Chicago Market Preview

Frahm named Retailer of Month

Jenny Heinzen York -- Home Accents Today, 7/16/2008 8:38:00 AM

Editors of Home Accents Today, Gifts & Dec to present in Chicago

Saturday, July 19

12–1 p.m., 7th Floor

Caroline Kennedy, editor in chief of Gifts and Decorative Accessories magazine

Thriving in a Recession

Join Caroline Kennedy, editor of Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine, as she discusses best practices and tips for keeping your business healthy during a recession. Kennedy will present exclusive survey results, highlighting what successful retailers did to ride out past recessions and how they are managing success in the current down-market. A discussion will follow.

Monday, July 21

12–1 p.m., 7th Floor

Jenny Heinzen York, editor of Home Accents Today magazine

Internet Strategies … From Statistics to Success

Join Jenny Heinzen York, editor-in-chief of Home Accents Today, as she reveals results of the magazine’s exclusive Internet Survey, examining the ways vendors and retailers are using the Internet. Jenny will be joined by a panel of Internet experts to give some tips on putting that information to work and making your business successful online.

Kevin Frahm named July Retailer of the Month

The Chicago Market: Living and Giving is proud to announce the July 2008 Retailer of the Month, Kevin Frahm of The Mission Marketplace in Chelsea, Mich. The ROTM program is designed to acknowledge exceptional retailers who are making a difference in the gift industry, as well as to provide inspiration to other retailers who can benefit from the winners’ stories.

With a passion for a world where there is “enough for everyone,” Frahm, executive director, started The Mission Marketplace as a physical manifestation of that vision. By sourcing Fair Trade and Green vendors from around the world, The Mission Marketplace has created an inviting store that also invites change.

Aside from educating his customers, The Mission Marketplace also educates the children of the community through weekly events at the Chelsea library. These events include a craft hour—stringing Ugandan Paper beads or creating unique tile work— with a message about the people of country the products are from. The children’s creations are for sale and profits go to local charities.

Merchandise Mart adds green Lake House display

The Merchandise Mart will feature a unique, green-themed display home in the North Lobby during this week’s show that runs through July 23. This concept home offers design ideas and inspiration for lake homes, cottage retreats or second homes and showcases green and eco-friendly products.

The Lake House display is now on its fourth edition and will feature trends and products with the popular Eco-friendly or Green-focused theme. This season’s display is designed and merchandised by commercial and residential designer, Mick Santiago.

Each aspect of the Lake House will feature a collection of green trends and products for environmentally conscious customers. Products include wallpaper, draperies, bamboo towels, bed linens, dishes and glassware, rugs, sculptures, artwork and furniture.

Following is a list of some of the manufacturers and products on display this week.

Lightstone – all-natural fragrance cones

Wallteriors - wallpaper

Deep Steep – bath and body products

Michaelian & Kohlberg – furniture

Siw Thai Silk – fair-trade handmade pillows

Dirt Candles – soy-based candles

Beanpod Candles – soy-based candles

Couronne Company – recycled glass

Home Spa Essentials – home fragrances

Ebolili Natural Fibers – furniture and home décor

Cole River Co. – tabletop and home accessories

TAG – home and gift accessories

Design Ideas – gift accessories

Caldrea – everyday essentials

Enrico Products – natural wood home accessories

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