AmericasMart Atlanta is a leading gift, home furnishings and area rug marketplace and the largest trade mart and tradeshow complex of its kind in the world. The mart was founded in 1957 by architect and developer, John C. Portman, Jr. who jointly owns and manages the mart with his son Jeffrey L. Portman, Sr., who is president and chief operating officer.

Concept

AmericasMart consists of four integrated buildings offering 800000 square feet (74,322.4 m²) of space specifically designed for conventions, meetings, special events and tradeshows. AmericasMart brings together buyers and sellers in 15 annual markets to introduce the latest in fashion and products to buyers who come to purchase product for resale. The two largest shows each year are featured as their "show" season. One market season will be in beginning weeks of January, and the other is given in the middle of July. Other smaller shows are also offered throughout the year. The mart's mix of specialty products are presented in permanent showrooms and temporary exhibit halls with 7700000 square feet (715,353.4 m²) of space. Retailers from every U.S. state and more than 80 countries worldwide attend the markets, which attract 548,000 attendees each year. Most recently, AmericasMart opened Building 2 WestWing in January 2009 to offer more than 1.5 million additional square feet of product space.

AmercasMart's product mix covers the broad gift, home furnishings and area rug landscape This mix is enhanced by a collection of temporary products during each of the annual markets. These "market-within-a-market" exhibits contain gift, home furnishings and apparel and accessories merchandise.

AmericasMart has been an integral part of Atlanta’s hospitality industry for more than 45 years. AmericasMart Convention Center Sales – the convention and meeting side of the business – has kept pace with the growth of the city and evolution of the industry. Its purpose is to showcase AmericasMart’s and Atlanta’s many advantages to those who plan conventions, corporate meetings, tradeshows and special events.

Entrance and security

AmericasMart is not open to the public. In order to be admitted, the buyer must provide proof of a valid business license and show identification at a registration office. Buyers are given badges that clearly identify their name and shop. Anyone seen not wearing the correct identification will be escorted out of the building by one of the numerous security officers that are found during the busy season. Buyers can also invite guests that do not have the proper identification for admittance. These badges are $50 for anyone 12 or older. Small children are not allowed inside.

External links

• AmericasMart Atlanta, official site
• AmericasMart blog