The Chicago Market is a trade show event at the Chicago Merchandise Mart that takes place four times a year. The January & July shows are the bigger of the four events that include both the permanent showrooms on 13 and the 8th floor temporary gallery suites. It showcases product across a broad spectrum of categories that includes gift items, home decor, jewelry and - Christmas. Anything and everything for Christmas - from ornaments, Christmas trees, lights, gifts - and a life size Santa Claus if you should so desire one.
It runs from July 19 - July 24 for the permanent showrooms on the 13th floor & July 21 - July 24 for the temporary gallery suites on the 8th floor.
The Sales & Marketing team showcase special displays on the main floor lobby of the Mart as an introduction to buyers as they enter. A Christmas themed display was added for the July show this year.
The Merchandise Mart lobby is an Art Deco masterpiece - grand, beautiful - and cavernous. This particular section of the North Lobby was remodeled in the early 1990's when there was a shopping mall there and on the second floor. The escalators were added at this time. The Christmas display was to be located under the escalators.
My biggest concern was that product would just be overwhelmed by this huge space - but the escalators actually help to contain it. It doesn't hurt then to have two 10 foot Christmas trees and a life size standing Santa!
I created a floor plan using google sketchup - it really helps to have a floor plan - even if you have to adjust it upon installation - which I did.
The Merchandise Mart has a tremendous staff of carpenters, painters & electricians - all of which were utilized into bringing this project to completion.
Go to www.shopchicagomarket.com and check out all details of the show. It is open to shop owners, retail buyers of department stores etc - credentials are required, so be sure to check the web site for all pertinent details.
