The Chicago Market wows with energy and growth! January 2012 Market Recap
HEARD AT MARKET 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.” Patti White, Principal Patti White & Co. 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. 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 “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.” Dennis Kwong, President Designed Combined Inc., DCI “Chicago was a phenomenal show. The response to our expanded showroom was overwhelming and we were thrilled to discover that we had a substantial increase in orders and that 30% of our business came from new accounts. I would highly recommend The Chicago Market to both buyers and sellers alike.”
Buyers are Committed to Chicago
January 2012 showed double digit increases in buyer attendance! • Buyer attendance increased 11% • 85% of buyers committed to returning to Chicago • Average orders were up across the show • Buyer quality continues to be praised by showrooms and exhibitors
Chicago attracts new buyers with ideal location and unique offerings • Beckman’s Handcrafted Show™ saw constant traffic as buyers sought out artisan made products • 30% of buyers were attending for the first time, an increase of 20% from previous markets • Educational sessions filled past capacity and accommodated record numbers of buyers
The Chicago Market reaches deep into the region • Buyers at market represent every type of business in the industry. • Chicago is a favorite market for hospital gift shops, hardware stores, museum shops and specialty independent retailers • A partnership is the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD) resulted in an increase of 45% more floral buyers
The Chicago Market Locks in the Midwest Audience HEARD AT MARKET Christine Guanapa, owner & designer Little Man, Beckman’s Handcrafted Show “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!” J & Rose Norness, owners Joster International “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.” Lisette Kingo, representative, Sno of Sweden Modern Age Representatives “We are excited and privileged to finally be able to offer SNO of Sweden by Kingo Couture in Chicago. What better way to celebrate SNO of Sweden’s 10th anniversary as Scandinavia’s leading jewelry brand than bringing the line to Chicago? and what better place to present it than The Merchandise Mart!”
Demonstrating Constant Growth Across the Region
Iowa:
25% increase
Michigan:
67% increase
Wisconsin:
33% increase
MN +23%
IA +25%
WI +33%
IL +7%
MI +67% IN +7%
TN +67%
Minnesota: 23% increase OH +2%
Tennessee: 67% increase Illinois:
7% increase
Indiana:
7% increase
Ohio:
2% increase
HEARD AT MARKET Nicholas Vafakas, and! Sales “The Chicago Merchandise Mart has recently made many changes and is moving towards being among the most important and impressive markets in country. Buyers from around the country and around the world attended the January 2012 show and were able to ulfill product needs that could not be matched at any other market. The efforts of the Merchandise Mart and showrooms are obvious and on pace to exceed expectations at all shows in the near future.”
“Shopping locally at The Chicago Mart has been a real help to us finding new and unique products for us to carry in our stores. We find the same items here without having the hassles of air travel, hotels, and additional time away from our shops. We have established a great working relationship with our local showrooms and have the temporaries available to us during the shows. The Chicago Market is very buyer friendly!” George Mitchell Owner, Mitchells’ Flowers Orland Park, IL
The Energy of The Chicago Market is on the Rise Buyers are responding with praise to The Chicago Market’s historic location and incredible customer service. Our Buyer Relations Program A dedicated buyer relations manager attracts our top-quality buyers with personal attention and custom-designed incentives. • More than 3,000 retailers were contacted and invited to market personally • 90% of those contacted were new or lapsed buyers. • 95% of those buyers attended market • 85% of those not only attended market in January but have confirmed they will return for another market
“Chicago is first for everything!” Anne Marie Casey Owner, Annie’s Ltd. Oak Lawn , IL
“The Chicago Market is fantastic. I am glad that I chose to attend. I wrote a lot of orders and found some new vendors and resources that I will be ordering from again.” Jeff Stuart Merchandise Marketing Coordinator Fort Edmonton Park Living Museum City of Edmonton Alberta CANADA
“While there is a lot of overlap in the exhibitors at the major markets, we have chosen to attend The Chicago Market in order to find unique products for our inventory. The Chicago Market is userfriendly, with smooth check-in and easy navigation between exhibitors. The preferred hotels come at a reasonable price and are convenient to market, whether you choose to hop on the trolley or enjoy a brief walk. We enjoy the beauty of the city, the great food, and the Midwestern charm of your people. We love Chicago! Linda Land and Ariana Land Owners, Stylish Living LLC Raleigh, NC
“All I can say is WOW!!! The response from our AIFD members has been incredible. Rave reviews are pouring in from our members almost daily. Many of our members had never before experienced The Chicago Market. They were so impressed with the outstanding vendors, beautiful showrooms, educational design and business programs, and helpful mart personnel. We cannot wait to again partner with The Chicago Market. Loann Burke, AIFD, CFD, PFCI Event Specialist - Furst Florist President Elect - North Central AIFD Dayton, OH