Kolo Collection, Atlanta

Kristine Ellis -- Casual Living, 9/1/2012 2:00:00 AM

Kolo Collection features clean, uncluttered lines both outside its entrance and inside the store.An early adopter of social media, Kolo Collection makes it easy for customers to feel connected and knowledgeable about its mix of international outdoor furnishings. That accessibility may be one reason sales are up double-digits this year, with an increase in orders shipped out of state.
     "We've also seen a very large increase in contract business this year," said Greg Martin, co-owner of the company with his wife, Michelle.
     Overall, he sees a split in consumer confidence.
     "The wealthy are spending and the upper middle class are still holding on to their money for the most part," he said.
     In addition to its virtual exisGreg and Michelle Martin.tence, Kolo Collection maintains a high level of visibility in the real world and is known for hosting very successful events in its 4,500-sq.-ft. showroom. In August, for example, it hosted a get-together of the Design Collective, a networking group for Atlanta's interior design community. It also raised $15,000 recently doing an event for a local charity.
     Always tweaking their collection, the Martins are still working out their strategy for next season
     "Michelle and I will travel to Maison & Objet in Paris as well as Chicago in September to see what great new items we will bring into the mix for 2013," Martin said.
     Kolo Collection opened in 2003 and is a six-time Apollo Award finalist and a multiple winner of Casual Living's Merchandising Awards.