FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sophia Weiss Lapat
Sophia + Co
312.382.8441
Sophia@sophiaandco.com
MMPI PLANS REDESIGN OF 16TH FLOOR
Vornado and The Merchandise Mart are Committed to its Permanent
Showroom Tenants and The Casual Market
CHICAGO (April 18, 2013) – MMPI’s parent company, Vornado, is committed to The
Merchandise Mart’s residential/outdoor industry and has invested significant funding and
efforts to improve the facility for its clientele. As reported in its latest annual report,
Vornado states, “And the Mart building remains the pre-eminent location for residential
and contract furniture showrooms and its related trade shows.” Part of The Mart’s
commitment to the industry includes the redesign of the 16th floor to complement the 15th
floor’s new look. Since early 2012, more than 65 residential and outdoor furnishings
tenants were relocated into new spaces. The redesign has improved the shopping
experience by creating a more concentrated, easily navigable showcase of the top
names in outdoor furnishings for buyers during the annual International Casual Furniture
& Accessories Market and the trade that shop on a daily basis.
The Merchandise Mart has been home to the International Casual Furniture &
Accessories Market for more than 35 years. While MMPI’s current contract with the
International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) for the annual Casual Market runs
through September 2017, a significant number of permanent tenants have extended
their leases beyond 2017.
Today, 55% of the Mart is dedicated to showroom tenants including 45 casual
showrooms totaling more than 256,000 square feet on floors 15 and 16. In addition,
there are many other tenants offering outdoor furnishings resources on the 14th floor.
Overall, from 2003 through 2012, MMPI increased its permanent casual showroom
space by approximately 43%.
In addition to expanding and improving The Mart’s permanent showroom offerings,
marketing efforts have aggressively increased during both the annual Casual Market and
on a day-to-day basis over the years in order to bring more revenue streams to
permanent tenants year round. Additionally, MMPI supports the ICFA on many of its
initiatives including the financial support of the Apollo Awards, coordination of the Design
Excellence Awards and assistance with its membership outreach.
“With the unwavering support from Vornado, MMPI remains dedicated to its Casual
industry and all of our permanent tenants,” said John H. Brennen III, executive vice
president, MMPI. “We anticipate a hugely successful Casual Market in September and
look forward to showing buyers the major improvements to the showrooms since 2012.”
When it comes to casual furniture, accessories and outdoor living trends, The 2013
International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market™ is the epicenter of exciting
innovation in the industry. With more than 350,000 square feet of exhibit space,
showcasing casual indoor and outdoor furniture, umbrellas, grills, accessories and more,
the Casual Market at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart is the one-stop shop for buyers’
outdoor living needs. Buyers can register now for the Casual Market, September 17-20,
at www.casualmarket.com.
About MMPI
MMPI is a leading owner and operator of integrated showroom and office buildings, as well as trade show
facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together through market events, trade and consumer shows and
conferences each year.
MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart in Chicago; the Architects & Designers Building, 7 W New York and
Piers 92/94 in New York City; and Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center in Cleveland.
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.
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