever. "This was our best market on record," says David Samad, president of Samad Brothers, Inc. "This was the first January Market in our expanded showroom and we are thrilled." "It was an all-around great Market," says David Harounian, president of the Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA). "There were more original products in Atlanta than ever before." "A great example of the number of new product introductions is demonstrated by the record number of entries in this year's America's Magnificent Carpet Awards," says Chas Sydney, vice president of leasing, AMERICASMARTx ATLANTA Area Rugs. "We received 115 entries and had requests for many more." According to Samad, who launched several new lines at Market, all product introductions were very well received. "Atlanta is the place for original innovative ideas," says Samad. The January Market also featured a larger, expanded seminar series. The program was designed to target both buyers and exhibitors. Topics included, color forecasting, profitability through enhanced customer service and an Area Rug Design Protection Council meeting. "It was an excellent Market," says Yeran Megerian, general manager of Megerian Brothers. "We had the opportunity to open quite a few new accounts," "With more seminars, more award programs and more product resources, we are providing retailers and exhibitors with ideas and services designed to help their businesses grow and succeed," says Sydney