The Merchandise Mart is strengthening its casual industry with a record leasing of more than 20 casual showrooms on floors 15 and 16, the newly dedicated casual industry within the Design Center at The Merchandise Mart.
This relocation will create an easier shopping experience for buyers at the annual International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market and designers who shop the Merchandise Mart Design Center on a daily basis. The relocation of the casual industry is part of the larger reconfiguration of the Design Center at The Merchandise Mart into four floors (6, 14, 15 and 16) from current floors (15, 16 and 17). Gary Lee Partners will redesign the corridors of the 15th floor with a contemporary design.
In addition to the showroom relocations, seven tenants extended their current lease agreements beyond 2017, allowing for additional 10 percent growth of the industry in 2013.
The relocation will begin following the 2012 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, Sept. 20 – 23. The moves and renovation are expected to be completed before the end of the year.