ATLANTA — Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets closed a busy five-day run at AmericasMart Atlanta after bringing buyers, designers and exhibitors together from Aug. 3 through Aug. 7. The combined event covered contemporary apparel, footwear, accessories, bridal fashion, prom, quinceañera and other social-occasion categories.
Buyers reviewed Spring and Summer 2027 formalwear while sourcing contemporary and resort pieces for more immediate orders. Organizers said buyer accounts increased from last August across prom, pageant and bridal categories, signaling continued strength in the formalwear business.
Buyer Growth Strengthens the August Market
The rise in buying accounts helped create steady traffic throughout the campus. Exhibitors reported meeting new customers while reconnecting with established retail partners from the East Coast and other regions.
Caron Stover, senior vice president of apparel leasing for ANDMORE, said the August event reflected momentum built throughout the year. She credited the busy show floor, expanded formal programming and debut of First Finds with strengthening the market’s appeal to buyers.
First Finds opened on Floor 5 of Building 3 as a newly branded destination for temporary exhibitors. The area featured formalwear, bridal collections and accessories in one concentrated space, giving buyers another place to discover emerging products and suppliers.
Events Add Energy Across AmericasMart
“Quince on the Block” opened the week with an outdoor celebration on Ted Turner Boulevard. The event highlighted quinceañera culture and the category’s growing importance to retailers attending both markets.
ASHLEYlauren also marked its 15th anniversary with a White Party. Elsewhere, daily activations included a permanent bracelet station with Bara Boheme, custom hair clips with Ficcare and a Beauty Break with Jazzy Pink.
The market also used lounges and hospitality stops to encourage conversation away from scheduled appointments. Ribbon cuttings recognized exhibitor milestones, while themed programming kept activity moving throughout each day. Together, those features gave retailers time to compare collections, discuss orders and build relationships without losing the practical focus of a wholesale buying event in Atlanta.
Organizers expanded education and hospitality offerings with category lounges, daily programs and networking opportunities. The Wedding Masterclass, led by Mon Cheri Bridals CEO Steve Lang, drew buyers for three morning sessions focused on closing sales, managing inventory and improving bridal businesses.
Awards added another competitive element to the week. Pearls & Camo earned the Best Booth Award, while buyers selected Allie Rose as the Market Star Buyer Favorite.
Atlanta Apparel Prepares for October Return
Atlanta Apparel returns Tuesday, Oct. 6, through Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. Showrooms and First Finds will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, although First Finds will close at 2 p.m. on the final day.
The October market will focus on Holiday and Winter immediate merchandise for women, along with Spring and Summer collections for children. The schedule gives retailers an opportunity to refresh near-term inventory while planning for the next selling season.
Formal Markets will return April 6–8, 2027, with bridal, homecoming, quinceañera and other special-occasion collections. Showrooms and First Finds will again connect buyers with established designers and new exhibitors.
The August results offered a clear measure of confidence across both events. Stronger buyer participation, practical education and broader programming positioned Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets for continued growth as sourcing destinations serving the Southeast and the wider fashion industry.
Business Information
Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets are produced by ANDMORE and held at AmericasMart Atlanta, 240 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Main switchboard: 404-220-3000.
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