The Revitalized Chicago Gift Market – July 18-24
The July Chicago Gift Market at the Merchandise Mart was all about revitalization. Both buyers and exhibitors responded enthusiastically to the new floor layout and creative elements seen throughout the show. Margaret Powers, Director of Sales for MMPI, noted, “The energy and optimism from both exhibitors and retailers was palpable as they enjoyed the upgraded merchandising, visual displays and newly categorized tradeshow floor”.
Two new categories, Design-centric and Emerging Designers, were created to offer buyers unique products with inspiring points of views. Handcrafted continued to be a vital part of the floor by offering the largest selection of handmade product in the Midwest. “What a great place to discover new regional artists from the Midwest area who feature new and unique handcrafted items!” said Jacqueline Fucilla from the Arboretum Store at the Morton Arboretum.
Creative displays, informative seminars and TRENDwatch, an informal modeling presentation in the Café, all added a new sense of excitement on the show floor. The importance of emerging technology and social media on the retail industry was a topic buyers embraced at the Snapretail and Giftbar seminars.
Plans for the January Chicago Gift Market are under way to further reinvigorate the market. The buyer experience will remain a top priority for the Chicago Gift Market with the continuation of the Lunch & Learn series and an array of buyer amenities. January will also see a new layout to the show floor, with an expanding focus on important categories, including luxury home products. Marc Blackwell, who had a successful showing of his home collection at the July show, stressed the importance of the Chicago Gift Market for this growing category stating, “This show is necessary for people in the Midwest. They need luxury products. Period.”
A focus of the July show that will continue into January is the importance of bringing new buyers to the Market. With over 1,000 new buyers attending the July show, a reflection of discounted hotel rates, parking and VIB incentives, this trend is expected to grow in January. Numerous exhibitors such as Carolyn Heimerl at Bright Ideas saw the results. Carolyn said, “This was the best summer show in three years. What the team is doing to reach new customers is working. I will absolutely be back for January.”
It’s never too early to start planning to attend the Chicago Gift Market in January 2014. Save the date for the upcoming Market. Permanent showrooms will open January 16-22nd while temporary exhibits will show January 18-21st.
The Chicago Market: is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI). Beckman’s Handcrafted ShowTM is a registered trademark of MMPI. The Chicago Gift Market is a quarterly wholesale tradeshow designed for store owners, retail buyers and designers. The market offers a wide array of quality products ranging from home accents and furniture to handcrafted 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.chicagogiftmarket.com.
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (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.
