AmericasMart, the massive showroom in downtown Atlanta, will host its annual Summer Market this year, which which regularly attracts thousands of visitors.
However, the event has only been postponed from its original July dates to Aug. 13-18.
In a statement, the International Market Centers said they decided to push back the dates for its markets in both Atlanta and Las Vegas by about a month each — with Atlanta’s market being held first.
According to the statement, IMC conducted a survey of its buyers and suppliers before making the change.
"Retailer respondents expressed immediate need for inventory, preference for buying new product from existing vendors and intent to source both at physical markets and on digital platforms," the statement reads. "Survey results also indicated that COVID 19-related concerns about travel sentiment and market attendance will decrease over time and with key health and safety mitigants."
The event will be modified with healthy and safety protocols. According to IMC’s website, they are “working with a renowned epidemiologist to finalize a comprehensive list of protocols.”
An IMC representative said the expert they are working with is Dr. Carlos del Rio.
Some of the listed safety measures include requiring masks, regularly sanitizing surfaces, directing foot traffic to maintain social distancing and daily temperature checks.
“We believe that with modifications to Atlanta Market and Las Vegas Market’s timing and format and implementation of rigorous health and safety protocols, IMC can deliver the markets our buyers need and are willing to attend,” Bob Maricich, IMC CEO, said in a statement. “While we cannot currently gather in person, we look to meeting again at our markets this August.”
The Atlanta Market will also include contactless registration and pre-registration for buyers.
The event will not include its regular social gatherings and the programming and trend features will also be available through a digital market.
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