New design floor to open in Chicago

Becky Boswell Smith -- Home Accents Today, 11/1/2006

Market Square, long a familiar name at the High Point Market, will travel north in 2007 to take on a new image in the Chicago market.

Targeted to the design trade and lifestyle and specialty retailers, Market Square at the Merchandise Mart: A New Collection for Home + Living will debut in July 2007. Some 40,000 square feet of showroom space will be converted to the concept initially with an additional 40,000 planned for January 2008.

Eventually, the entire 200,000 square feet of the 15th floor of the Chicago Merchandise Mart will be completely devoted to what Chicago officials define as "high-quality, design-oriented resources at accessible prices."

MMPI Vice President Gerry Seibel, who manages the L.A. Mart, also will manage the new initiative. "I'm energized by this opportunity," Seibel said. "With more than 20 years in the residential, gift, retail and design community, I understand both the need and potential for a new, high-quality lifestyle destination."

The showrooms, many of which are expected to be newcomers to the Merchandise Mart, will be open year-round to interior designers. They will participate in Merchandise Mart Design Center promotions and special events, as well as take part in the Chicago Market: Living and Giving.