Nov 3, 2009

The Chicago Market: Living and Giving Offers Innovative and Distinct Products with the Beckman’s Handcrafted Show

Chicago, IL – This January, The Chicago Market: Living and Giving® is excited to offer an expanded Beckman’s™ Handcrafted Show, with new to market exhibitors as well as popular high profile returning exhibitors.

Designed as a “show within a show, Beckman’s™ Handcrafted Show is the most highly recognized handmade wholesale trade event in the gift industry. For over 30 years, Beckman’s Handcrafted Show has showcased the best in original work to discerning specialty retailers looking to differentiate themselves from their competition. Beckman’s reflects trends in the marketplace through the original work of true artisans not seen elsewhere, increasing the overall value of the market, by showcasing unique handcrafted work within the framework of a vibrant gift show.

The Beckman’s Handcrafted Show encompasses fresh and functional pieces from contemporary apparel to jewelry to classic home accents making it a trusted resource among specialty retailers for innovative and unique product opportunities.

“The Chicago Market leads the way with handcrafted products as Beckman’s showcases the best in original handmade pieces that are distinct and unique,” said Joan Ulrich, senior vice president, MMPI. “We are so excited to welcome a significant number of new artists and a host of favorites returning to this year’s Market. Plus, we have added a Fair Trade pavilion adjacent to Beckman’s offering more handcrafted products in a variety of product categories to meet the growing demand for unique high quality products.”

The Chicago Market is excited to welcome 30% more new Beckman’s exhibitors and the list is growing daily. Highlights include:

Donna Saures, www.donnasauersdesigns.com
Sugar Notes, www.sugarnotescards.com
Lisa’s Photo Quilting, www.lisasphotoquilting.com
Artists of Africa, http://artistsofafrica.typepad.com
Soap Alchemy, www.soapalchemy.com
Elvie Zell, www.elviezellenamels.com
Prospect Harbor Soap, www.prospectharborsoapco.com
Blue Eagle Pottery, www.blueeaglepottery.com
Montgomery Raku & Artworks, www.montgomeryraku.com
Wendy Wise Originals, www.wendywiseoriginals.com
HeartFelt Traditions, www.heartfeltraditions.com
Stylish Girl by Laila, www.stylishgirl.com
Inspirational Design and Décor
Oakland Pottery, www.oaklandnursery.com
Beckett Pottery, www.beckettpottery.com

Beckman’s Handcrafted Show also provides artisans with the ability to build their brand and their wholesale business by targeting the right buyers and retailers with new and returning exhibitors; featuring established brands and new product innovations. For more information on Beckman’s please contact Robin Gadomski at 312.527.3063 or via email at rgadomski@mmart.com.

The Chicago Market’s Fair Trade section is also expanding the number of exhibitors under the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) banner. Positioned adjacent to the Beckman’s Handcrafted Show, the Fair Trade exhibitors offer additional choices in handcrafted products in many categories. The FTF logo represents a national trade association whose goal is to strengthen and promote North American Organizations who are fully committed to Fair Trade partnerships. The Federation is a part of the global Fair Trade movement, building equitable and sustainable trading partnerships and creating opportunities to alleviate poverty. As Fair Trade products continue to draw buyers and retailers in the Midwest and across the USA; the FTF logo helps to identify Fair Trade exhibitors so buyers and retailers can be assured that these brands are certified Fair Trade products. These unique high quality products deliver on price points, variety and quality craftsmanship.

Chicago Market Dates
January 2010, The Chicago Market: Living and Giving
Chicago Showrooms: Thursday, January 21 – Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Temporaries and Beckman’s™ Handcrafted Show: Saturday, January 23 – Tuesday, January 26

For an up-to-date line listing for Beckman’s™ Handcrafted Show, visit www.beckmans.com. For a comprehensive look at all The Chicago Market is offering this January, go to shopchicagomarket.com or call 800.677.6278 (MART).

The Chicago Market: Living and Giving is a trademark of MMPI. Beckman’s Handcrafted Gift Show is a registered trademark of MMPI. The Chicago Market: Living and Giving is the longest running gift show in the United States and is a quarterly wholesale tradeshow designed for store owners, retail buyers and designers to shop a wide array of quality products ranging from home accents and furniture to handcrafted or eco-friendly product to collectible items, holiday, baby/children’s product, gourmet and more. The Chicago Merchandise Mart is located at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654. For more information call 800.677.6278 (MART) or visit www.shopchicagomarket.com.

MMPI is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the Boston Design Center in Boston; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center in Washington D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.