In a bid to draw more retailers and buyers to one of its largest regional events, Shaw Industries said it will hold its Atlanta-based “Innovations” market in conjunction with the first three days of the Atlanta International Area Rug Market. The Jan. 17-19 event will mark the first time in the company’s history that Shaw has held a regional show during another market.

            Shaw is also expanding its space for the show. The company is planning a custom gallery that will take up the entire first floor exhibit hall of AmericasMart Bldg. 1. Additionally, Shaw will use its existing 13,000 sq. ft. Shaw Living showroom to help house portions of the Shaw Innovations event. The upcoming regional market is set to feature not only area rugs, but also residential and commercial carpet, wood and laminate flooring, ceramic tiles, carpet cushion,  Anso nylon branded carpets and rugs as well as ancillary products.

Casey Johnson, Shaw’s vp retail, said the Atlanta Rug Market is an ideal location for the Shaw event. “Shaw Innovation 2008 is about exciting new retail programs for our dealers to gain profit opportunities in the New Year,” he said. “We invite all customers to visit our show space and preview product, programs and ideas for growing sales in 2008."  

Even without the planned expansion, Shaw Living’s Atlanta showroom remains the company’s largest single product venue in the U.S. outside of its Dalton, Ga. headquarters. Opened in 1992, it is centrally located on floor 6, in showroom 6A2, of AmericasMart Bldg. 1.

Chas Syndey, a senior vp for AmericasMart parent company AMC Inc., said the event should be “historic” for both Shaw and AmericasMart.

“We’re honored to welcome Shaw Innovations to Atlanta,” he said. “This historic co-staging is in direct response to key flooring retailer feedback. Shaw responded to requests for added conveniences and greater access to product. It’s truly a win/win for the area rug and flooring industry as a whole.”