New and newly expanded area rug showrooms, exclusive product introductions and the America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards advance continuing growth for The Atlanta International Area Rug Market, featuring the National Oriental Rug Show Wednesday, Jan. 8 - Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014.

The area rug industry’s largest Market – staged in partnership with the Oriental Rug Importers Association (ORIA) in the nation’s premier area rug Marketplace – showcases top designs in an extensive mix of handmade, machine-made and antique products from the largest and most respected names in the area rug business. The January 2014 Market will give retailers and designers advantaged access to increased product resources housed in significantly expanded showrooms, together with a comprehensive educational program presented by Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA). 

Integrated Collections and Updated Showrooms

The January 2014 Market marks 2013’s growth trend, propelled by significant expansions and new exhibitor introductions across the Market. Sustaining the expansion is the successful integration of AmericasMart’s Home and Rug collections producing more than 60,000 square feet of new integrated showrooms—including new rug showrooms for Azad Rug, Kas, Momeni and Sultanhan and expanded locations for F.J. Kashanian, Kalaty Rug and Loloi Rugs, who nearly doubled its footprint to a 14,000 square foot showroom on Floor 4.  

“There is a lot of excitement around the January 2014 Market in the Rug industry” says Kevin Malkiewicz, vice president of leasing for Home & Rug. “All over the Market, exhibitors are expanding their spaces and improving their showrooms in preparation for the Market.” 

The updates are not confined to the physical layout of showrooms; lines also are modifying product collections to meet buyers’ needs. “There will be more product introductions at the January Market than we have seen in a while,” adds Malkiewicz. “Lines that traditionally focused on rugs are expanding their products to include home accents and furniture to better serve buyers who want to source merchandise together. Our indoor rug manufacturers also are adding more outdoor living rugs and product to extend their collections and sales seasons.”

Top Industry Programming From ORRA And ORIA

A staple of The Atlanta International Area Rug Market featuring the National Oriental Rug Show each January, industry associations ORRA and ORIA present engaging programming throughout the Market. 

Each day of the temporary Market kicks off with the ORIA/ORIA CF January 2014 Rug Auction, supporting the ORIA and the ORIA Charitable Fund. The auction features more than 20 rugs donated by ORIA members that are open for bids on Jan. 9-11, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Building 1 Floor 2. 

ORRA programming includes: 

• The Unique and Antique Rug Forum – CRA forum. Open to all for informal presentation and discussion of unique, antique & unusual Oriental rugs by a panel of experts. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014 1:30 p.m. Building 1 Floor 4. 

• “Walk the Market with Phil” presented by Phil Menendian. Rug buyers are invited to join Menendian for a walk through select showrooms for a more specific and lengthy examination of the rugs that will enhance the educational features of the CRA program. Thursday, January 9. 3 p.m. Building 1 Floor 3. 

• Meet and Greet with ORRA Board Members. ORRA’s president, Richard Amatulli, CRA, ORRA membership chairman Rob Leahy and other Board Members share what’s new for ORRA in 2014. Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 10 a.m. Building 1 Floor 4.

• “Knot To Be Missed” presented by Phil Menendian and a panel of rug appraisers. ORRA is continues this popular program geared toward on-going efforts to educate members. Friday, Jan. 10, 2014 10:30 a.m. Building 1 Floor 4.

For a full list of Market events, visit http://www.americasmart.com/home/jan-2014/market-events.