When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
AmericasMart Atlanta
Why AmericasMart Atlanta is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
AmericasMart Atlanta stands as the world’s largest single wholesale marketplace, making it an exceptional destination for industry professionals to meet, source, and network. Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta, this massive complex comprises over seven million square feet spread across three interconnected buildings. It serves as a vibrant hub featuring more than 2,000 tenants and over 400 permanent showrooms, providing an unparalleled variety of home furnishings, gifts, lifestyle products, and apparel. Retailers, designers, and buying groups from all 50 states and nearly 70 countries trust AmericasMart for its extensive product mix and convenient year-round accessibility.
The Mart hosts 16 annual markets and specialty shows including the prominent bi-annual Atlanta Market each January and July. These events showcase thousands of brands across 51 floors, presenting everything from home décor and tabletop items to casual furniture and fashion apparel. Beyond trade shows, the complex offers daily amenities such as dedicated designer workspaces, concierge services, complimentary parking, and advanced navigation tools like the ANDMORE Markets App for effortless navigation of its expansive campus. The presence of pedestrian bridges linking buildings, on-site hospitality options, and convenient transportation through MARTA and hotel shuttles further enhance the visitor experience. AmericasMart isn’t open to the general public but is specifically designed for businesses involved in sourcing and reselling, including retailers, architects, event planners, and more, making it an ideal professional gathering place to discover the latest industry trends and products.
Here's what people think of AmericasMart Atlanta
As of recent, AmericasMart Atlanta holds a 4.5-star rating based on 1384 reviews.
User reviews of AmericasMart Atlanta consistently highlight the vastness and diversity of the marketplace as its greatest strength. Many buyers and retailers commend the extensive selection of products spanning gifts, home décor, apparel, and outdoor furnishings, emphasizing that the sheer variety means one can find virtually everything needed for retail businesses or design projects. Positive feedback often focuses on the professionalism of vendors, the convenience of year-round access to over 400 showrooms, and the helpfulness of staff and concierge services. The availability of detailed maps and the ANDMORE Markets App to navigate the large campus receives praise for enhancing the experience. The numerous events and networking opportunities also draw positive remarks, as do amenities such as complimentary parking and on-site accommodations.
On the other hand, some negative reviews mention the complexity and intimidating scale of the AmericasMart campus, which can be overwhelming for first-time visitors despite the digital navigation aids. A few users note that during peak market times, the campus can be crowded and challenging to move through quickly. Some reviews point out that certain showrooms are only open during market events rather than year-round, which might complicate scheduling visits. Additionally, a handful of comments highlight that the marketplace is strictly for registered business professionals, meaning casual shoppers or the public cannot access the facilities.
In summary, the overwhelmingly positive reviews confirm AmericasMart Atlanta’s reputation as a premier wholesale market optimized for business buyers, designers, and industry insiders. While the enormous scale requires adequate planning to maximize the visit, resources like apps and concierge services help mitigate this. Overall, it remains a highly valued destination for sourcing innovative, diverse products and strengthening industry connections.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
1 Bun
Get there as early as you can—the queue to get in to vendors hall took about 40 minutes yesterday and longer than an hour in 2024. Not too bad if you've drinks, fans. Make sure you have cash.
Americano Tuvas
1 Star – Worst Convention Center Experience Ever I rarely write reviews, but my experience at America’s Mart was so frustrating, it deserves a warning for others. I came here as a vendor for a recent home show, and from the moment I arrived, it was a disaster. First, the loading dock process is a complete joke. There’s zero organization—no clear signage, no staff to guide you, and no system in place to make things efficient. I spent over an hour circling the building just trying to find the correct entrance, only to be met with attitude from unhelpful security and staff who clearly didn’t want to be there. The elevators? Don’t get me started. Expect to wait 20–30 minutes just to get to your floor. If you’re hauling products or displays, good luck. It felt like no one thought through how vendors are actually supposed to set up. The freight elevators were overcrowded, slow, and shared by everyone with zero coordination. It was pure chaos. Once inside, the layout is confusing and dated. There are multiple buildings connected by sky bridges, but the signage is terrible. Visitors were constantly getting lost or wandering around looking for booths. Even we as vendors couldn’t find our own spots without asking five different people (who often didn’t know either). The costs are also outrageous. Parking was $25+ per day, and it’s far from the venue unless you get there before sunrise. Inside, food is extremely limited and overpriced, and there’s no real break area for vendors. Customer service was non-existent. No one was around to answer questions, and when we did ask for help, we were either brushed off or given conflicting information. It honestly felt like we were more of a burden than a paying participant. As a small business owner who travels to events across the country, I’ve worked in many venues—but this was by far one of the worst. Disorganized, overpriced, and clearly not designed with vendors or attendees in mind. I won’t be coming back, and I would strongly advise others to think twice before signing up for an event here.
