As AmericasMart Building 1- which first opened as the Atlanta Merchandise Mart in 1961- prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2011, its “long-running role as a U.S. showcase for home furnishings, décor and accents” continues in the January 2011 Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market and Atlanta International Area Rug Market,” say AmericasMart representatives.

The 50th anniversary “affirms AmericasMart’s industry strength and longevity and elevates Building 1 as the epicenter for the market’s expansive HOME furnishings product mix, which encompasses more than two million square feet of merchandise,” they added.

Supporting the permanent HOME showrooms are 10 home categories in the Market Temporaries-several of which are housed in four floors of the HOME building (floors 1, 2, 7, 8). These categories cover designer home furnishings and accessories to coastal and outdoor living. Making its debut this January in the Temporaries is HD Home, evolving from the High Design category and enhancing the permanent home floors. HD Home is a juried collection of exclusive high-design home furnishings and décor and will be showcased in the HOME building on the first floor.

Further, AmericasMart adds that the January Markets will feature “the industry’s most celebrated tastemakers and renowned designers. These special guests will take the spotlight in the HOME center to educate, entertain and excite retailers about 2011 trends and building business.”

Details on these key events will be forthcoming as January nears.