By Gabriel Owens, contributor

Wholesale exhibitor AmericasMart held a three-day Spring holiday market for local Atlanta business owners March 8-10 at their building on Peachtree Street.

The event featured over 50 exhibitors booths advertising their wares over three days.  Additionally, there were several seminars designed to help local businesses improve their “curb appeal,” interiors, and other small business concerns.

“I’ve attended this before, so I knew exactly where to go to find the best deals,” said Susie Lyden, sales associate for Eve and Staron, a carpet showroom and decorative studio on Peachtree Hills Avenue.

“Knowing how to work the floor for your business is important when attending,” she said, in reference to the large number of exhibitors and events.

Exhibitors also saw the event as an opportunity to network.

“This is a fantastic place to make contacts and build relationships with local businesses,” said Angela Nelson, an exhibitor for Quotablelife.com, a gift and apparel whole seller out of Peachtree City. “Making a good impression may not lead to a sale now, but often they remember you down the road when they have a need you provide [comes up].”

Beyond the exhibits and “wheeling and dealing” on the showroom floor, the event offered several seminars for small businesses to help promote their brands.  Jessie LaFalce of Nandina Home & Design hosted one such event showcasing the latest in outdoor furniture and design, designed to help small businesses make sure their outward look and functionality is hip, modern and most importantly, maximize their walk up business.

“There’s a lot of little details in promoting your business you don’t often think about,” said one attendee. “This was an eye opener…I realized my exterior sucks!”

AmericasMart hosts events like the Spring Market regularly.  For more information visit www.americasmart.com.