Apr 28, 2009

Minneapolis MART Summer Season

As buyers walk into the Minneapolis Mart, they are greeted with a newly remodeled lobby and showroom halls. With a major renovation completed, this Mart continues to be a dynamic destination for Midwest buyers. The first half of 2009 was actually stronger than expected as our regional buyers chose to visit the Minneapolis Mart instead of the national markets. Buyers are rediscovering that local reps and showrooms offer the greatest value and service before and after the show. But that’s not all…

With capital improvements completed, the Minneapolis Mart made the decision to host the Temporary show within the Mart facility for a “complete” buying experience. The March show was a full house with over 6,000 product lines. Our buyers loved it and found the convenience of being in one location allows them to complete their business quickly and efficiently.

The Minneapolis Mart is the first choice for upper Midwest buyers. We know your customers, we live in your communities, and have a commitment to making you and your business successful. We invite you to join us this summer for another successful buying experience.

2009 Minneapolis Permanent Showroom Dates:
June 7th – 9th
August 7th – 11th
October 10th – 6th

2009 Minneapolis Mart Temporary Show Dates:
August 7th – 11th

Third Mondays
Every third Monday through September the Mart is open to all buyers to round out any purchasing. The atmosphere is unhurried and offers an opportunity to browse at your own pace.

The Minneapolis Mart
We offer buyers over 5,000 lines in our permanent showrooms and add an additional 1,000 in our Jan, March and August “on-site” temporary shows. We are not limited to just the gift industry but have an expanded selection in home décor, floral and garden, gourmet food, jewelry, toys, home furnishings, resort, packaging and more. All showrooms are on one level allowing you easy access to rooms, food and beverage and parking. We also have free wireless internet throughout the building providing a professional setting to conduct and complete business.

Minneapolis Mart Highlights
As you enter the newly remodeled Minneapolis Mart you are welcomed by one of our Mart staff available to answer your questions and guide you through the registration process. We feature “home-style” food and beverage service and offer an outside BBQ for lunch during the June and August shows. To insure you start the day right, we offer a complimentary Buyer’s Breakfast on show days. We offer all you need and more than you imagined for a fun and productive visit.

Promotions
Each show features promotional daily drawings with winners having an opportunity to win HDTVs, laptops, GPS Units and digital cameras.

Amenities
Our goal is to provide you the information and resources needed to have a successful buying trip. In addition to our greeters, our newly expanded Buyer’s Concierge Desk is available to help you with hotel information, directions, recommendations and reservations for restaurants – some with discount meal coupons, events, maps to attractions and local events, and an expanded literature rack highlighting regional attractions in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. With many attractions such as theater, sporting events, restaurants, and of course, the Mall of America, we can help guide you to activities for yourself and/or your family.

Free and plentiful parking is always available at the Mart and there is Free shuttle service between the Mart and selected local hotels. A complimentary Buyer’s Breakfast is offered on show days.

Each buyer is welcomed with complimentary gift items such as calendars, notepads, Twin City maps, customized luggage tags, etc.

August Seminars
We are known for providing nationally recognized speakers covering topics on business issues affecting today’s retailers, creative ideas, and financial and retail management.

August’s Seminars are being presented by Cheryl Karpen, experienced retailer and author of the Eat Your Peas Collection of inspirational books.

Saturday, August 8th
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Nutrition for the Retailer’s Soul

Sunday, August 9th
8:30 am – 9:30 am
Eight Ways to Energize Your Enterprise – In the New Economy

Free Continental Breakfast for all seminar attendees.

2010 Market Dates
We are already preparing for next year. Make sure to put these dates on your calendar.

January Market: 25th – 29th
March Market & Temp Showt: 5th – 9th
April Markett: 18th – 20th
June Markett: 6th – 8th
August Market & Temp Showt: 13th – 17th
October Markett: 3rd – 5th

Buyer’s Guide
We mail out a complete Buyer’s Guide twice a year and Show Bulletin prior to each show in addition to a monthly Minneapolis Mart eNewsletter. To insure you are on our mailing list, give us a call, send an email, or go to www.mplsmart.com and sign up on our mailing list.