ATLANTA, GA — August 18, 2026 — ANDMORE's co-located Atlanta Apparel Market and Formal Markets wrapped a dynamic August 3–7 market week at AmericasMart Atlanta, delivering an energized multi-category sourcing experience across contemporary apparel, footwear, accessories, bridal, prom, quinceañera, and social occasion. Buyers explored permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors across campus, discovering Spring/Summer 2027 formalwear collections alongside contemporary and resort immediates for the season ahead.
BUYER GROWTH
The August market also delivered strong buyer growth year-over-year, with buying accounts up across the board. Prom, pageant, and bridal formal categories each saw increases in buying accounts compared to last August, underscoring the continued strength of the Formal Markets segment and its growing role within the combined show.
Buyers and exhibitors alike described the week as one of the strongest in recent seasons, with energy on the show floor and across campus reflecting continued momentum for Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets as a premier cross-category sourcing destination for the Southeast and beyond.
"This August market reflected the strong momentum Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets have built all year — from the energy on the show floor to the excitement surrounding Quince on the Block," said Caron Stover, ANDMORE® Senior Vice President, Apparel Leasing. "Buyers came ready to source across every category, and the response to our expanded Formal programming and First Finds debut showed just how much this market continues to grow as a destination for the industry."
MARKET PULSE & CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
Kicking the week off, the "Quince on the Block" celebration on Ted Turner Blvd. was one of the week's standout moments, bringing the energy of quinceañera culture outdoors in a vibrant, community-focused setting that reinforced the growing importance of the Quinceañera category to both Atlanta Apparel and Formal Markets buyers.
ASHLEYlauren's 15th Anniversary White Party brought another highlight to the week, celebrating a major milestone for the brand and underscoring the Market's role as a place where longstanding relationships and new chapters are recognized and celebrated.
Across both markets, buyers experienced a vibrant, interactive campus, with nonstop programming, hospitality touchpoints, category lounges, and themed activations designed to spark connection and trend discovery. This market, Atlanta Apparel expanded its Formal and bridal programming with new lounges, education and daily activations, packing the calendar with can't-miss events from morning to night.
Daily Brand Activations added to the energy on the floor, including the Permanent Bracelet Station with Bara Boheme, Custom Hairclips with Ficcare, and Beauty Break with Jazzy Pink.
This market also marked the debut of First Finds on Floor 5 in Building 3 — the newly rebranded home for temporary exhibitors, including Formal, Bridal and Accessories — creating a high-traffic hub for discovery.
Education programming was a standout feature of the event, highlighted by The Wedding Masterclass, a bridal business strategy series led by Steve Lang, CEO of Mon Cheri Bridals. Across three morning seminars, Lang shared actionable insights on topics ranging from improving closing ratios to effective inventory management. The sessions drew strong attendance and engagement, reflecting Lang's respected industry expertise and loyal following.
SPOTLIGHTING EXHIBITORS & MARKET MOMENTS
This August, buyers and exhibitors alike had their pick of standout booths across the show floor, but two names rose to the top. Pearls & Camo took home the Best Booth Award, drawing crowds with a display that captured the category's growing energy and creativity this season. On the buyer side, Allie Rose was voted the Market Star Buyer Favorite, recognized for the sharp eye and fresh perspective she brought to the floor throughout the week.
Special milestones were celebrated throughout the week with ribbon cuttings honoring, underscoring the Market's role as a place where longstanding relationships and new chapters are recognized and celebrated. View and download the ribbon cutting images from Market week here.
VOICES FROM THE FLOOR
"This was one of the strongest shows I've experienced in years. The Buyer's Lounge was a tremendous success and made a noticeable impact by bringing more qualified buyers to the floor. It's an initiative that benefits the entire exhibitor community. Congratulations on a fantastic event, and we look forward to seeing you and your outstanding crew in October." - David Stone, American Paper & Plastic.
"Atlanta Apparel is a convenient location, and we get some of our best business done in Atlanta!" – Lalo, Tradeshow Manager, Gigio.
"Every market I'm at Atlanta Apparel; I meet fresh new buyers while reconnecting with loyal customers from across the East Coast and beyond." - Joe, Owner of Glam
LOOKING AHEAD
Registration is now open for Atlanta Apparel's return Tuesday, October 6 through Friday, October 9, 2026, with showrooms and First Finds open 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. daily; First Finds closes at 2:00 p.m. on the final day, spotlighting Holiday/Winter immediates for women's apparel and Spring/Summer for Children's. Register here.
Formal Markets will return Tuesday, April 6 through Thursday, April 8, 2027, with showrooms and First Finds open for the market, once again bringing together leading designers and buyers to preview the latest bridal, homecoming, and quinceañera collections and shape the season ahead.
For more information and to register, visit Atlanta-Apparel.com and FormalMarkets.com.
About Atlanta Apparel: Atlanta Apparel is a series of five annual markets hosted by AmericasMart, showcasing the latest trends in contemporary, young contemporary, women’s modern, shoes, fashion accessories and specialty categories like children’s and plus-size apparel. Atlanta Apparel is the premier destination for buyers seeking fresh, on-trend styles. Owned and operated by ANDMORE, Atlanta Apparel is held at AmericasMart Atlanta. Atlanta-Apparel.com.
About Formal Markets: Formal Markets showcases an extensive selection of bridal, prom, quinceañera, mother-of-the-bride, accessories and homecoming. Owned and operated by ANDMORE, Formal Markets is held twice annually at AmericasMart Atlanta. FormalMarkets.com.
About ANDMORE®: ANDMORE, a Blackstone portfolio company, empowers wholesale buyers and sellers to connect, grow and prosper through premier physical markets and design centers. The company operates over 20 million square feet of premium tradeshow and showroom space, hosting live events in Atlanta, High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and New York City. Serving industries such as home décor, gift, furniture and apparel, ANDMORE supports the global B2B community through its unmatched marketplace experiences. ANDMORE.com.
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ANDMORE Media Contacts:
Sandy Lee | salee@andmore.com
Kristin Huxta Bradley | kbradley@andmore.com