Lee Capps
First class venue with wonderful,helpful employees. True southern hospitality.
Ian Hay
Recently attended the Atlanta Oddities and Curiosities festival, which was quite an eclectic experience. Despite the concrete floor, getting around was easy & everything was well signed. Ticket purchasing was efficient and the staff and vendors were all friendly. I think it had been at least 15 years since I had been here prior. I attended a Johnnie Walker tasting event a long time ago.
Iramae Grice
Wi-Fi could be a little better but great space!
How to reach AmericasMart Atlanta
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Website: None
Why AmericasMart Atlanta may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at AmericasMart Atlanta with your friends?
Gathering at AmericasMart Atlanta with your friends offers a truly unique and dynamic experience that combines commerce, culture, and community in the heart of downtown Atlanta. While AmericasMart is known primarily as a wholesale marketplace, the excitement of exploring more than seven million square feet across multiple buildings housing thousands of retailers and brands makes it an unmatched destination for groups interested in discovery and shared experiences. Whether you and your friends are business owners, designers, or simply enthusiasts of home décor, fashion, or gifts, this sprawling marketplace provides an unrivaled opportunity to explore a vast array of products under one roof. Beyond the shopping and sourcing, the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Atlanta—with its array of dining, entertainment, and historic landmarks—complements the marketplace, making your meetup not just productive but also enjoyable as a social outing. The variety and scale of AmericasMart allow groups to engage in activities from browsing exclusive trade shows to attending special events and workshops together, promoting both camaraderie and inspiration. With convenient amenities such as concierge services, complimentary parking, and nearby hotels offering shuttle services, AmericasMart Atlanta is perfectly equipped to host group gatherings that blend business with pleasure in an inviting setting.
What activities can you do at AmericasMart Atlanta with your friends?
AmericasMart Atlanta is not just a conventional marketplace; it is a vibrant hub of commerce with a diversity of activities suited for group visits. First and foremost, you can explore several high-profile trade shows hosted annually, such as the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market, which features over 6,000 brands across gift, home décor, furnishings, tabletop, seasonal décor, and more. This makes the visit ideal for those interested in the latest trends in interior design or giftware. Friends who are fashion aficionados or retailers can enjoy Atlanta Apparel shows that happen eight times a year with seasonal collections, bridal wear, and accessories. The area rug market and casual/outdoor furnishings markets provide specialized product niches for those with unique interests. Beyond shopping, AmericasMart offers a variety of year-round showrooms—over 400 of them—open for browsing, providing insights into current trends and wholesale opportunities.
Group meetups can also benefit from scheduled smaller events such as Market Wednesdays and mid-season markets in spring and fall, which offer a more intimate buying environment. The marketplace facilitates networking and business discussions with a comfortable environment that includes amenities like concierge services and dedicated designer workspaces, making it easy to connect and collaborate. For those not necessarily purchasing but enjoying the experience of discovery, the casual outdoor furnishings and gourmet showcases add variety to the visit. This diversity in activities caters to broad interests, ensuring there is something for everyone, from the serious buyer to the enthusiastic observer.
Why is AmericasMart Atlanta perfect for group meetups?
AmericasMart Atlanta’s scale, diversity, and amenities make it ideal for hosting group meetups with friends or colleagues. Spanning seven million square feet with multiple buildings and over 2,000 tenants, it is the largest wholesale marketplace in the United States, meaning groups have an immense variety of products and exhibits to explore together. The campus is fully integrated and includes convenient access to downtown Atlanta hotels and transportation options, including airport shuttles and complimentary hotel transportation during market events. This logistical ease means that groups can spend more quality time inside the marketplace or enjoying nearby city attractions, turning a typical meetup into a seamless and memorable experience.
