2012 July Atlanta Gift Market: attendance down but sales up

Many people in the gift industry look at the Atlanta Gift Market attendance each January and July as an indicator of the health of the retail industry. The reason is that it is the largest gift show in the US and normally the first show of the new year to introduce new products. The January show had an increase in buyer attendance (2012 January Atlanta Gift Market: surge in buyer traffic gives high hope to economic recovery) that raised hope that the health of the retail industry was improving. However, the reports from Atlanta Gift Market in July showed that it has a way to go although some vendors reported that even though attendance was down sales were up. Note: The attendance at the July show has always been smaller than January's because retailers do not need to restock as much of their merchandise.

The health of the gift industry ultimately affects art licensing and the amount of art that is licensed by manufacturers. Thus, successful gift shows (Atlanta and other regional ones) bodes well for the licensing industry. Below are links to articles and videos of products seen at the Atlanta Gift Market. Reading and viewing them are good ways to find out about recent trends, colors, and art themes used on products.

Blog Articles:
• Andrea Brooks Studio "The Atlanta July Gift Show, Part One"

• Caroline Simas "Atlanta Market Recap"

• Jim Marcotte (Two Town Studio agency) "Tidbits 2012"

• Kelly Rae Roberts "Atlanta Market Showroom Tour"

• Robin Davis "Atlanta Gift Show July 2012"

• Working Girls Design "Summer Fun at the Atlanta Gift Show"

Trend Articles:
• Gifts & Dec "Direct from Market: Atlanta"

• Tiger Trade "Trend Report: Atlanta Gift Home Furnishings Fair"

Vendor Pictures:
• Mud Pie "Atlanta Gift Show July 2012"

Vendor Videos
• Creative Co-Op "Creative Co-Op Atlanta Showroom July 2012"

• Evergreen Enterprises "July 2012 Atlanta Market - Evergreen Enterprises"

• Grasslands Road "Grass Road's Spring 2012 gift collection at Atlanta Gift Show"

Your comments are welcome. Please click on the comments section (below) to write your comment.