This year’s Atlanta International Area Rug Market is set to be the largest yet. Literally. AmericasMart Atlanta is expanding to include a cavernous 250,000 sq. ft. for furniture, home furnishings and area rugs. With the extra room, five rug makers say they plan on exhibiting at the market for the first time. Additionally, seven exhibitors say they are expanding and renovating their showrooms.

According to Chas Sydney, AmericasMart senior vp of area rugs, the continuing enthusiasm from exhibitors builds on “the success and momentum” of the show. “These enduring relationships continue to help us advance our mission as the market of choice for area rug buyers and sellers everywhere,” he said.

The expansion in AmericasMart Bldg. 1 follows a planned 1.5 million sq. ft. addition to Bldg. 2 slated to open in 2009. When completed, the new wing in Bldg. 2 will create one of the largest assortments of high design, garden and gourmet products in the U.S., according to show organizers.

New exhibitors to the show this year are: Rizzy Rugs (showroom 3-F-3, 5), Halvai Rugs (3-D-11), Mehraban Oriental Rugs (5-E-3, 4), The Creative Touch (5-G-5), and Monti Rugs (6-E-6, 8).

Mark Ferullo, Rizzy vp, said his company’s new showroom is in a prime spot to lure potential buyers. “Atlanta is our major market for rugs, and we expect to see the best rug retailers from all over the country in our showroom,” he said.

Rug makers planning to expand their presence at the winter market include: Caravan Rugs, Atlantic Rugs, Banilivy Rug Co., Amadi Carpets, Renaissance Carpets and Tapestries, Radici Rugs and Capel Rugs.

Jay Nehouray of Caravan Rugs said expanding his showroom would give him the chance to showcase even more of his company’s high-style products. “Our prestigious products will perfectly align with the style and innovation that AmericasMart offers to our current and potential customers,” he said.

Shaw to add its touch to market

An expected highlight of the market is the result of a “historic” partnership between Shaw Industries and AmericasMart Atlanta. The flooring manufacturer plans to hold its “Innovations” regional market in Bldg. 1 during the first three days of the show. The Jan. 17-19 event will mark the first time in the company’s history that Shaw has held a regional show during another market, according to Shaw.

AmericasMart’s Sydney considers the Shaw event “a win-win for the area rug and flooring industry.”

“We’re honored to welcome Shaw Innovations to Atlanta,” he said. “This historic co-staging is in direct response to key flooring retailer feedback. Shaw responded to requests for added conveniences and greater access to product.”

The upcoming regional market will not only feature the typical area rugs, but also include residential and commercial carpet, wood and laminate flooring, ceramic tiles, carpet cushion, Anso nylon branded carpets as well as ancillary products. To accommodate for extra space, Shaw plans to create a custom gallery of products that will take up the entire first floor exhibit hall of Bldg. 1. Additionally, the company will use its existing 13,000 sq. ft. Shaw Living showroom to house portions of the event.

Casey Johnson, Shaw’s vp retailer, noted that the Atlanta Rug Market is ideally suited to bringing interested dealers to the Shaw event. “We invite all customers to visit our show space and preview product, programs and ideas for growing sales in 2008,” he said.

The Atlanta International Area Rug Market is slated for Jan. 17-20. The meeting will also feature the National Oriental Rug Show and host the annual America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards. For more information, visit http://www.americasmart.com/markets/giftrug.