Market Energy & Holiday Magic: A Return to AmericasMart

After a ten-year break, I made my way back to Atlanta Market this month . From the moment we stepped into the building, the energy was electric. Buyers buzzing from floor to floor, exhibitors showing off their newest finds, and everywhere you looked: ideas, inspiration, inventory dreams.

We went to explore new Gift & Lifestyle brands, visit some of our favorite showrooms, and (of course) soak in the temporary and Made in America exhibits.

I made the rounds with two excellent co-pilots: my mom on day one - fellow shopkeeper and and thirty year Market veteran - and my husband on day two - first-timer and newly initiated member of the buyers club. Mom and I went full nostalgia-meets-strategy, weaving through showrooms we both love, ogling displays, and tasting all the treats on the Gourmet floor. And my husband? He was living for it. The scale, the shine, the sheer chaos of it all.

He approached the experience like he was at a museum-meets-convention-meets-theme park: eyes wide, ready to absorb it all. Did he try to visit every vendor in one afternoon? He did. Was that possible? Absolutely not. But he had great instincts and even better feedback - turns out he has a real knack for spotting clever products and adding just the right bit of input when I needed a second opinion. A+ for effort, 10/10 for company.

There’s nothing quite like Market to remind you why you’re doing this - to bring back that creative spark and get excited about what’s coming. We found some great new additions for Jonquies, reconnected with reps we love, and got a few seasonal surprises that are going to be so fun to share (Halloween and Christmas, we’re looking at you 👀🎃🎄).

More to come. But for now? We’re full of fresh ideas, aching feet, and a renewed excitement for the months ahead.

— The Jonquies Team