Feb 3, 2012

The Chicago Market Report Attendance Up, Buyer Spirits Upbeat and Order Writing Steady

Just one week after it concluded its best January Market in recent years, the Merchandise Mart and The Chicago Market announce a healthy double-digit increase in attendance. This world-class market known for its Midwestern hospitality welcomed buyers with a multitude of new and expanded resources including; innovative new product displays, a happening late night of shopping on Saturday evening, a full schedule of educational, informative and inspirational programming, and new permanent showrooms and temporary exhibitors.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the January Chicago Market, said Mark Furlet, vice president gift + home, Chicago Merchandise Mart. “Buyers were in good spirits, our showrooms and exhibitors reported orders were being placed at a steady pace. A healthy mix of market seminars and hospitality-driven events enhanced the overall buying experience, retailers were happy to see new products from trusted resources as well as new ones.”

Highlighting one of the industry’s most talked about trends was the ‘Pop up Shop’ product display staged in the lobby of the Merchandise Mart. Designer Mick Santiago curated and designed the Pop Up which showcased under $20 retail seasonal, home décor, kids, pets, gift, fashion accessories and eco-friendly products from the permanent showrooms of the Merchandise Mart, temporary exhibitors and from the Beckman’s Handcrafted Show. The display itself was hip, current, happy and vibrant—offering visual merchandising ideas as well as product ideas for buyers. On Thursday and Friday mornings Santiago was on hand to answer buyer’s questions and offer merchandising tips.

A completely new component of the Market was an in-depth look at the inner workings of the glamorous floral design market. The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD North Central Chapter) brought several of their celebrity designers to the Chicago Market to share secrets of their success in designing flowers for such renowned events as the Tournament of Roses Parade, Academy Awards and Presidential Inaugurations. Floral designers and gift buyers were inspired by five different events, including the newly minted “Bobbi Cup,” an ‘Iron-Chef’ style design competition. The programming revealed industry secrets that were translated into sound strategies for gift retailers.

Late night shopping on Saturday, January 21 found buyers buzzing about the 13th and 14th floors with smiles on their faces, and plates of Chicago-famous food in their hands. From Lou Malnati’s deep dish pizza to Portillo’s hot dogs and Italian beef, the Mart’s hosted bars and food stations gave buyers the much needed sustenance to continue shopping late into the evening. Also stationed throughout the 13th and 14th floors were silent auction tables, a pleasant surprise to buyers who bid on a slew of wonderful merchandise from the permanent showrooms of the Mart. The auction benefited Gift for Life, the gift industry’s chosen charity raising funds in support of AIDS research and education.

Two important highlights were the anniversary milestones reached by showrooms, Peterson Associates, Inc. who celebrated fifty years, and Sarm & Nastovski celebrating twenty years. Both showrooms held anniversary events in their respective showrooms, Peterson Associates rocked the house with their Blues-Brothers inspired band entertaining hundreds of buyers all night long.

HEARD AT MARKET: (A partial listing)

Brad Peterson, owner and market director
Peterson Associates, Merchandise Mart, Suite 13-126

“We are way ahead of last year and very optimistic about 2012. We were so pleased with the turnout at this Market; our 50th Anniversary celebration on Saturday night was truly a night to remember.”

Jeanne Claire, owner
And! Sales, Merchandise Mart, Suite 1420

“We had a great show; we introduced new lines including those made in America. There is a return to this. This has been a great market for us.”

Patti White, owner
Patti White & Co., Inc., Merchandise Mart, Suite 1485 and 1487

“A Great Chicago Market, lots of fun! The buyers are all very upbeat and happy with their holiday sales numbers. Lots of attendees noted that they have empty shelves to fill so we’ve been writing a ton of rush orders. We’ve heard many compliments about the number of new and expanded showrooms on the gift floors as well as great comments about our ‘pop up shop’ and show events that are unique to Chicago!”

Anne Rudziensky, Michigan Sales Representative
Anne McGilvray & Company, Merchandise Mart, Suite 1461

“This has been a great market! My buyers are coming here instead of other shows; some are taking the train and taking advantage of the Mart’s 50% discount offer to buyers.”

Julie Punctch, owner and designer
Monarch Designs, Beckman’s Handcrafted Show, Booth 8-6102

“We have been really busy; we have had a great response. Order sizes are up, people are buying more!”

