ATLANTA—The area rug industry kicks off the year in Atlanta, at the Atlanta International Area Rug Market at AmericasMart.
Among the changes attendees will see include the transitioning of several floors in Building 1. The fourth floor, formerly an all-area rug exhibitor floor, now has a mix of product categories with the addition of home accessories and furniture company Four Hands, which has relocated to 4-A-1, a 12,000 square-foot showroom. Surya, formerly on the all-area rug sixth floor, has moved to a 13,500 square-foot showroom on the 11th floor, in space 11-A-1.
In addition, Verizon users at AmericasMart will be able to take advantage of the new antenna system that will boost cellular network strength and have the capacity to allow smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices to access the Internet, send text messages and quickly share photos and videos to social networking sites.
On Building 1’s fourth floor, attendees can enter the Relax, Refresh and Rejuvenate Giveaway until 5:30 p.m. today, where someone will win an all-inclusive luxurious spa vacation for two at the Miraval Spa in Tucson, Ariz. To enter, one needs to drop off a business card in all four corners of the fourth floor. The drawing will take place at 5:30 p.m.
Among the product debuts at market will be the rebirth of Mohawk’s American Rug Craftsmen brand, which will be exhibited in the newly expanded Karastan showroom, 3-A-1. It will hold a preview party tonight, beginning at 4 p.m.
Other parties tonight will also begin at 4 p.m., including Surya’s Absolute 80’s party, with 1980’s music, cocktails and hor d’oeurves (11-A-1), Kalaty’s celebration of its Newport Mansions and Portfolio by Parisa licenses (4-G-14); Kaleen’s expanded showroom celebration (3-C-9); and Kas Rugs’ new year celebration with wine and appetizers (4-D-2).
In addition, Nourison will have a wine, cheese and coffee reception from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. (3-F-2). And Loloi’s Wine and Dine market party will go from 5 to 7 p.m. tonight (4-C-7).
The Oriental Rug Importers Association Charitable Fund will hold a rug auction at market. More than 20 rugs have been donated by ORIA members, and they are open for bid today through Jan. 12, 2013. Located on Floor 2, the rug gallery benefits ORIA and the ORIA Charitable Fund, which is committed to improving the lives of children in rug weaving countries.
Throughout market, the Museum of Introductions (MOI) Gallery will be open in 4-B-1, and is an exclusive showing of new product introductions in a sophisticated museum setting.