"Atlanta Market is still an important show for customers along the eastern seaboard and in southern states," explained Satya Tiwari, president, Surya, at the company's busy AmericasMart showroom. Surya's showroom is open year round as the company expands its trade showroom locations in major markets to continue capturing share with interior designers.

Kami Navid of Jaunty agreed, noting that he'll see completely different customers at Las Vegas Market next week. "We don't sell to e-commerce, and that is very important to designers and furniture stores who see us in Atlanta -- we look forward to meeting with our loyal customers at both shows."

Jonathan Kashanian, of F.J. Kashanian, also caters to a steady designer and brick and mortar fan base looking for exclusivity in its fashion-forward hand-knots. "We have been busy with repeat customers who come to the showroom knowing that everything will be completely new -- we bring fresh designs to every Atlanta Market," he said. And Mike Kalaty reported steady appointments at the Kalaty showroom, even on the weekend before the show's official opening.

Due to the changing Atlanta Market demographics, many rug exhibitors focused on hand-knotted intros, high end machine mades, and one-of-a-kinds, including Momeni, whose showroom was exclusively devoted to OAKs, and Loloi, which maintains a separate showroom for OAKS and framed textile art program. One home textiles exhibitor, Amity Home introduced its first area rug offerings in Atlanta, and another, Balta Home USA debuted a brand new combination design studio and showroom here.