ICFA Moves Casual Market to AmericasMart in Atlanta

August 18, 2022  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

“As we close one chapter in Chicago, we are very excited to open a new one in Atlanta,” said Jackie Hirschhaut, ICFA executive director. “The move to AmericasMart is not only a fresh start and opportunity to further the growth of ICFA, but for the outdoor and casual furnishings industry as a whole.” 

Casual furnishing leasing has accelerated in anticipation of the 2023 debut of Casual Market Atlanta with four floors filled by permanent, purpose-built showrooms for 43 leading outdoor living brands. 

For the July 2023 launch, Casual Market Atlanta will also showcase some 100+ temporary exhibits on Floor 7 of Building 1. The tradeshow will feature additional outdoor furniture brands plus fire pits, hammocks, outdoor and garden accessories, outdoor lighting, statuary, umbrellas and more. 

New synergies will be created through Casual Market’s colocation with the summer edition of International Market Centers’ (IMC) Atlanta Market – the nation’s largest gift and home décor buying event presented July 11-17, 2023, at AmericasMart – offering an added benefit for casual buyers and sellers. 

“ICFA’s move to Atlanta delivers both casual furnishing resources as well as a broad program of educational and social events to our new home,” added Steve Elton, Brown Jordan chief brand curator and ICFA board chair. “This launch marks a new era for ICFA, and we look forward to the fresh, exciting opportunities that it will bring for our diverse range of members, including manufacturers, retailers, sales representatives, designers and Solution Partners.” 

In addition to the major industry event in July, ICFA and AmericasMart will host the Outdoor Design Week, September 18-20, 2023, for product sourcing, education and industry networking. This event will overlap with AmericasMart’s Fall Market offering opportunities for gift and home product sourcing.

 In connection with the relocation, Casual Market Atlanta is introducing a fresh new logo and branding. Inspired by the sun in an all-new blue color palette, the logo represents a new beginning for the market. The upcoming Casual Market Atlanta website – CasualMarketAtlanta.com – will feature market information, exhibitor listings and more. The updated brand identity and new online resource center will reinforce the Casual Market Atlanta’s new permanent home in Atlanta.

Outdoor living brands have begun the move to Atlanta to optimize connections opportunities with AmericasMart’s home décor and lifestyle buyers. Permanent showrooms will be open in time for the Winter 2023 Atlanta Market, January 10-16, 2023. In addition, showrooms located on Floors 2, 3, and 4 of Building 1 will be open Mondays-Fridays between markets, joining the 400+ décor, gift and lifestyle showrooms that are open year-round for retailer and designer sourcing.

“We are beyond excited for the new opportunities presented by Casual Market’s new home in Atlanta and welcome the industry with IMC’s hallmark hospitality,” said Bob Maricich, IMC CEO. “Both buyers and sellers within the Casual industry will benefit from the robust collection of complementary gift and home resources and buying power found at AmericasMart.”