Christine Guanapa, owner & designer
Little Man,Beckman’s Handcrafted Show, Booth 8-6106

“This is our first time here and we are having an excellent reception. We typically do Boston and Philadelphia shows but wanted to branch out into the Midwest, this is the show to do that for us!”

Cindy Reusser, owner
E.R. Designs, Beckman’s Handcrafted Show, booth 8-7101

“This has been a REALLY good show for us. We picked up some great customers, in fact in July one of the new customers we sold has turned into one of our biggest accounts. Our products are all handmade in Indiana and the buyers shopping Beckman’s appreciate our local roots and customer service orientation.”

J & Rose Norness, owners
Joster International, Temporaries, 8-3130A

“We are very impressed with the quality of the show, staff and buyers and we would recommend the show to anyone. It has been an integral part in building our customer base in the region. We love the feeling of the show and for us the city of Chicago is absolutely enjoyable. From our experience the strategic partnership with AIFD proved to be very advantageous for the show, AIFD members and ourselves. We heard nothing but positive comments from the large number of AFID members that visited our booth.”

SEEN AT MARKET (Highlights of events and product presentations):

Merchandise Mart Welcomes Buyers

A fresh new look welcomes buyers to the Mart’s front door.

The Lobby Pop-Up display, curated and designed by Mick Santiago, featured products retailing at $20 or less.

Mick Santiago explains his display of Bethany Lowe Designs.

Creating a Story by Design: Visual Merchandising Tips & Tricks with Bethany Lowe & Mick Santiago
Buyers learned how successful retailers tell their story through displays & artful merchandising.

Late Night Shopping. Buyers enjoyed Chicago style street food and snacks while they shopped the permanent showrooms.

Silent Auction raised funds for Gift For Life.

The Blues Brothers stopped by Saturday night to entertain buyers.

Peterson Associates celebrated their 50th anniversary with a live band.

Ward and Brad Peterson (left to right) celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Peterson Associates, the rep group started by their father.

Floral Programming

Mandy Majerik, AIFD, PFCI

The crowd snaps pics of the AIFD floral celebrities as they present.

The newly named “Bobbi Cup” design competition held the attention of the standing room only crowd.

Tim Farrell, AIFD, PFCI, wowed the audience with his designs during his seminar.

Beckman’s Handcrafted Show Chicago: An extensive collection of artisans offered an array of distinctive, cutting-edge work. Floor 8.

Crowds swarmed Beckman’s Handcrafted Show in search of artisan made product.

A Beckman’s favorite, Dana Reed takes an order for her exquisite, hand-made jewelry.

Angie Consalvo (left) of Summer House Market helps a buyer explore her handcrafted designs.

Saw Dust City runs out of chairs for their crowd at Beckman’s Handcrafted Show.

Temporaries: Hundreds of shopping resources organized in four themed sections: Gifts & Accessories, Home, Gourmet, and What A Girl Wants.

Baisch & Skinner Wholesale Florist, booth 8-4118, provided the product used in the AIFD floral seminars.

What a Girl Wants in the Temporaries featured stylish gifts and accessories for women.

Bearington Collection returns as a favorite to the temporaries.

Permanent Showrooms: Over 75 permanent showrooms covering all the gift industry’s must-have categories were open all week.

Root Candle was a draw in the new and! Sales showroom.

Owner Jen Brooks (second from left) visits with buyers in her new showroom, Charlie & Me.

Buyers enjoy the new Julia Knight designs in the Craig Samuelson Associates showroom.

The ORE line wowed at Patti White and Company.

The expanded Saro Trading Showroom was a hit.

LIsette Kingo (right), of Sno of Sweden, presents the new line in the Modern Age Showroom.

2012 CALENDAR SCHEDULE

THE CHICAGO SPRING MARKET
March 25-27, 2012
Running in conjunction with STYLEMAX and the National Bridal Market Chicago

THE CHICAGO SUMMER MARKET
Showrooms: July 19–25
Temporaries & Beckman’s Handcrafted Show: July 21–24

THE CHICAGO FALL MARKET
September 21-23, 2012
Running in conjunction with The International Casual Furniture and Accessories Market

Note: Dates are subject to change, please check www.shopchicagomarket.com for up to date calendars

The Chicago Market: is a trademark of Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI). Beckman’s Handcrafted Show™ is a registered trademark of MMPI. The Chicago Market 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.

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. MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart and 350 West Mart Center in Chicago; 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 Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (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.