Manufacturers react as Atlanta Market shifts dates for 2026 FIFA World Cup
ATLANTA –At market, rumors and fragmented bits of information always circulate through the showrooms—but this time, one piece stood out sharply from the rest: a new date for the summer 2026 Atlanta Market.
The Summer 2026 Atlanta Market—featuring both the Gift & Home and Apparel markets—will take place from Tuesday, June 9 through Sunday, June 14, a full month earlier than originally scheduled.
The shift accommodates the FIFA World Cup, which is also coming to Atlanta next summer. The World Cup is taking place across the U.S., Canada and Mexico next year, and Atlanta is hosting eight matches in mid-to-late June, including a semi-final game. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the games will be held in Atlanta, seats 71,000 people. AndMore opted to move Atlanta Market ahead of the World Cup.
“The alignment of Atlanta Market and Atlanta Apparel in June 2026 creates an impactful, consolidated sourcing experience for buyers across industries,” Scott Eckman, AndMore president, told Home Accents Today. “By bringing these complementary markets together, we’re giving buyers more choice, more convenience and more value, allowing them to build schedules and assortments that truly meet their unique business needs.”
Manufacturers had mixed feelings on the date change but ultimately were optimistic and supportive of AndMore’s decision to shift dates.
Keri Caune, vice president of sales & marketing for Napa Home & Garden, said the company welcomed the chance to bring its new collections to market a bit earlier. “It has only helped us in our forward-looking strategy. Planning is already in the works to ensure a great market experience and availability of our new product introductions. We encourage marketgoers to book their reservations now in anticipation. Soccer fan or not, it should be a very exciting week in Atlanta!”
For Mud Pie, Atlanta is its flagship showroom, so the date shift brings both uncertainty and opportunity. “Moving the market to early June will encourage retailers to buy earlier than usual, helping to smooth out order timelines ahead of the peak holiday season. On the flip side, there is understandable uncertainty around how this change will impact overall traffic, especially given that Atlanta is where we see the largest concentration of customer volume,” said President Zander Brekke.
Brekke added, “June also introduces new considerations with school schedules and vacations, which may affect attendance. We also anticipate a ripple effect of some kind in Dallas and Las Vegas. With the calendar shifting, we may see customers reevaluating their travel plans or adjusting their usual buying patterns. But, as always, we’re committed to adapting and supporting our customers wherever they choose to shop. Mud Pie will be fully engaged in making the early June market a success and ensuring a strong, service-driven experience in Atlanta.”
The Dallas Total Home & Gift Show is scheduled for June 24 – 30, 2026, and Lightovation, June 24 – 27, 2026.
Long time Atlanta exhibitor and president of Zrike Brands, David Zrike, said he believes the Atlanta date change has benefits. “I think that is a good thing due to longer lead times and earlier set dates for programs. The show this year was poorly attended. I think that was the result of a lot of reasons-the economy being a big part of it. I think it can only help.”
Randy Wells, president of Park Hill Collection, said he understands the necessity of the summer 2026 market date moves. “We’re grateful that the market centers have taken the World Cup into consideration. Hotel rates are high enough without competing with soccer fans from all over the world. “
Wells added that the date shift compresses its product development timelines by a month, but it doesn’t meaningfully affect strategy. “If anything, it gives us an opportunity to get in front of customers a little sooner, which could have a positive impact on seasonal sales opportunities.”
Currey & Company felt less enthusiastic about the change.
Bob Ulrich, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the company, said moving market dates is generally a bad idea for what he called “obvious” reasons. “It is disruptive to the established cadence of markets and any move to the market dates have historically resulted in diminished results. June is already a problematic month in terms of business as everyone seems to take vacations in June. We are already struggling with attendance at the summer markets and this move will not help with that issue.”
Jenny Heinzen York, vice president of marketing for Currey, shared similar feelings. “While I appreciate the early announcement to allow for planning, we know that buyers are creatures of habit, and moving show dates will cause confusion for some, and cause others to just sit the season out. Separating the gift/home and casual shows makes it that much more confusing and harder to staff from the vendor side, especially with the close proximity to Dallas and Las Vegas.” — Anne Flynn Wear and Allison Zisko contributed to this story.
