Chicago Merchandise Mart expands casual furniture presence

Staff -- Casual Living, 1/1/2008 12:00:00 AM

Due to continuing growth in the casual furnishings industry, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. announced several new, expanded and relocated casual furniture showrooms at The Merchandise Mart in Chicago.

Four manufacturers are expanding showrooms and moving from the Mart's 16th and 17th floors to the 15th floor, the Mart's newest design destination. Two new casual showrooms also will open on the 15th floor.

The introduction of Market Square on the 15th floor allowed MMPI to relocate leading tenants interested in growing their design business. Because of this relocation, MMPI was able to answer some of the expanding needs of the current tenants on the 16th and 17th floors and welcome former temporary exhibitors of the International Casual Furnishings and Accessories Market as permanent resources.

"In the past three years, MMPI has expanded its casual showroom offerings by 35%," said John H. Brennen III, executive vice president, MMPI. "This expansion honors our agreement with the Summer & Casual Furniture Manufacturers Association to grow the industry and allows our new and current tenants to showcase a larger selection of their product offerings to retailers and the design trade shopping The Merchandise Mart on a daily basis."

In addition, a dedicated open stairwell between the 15th and 16th floors will be open year-round to create an easy traffic flow for casual buyers and design trade shopping The Mart. The stairwell will be located between ScanCom North America and Lloyd/Flanders on the 16th floor and in front of the new Laneventure showroom on the 15th floor. The following is a listing of new and expanded showrooms.

15th floor

Ancient Mosaic Studios (15-116); Ebel (15-121); Jardin de Ville (1553); Laneventure (1544); Summer Classics (1556) and Veneman Collections (15-120).

16th Floor

Gensun (16-116) and ScanCom North America (1646).

17th Floor

BJI Alliance (1791); Classic Elements (1744); Hanamint Corporation (17-102); Meadowcraft (1747); Outdoor Lifestyles (1789); Pride Family Brands (1754); South Sea Wicker & Rattan Furniture Company (1785) and Three Birds Casual (1783).

For more information, visit www.mmart.com/casualmarket.