This past week found me at the Americasmart in Atlanta. It is the time that business owners take a look at new products and make purchases for the fall and winter seasons.
It sounds like fun, but it takes a lot of work, a lot of walking and a lot of money!
There are three buildings at the market. One building is primarily home accessories, rugs, lamps, some outdoor furniture and some indoor furniture. Another building is mostly gift and holiday decor.
The third building is for the fashion industry. As I own a furniture, decor, gift as well as a shoe and clothing store, all three buildings are important to me.
It can be difficult to separate what I personally like to what I think the public would like. I try and watch what is making a big splash with the other attendees. But then again, maybe they came from the North and their customer demographic is different than mine.
I always ask the product representatives what a hot seller for them is. Cost is very important. I have to think about what I need to sell a product for and if that its feasible for my market.
I also have to consider availability. Since COVID, both domestic and international manufacturing and shipping has been an issue. If I don’t need my product right away, then all is good. However, as I am purchasing from multiple sources, I have to weigh all of this. I cannot have a ton of expensive goods shipped and received all at once.
The products and shipments need to be sprinkled out. I need to offer my clients and customers new products almost weekly in order to keep them coming into my store regularly.
Competition is another element. It is always important for me to ask the reps what my competition is carrying in their stores, for the simple reason that I do not want to carry what everyone else already has.
I sometimes wish my competitors would do the same, and with retail stores popping up all around town the store owners don’t always have the same consideration. They think owning a store will be fun. After a year or two of paying huge overhead and feeling the heat from the public making purchases with big box stores or on online, they close their business after having created buying issues for those of us who are in it for the long haul.
At the market this season, I found a lot of the wholesalers using bright colors in their lines. Furniture could be found in blues, oranges and reds. The artwork was also bright, whether it was an abstract or a landscape.
Bed linens that last season were all about the grays and beiges now have added colors of pinks, yellows and plum. Home accessories such as lamps, pillows and vases were also bright and cheery. I think that we have felt a new beginning since the woes of COVID, and people are ready to celebrate with happy colors in their homes.
I have always used bold and bright colors in my home. My choice is always happy!
Look at this colorful coffee table. It isn’t right for everyone. But if you want to find a piece to begin building upon and want a fabulous focal piece, this might just be it!
These fun trays, candy dishes, candles, books, wallpaper, rugs, glassware and more were part of a showroom that I just couldn’t resist. The artist herself was there, wearing a bright yellow dress with yellow feathers, gaining a lot of attention from us buyers. I have a lot of pickleball playing customers, so the themed trays were a no brainer for me!
This chandelier was introduced at the market and one of my favorites. Although it isn’t colorful, it has a lot of personality!
Last year, this bedding line that was popular for me came in the neutral colors only. They have now doubled this category with more colorful choices. Artwork, even being a more traditional landscape can have a touch of modern flair with fresh, vibrant colors!
I am working on a private club project and found these two sofas to be a perfect fit. Warm, inviting, comfortable with a modern edge.
