AmericasMart brought domestic buyers from every U.S. state together with a major international presence to kick off an aggressive beginning to 2010. Initial feedback from the January show illustrates a contagious optimism for the year ahead.

Across all permanent product centers and all temporaries categories, robust January buying affirms the confidence of retailers and designers responding to new introductions, new lines and designs, and signals the promise and potential of 2010 consumer demand for new value and selection. The market registered national and international retailers, as well as southeast regional customers, all in Atlanta to vote with their January 2010 open-to-buy, and welcomed by exhibitors ready for business -- many with added sales staff to meet surging demand.

Powering the Atlanta January Market momentum was:
• More new product introductions across more product categories, all in their 2010 U.S. premiere showing, and many making exclusive world debuts;
• An expectant, motivated exhibitor base of permanent showrooms and temporaries who regularly partner with AmericasMart; and who, for January 2010, were fully engaged in collaborative marketing communications and promotional channels and opportunities elevating their business;
• A strong, highly qualified buyer population of the top 100 U.S. stores, specialty shops, multi-store retailers, including AmericasMart veterans and first-timers, all choosing to do business in a marketplace of time-tested value proven over more than a half-century of service.

We'll be showcasing new products from the show in the news for the next few weeks, including some great Editor's Choice selections. Here is a preview of some of the new introductions:

New Savannah Print From Now Designs
Now Designs has launched its newest creation, the Savannah print, consisting of bright flower elements such as Hibiscus and Poppy, and fruit tones of Mango, Mandarin, and Bellini. This palette is suited to outdoor living or can easily transition to autumn and winter tablescapes with rich spice colors. Savannah print in Poppy is available as Placemats (13-by-19-inches, MSRP: $7.50), Napkins (20-by-20-inches, MSRP: $5.00) and Mugs (12-ounce, MSRP: $6.00). Also available in table runners and tablecloths (MSRP: $25-$50). For more information, call 866-253- 9001 or go to www.nowdesigns.com.

Hip New Nutcracker From Vacu Vin
Vacu Vin has introduced a nutcracker that is as attractive as it is effective. This unique nutcracker is a modern, sleek-looking tool that also serves as a tray. The Vacu Vin Nutcracker cracks whole nuts by pressing the two ergonomically formed handles together and catching the nuts in the base tray. The nutcracker requires very little strength even on hard-shelled nuts. This easy-to-use serving tool is designed for entertaining as it looks like a sculpture or decorative tray, and it is ideal for parties; it is also dishwasher-safe. MSRP: $24.99. For more information, call 704-882-3521 or visit www.vacuvin.com.

New Free Range Collection From Clay Art
Clay Art has launched two new collections for spring 2010. The Free Range collection takes a lighthearted turn around the barnyard with whimsical ceramic serveware and accessories reflecting a trio of popular farm figures, including the illustrious pig, cow and hen. The colorful collection includes chip platter and dip bowl, serving bowl, mug set, salt and pepper shakers, and a cookie jar. Blue butterflies and dragonflies alight among the flowers in the beautiful, airy Garden Flight collection. This comprehensive tableware set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, dip bowls, platter, mugs and floral-etched water goblets and wineglasses. For more information, visit www.clayart.net.

New Designs From Slant
Slant has launched two new designs for the fourth quarter. Quatrefoil (shown here) features a silvered interior design in the company's popular quatrefoil motif, and it is available in silver and deep red, gold, or brown. The collection includes wineglasses, martini glasses, shaker, highball glasses and cloche. The Winter Flurry collection is a cascade of swirls and snowflakes, conjuring up images of winter gales and snowy skies -- a perfect reason, of course, for staying in and entertaining. This festive set includes wineglasses, martini glasses, a drink dispenser, highball glasses, cloche, snowflake picks and snowflake stir sticks. For more information, go to www.slantcollections.com.

New Basalt Line From REVOL
This black body porcelain from REVOL imitates the look of slate, but has all the cooking benefits that slate does not. It is decorative but functional for the professional kitchen as it is nonporous, food-friendly, thermal-shock-resistant, and oven-, microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe. The Basalt line comes in several shapes and sizes, and has many uses -- appetizer, cocktail, amuse-bouches, buffet, steak, fish, salad, cheese, dessert, presentation plates, etc. Pictured is the Steak Plate, with a circular indent for your sauce or ramekin, and a groove around the perimeter to capture juices. MSRP: $49.95. For more information, call 678-456-8671, e-mail info@revol-usa.com or go to www.revolusa.com.

Enrico Casual Dining Collection
The new collection from Enrico Products comprises 11 products and includes salad bowls with matching servers, a serving platter, a three-bowl sauce server, and a utensil vase. These suites are offered in either solid mango with a bold avocado green exterior or solid acacia with a natural finish, both from sustainable sources. Another interesting addition is a beautiful leaf-shaped tray carved from mango and presented in a crimson and cream color combination. MSRP: Items range from $14.95 to $39.95. Contact 866-566-9876 (toll-free) or e-mail Info@EnricoProducts.com for more information.