News

International Market Centers (IMC) CEO Robert J. (Bob) Maricich has been named to The Atlantan Magazine’s 25 Most Influential People list. The Atlantan Magazine wrote: “In a year of change, we honor the local luminaries leading the charge in our community, with ripple effects felt throughout the world. These formidable forces drive change, pushing Atlanta forward on a local, national and international stage for the greater good.”

“IMC is continuing John Portman’s legacy with our stewardship of AmericasMart Atlanta. In a year which has been challenging for our business and the industries we serve, I’m proud that the IMC team has been able to iterate and innovate not just to survive but also to thrive,” said Maricich. “I am truly honored, as well as humbled, to be included on this list of influential Atlantans.”

Instrumental Development

Maricich was instrumental in envisioning and developing the strategy for the creation of International Market Centers, L.P. In 2011 he founded IMC with sponsors Bain Capital and Oaktree Capital Management by raising over $1 billion to fund the purchase of the International Home Furnishings Center, ShowPlace properties, and the Market Square properties in High Point, N.C. and merging them with World Market Center Las Vegas to form the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the furnishing, home décor and gift industries. In 2017, Maricich led the IMC migration to new ownership when Blackstone, one of the world’s leading investment firms, and Fireside Investments, acquired IMC. Following that transition, he later directed the 2018 merger between International Market Centers and AmericasMart in Atlanta and the subsequent acquisition of the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, creating a compelling International Market Centers presence on the east and west coast that now encompasses more than 20 million square feet of world-class B2B exhibition space.

Honors

Maricich currently sits on the executive committee for the home furnishings industry charity, City of Hope and Opportunity Village, a Las Vegas based charity dedicated to serving the disabled. In 2019, he will receive the Furniture Industry Icon award from the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA) in recognition of his 35+ years in the home furnishings industry. Additionally, in 2017, Maricich was honored with the American Heritage Distinguished Service Award by the American Home Furnishings Alliance and also been honored with the American Heritage Award by the Anti-Defamation League and the Man of the Year award from the Tri-State Home Furnishings Association. Maricich is being inducted into the Home Furnishings Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor, in 2021.

AmericasMart® Atlanta is a leading wholesale marketplace housing the nation’s largest gift product mix complemented by a broad selection of home accents, décor, tabletop, gourmet, area rug and fashion apparel merchandise. Its 16 annual markets and shows serve specialty retailers, designers and major buying groups from every U.S. state and nearly 70 countries. For more information, visit AmericasMart.com.

About The Atlantan: The Atlantan is the preeminent luxury lifestyle publication in Atlanta and for the Southeast, touching on facets of luxury lifestyle such as high-end retail, dining hot spots, design trends, philanthropy and Atlanta’s top tastemakers and personalities. As part of the award-winning Modern Luxury network of regional publications, The Atlantan is able to deliver cutting-edge fashion spreads, international travel features and revealing celebrity profiles, ensuring its content is on par with national titles. Plus, thanks to a devoted team on the ground with its pulse on the market, interactive digital brand extensions and unrivaled events, The Atlantan captures what it means to be living the good life in Atlanta, making it a valuable partner for companies wishing to reach the city’s most affluent consumers.