Moreover, the marketplace’s atmosphere reflects Atlanta’s renowned Southern hospitality, with welcoming staff, concierge services, and newly implemented street greeters and ambassadors who provide assistance and ensure a friendly, helpful ambiance throughout a visit. This community spirit, combined with a rich schedule of trade shows and events, creates opportunities for group learning, inspiration, and business growth. Groups can easily tailor their visit to their interests—whether focusing on home décor, fashion, gifts, or gourmet products —allowing for curated experiences within the massive selection available. The facility also hosts signature events that often include educational seminars, product launches, and networking opportunities, further enriching group interactions. Complimentary parking adds to the convenience, ensuring everyone can access the site without hassle, rounding out AmericasMart as a top-tier destination for meetups.
What can you expect from the onsite amenities and customer services?
AmericasMart Atlanta provides an array of onsite amenities and customer services designed to enhance the group experience and ensure comfort during long visits to the vast marketplace. Concierge services are readily available to assist visitors with directions, event schedules, and special requests, facilitating smooth navigation through the multi-building complex. There is also a dedicated Designer Workspace which provides a quiet, professional environment where groups can take breaks, collaborate on ideas, or review purchases away from the bustling showroom floors. This workspace supports business-oriented meetups by offering a focused atmosphere complemented by modern conveniences.
Parking is complimentary for visitors, which is a significant bonus considering the central downtown location. Shuttles run frequently between nearby hotels and the AmericasMart campus, easing transit logistics for groups without personal vehicles. Additionally, during major market events, dedicated airport shuttles connect visitors directly to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, providing stress-free transportation options. The marketplace hosts a robust schedule of signature events and special programming, often including auctions, product demonstrations, and expert-led workshops that add value and engagement for attendees. Combined, these amenities create an environment where groups can comfortably spend an entire day or multiple days exploring, networking, and enjoying each other’s company with minimal distractions or hassles.
What unique experiences does AmericasMart offer beyond shopping?
Beyond the extensive shopping and wholesale buying opportunities, AmericasMart Atlanta offers unique experiences that make it ideal for groups wanting a blend of business and leisure in a culturally rich setting. The bi-annual Atlanta Market, one of the largest wholesale gift and home markets worldwide, is itself a spectacular event drawing buyers from all 50 U.S. states and nearly 70 countries, offering a rare chance for groups to dive into a truly global marketplace. Alongside the marketplace, the city of Atlanta provides a lively backdrop of attractions, including Michelin-starred restaurants, historic neighborhoods, arts districts, and entertainment venues. These city attractions can complement a visit to AmericasMart, allowing groups to extend their meetups beyond shopping and socialize over meals or cultural outings.
The marketplace’s architecture, designed initially by renowned architect John C. Portman, offers an impressive, modernist environment that enhances the overall experience. Special programs such as the street greeter initiative introduce a warm Southern charm, greeting groups and individuals alike, enhancing the welcoming feel. Additionally, the casual markets focused on specialty categories such as outdoor furnishings and gourmet goods provide refreshing alternatives to conventional indoor exhibits, encouraging relaxation and more informal socializing among group members. These experiences enrich the visit, making AmericasMart not only a place for business but also a venue for shared discovery and enjoyment.
How accessible and inclusive is AmericasMart Atlanta for various groups?
Access to AmericasMart Atlanta is carefully structured, as it primarily functions as a wholesale trade center aimed at buyers who resell products in their businesses, meaning that visitors typically need to register with a business license to enter. However, once registered, groups from a wide range of industries—including designers, retailers, event planners, architects, and hospitality buyers—are welcomed and can bring guests and employees. This inclusivity within the professional community fosters a diverse and vibrant visitor base, giving groups exposure to a wide network of industry players and trends.
The marketplace is open year-round from Monday to Friday, facilitating flexible scheduling for group visits, and its extensive showroom offerings remain accessible beyond major market events. Transportation accessibility is strengthened by onsite rail transit access to the Atlanta airport and multiple shuttle connections, accommodating visitors from regional, national, and international locations. AmericasMart’s commitment to guest services ensures that all visitors, including those with special needs or mobility challenges, receive support to navigate the large campus comfortably. This thoughtful approach to access and service ensures that groups of various sizes and backgrounds can make the most of their visit, promoting a welcoming, inclusive environment for business and social gatherings alike.