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From Home Furnishing Business

Showroom Additions at Merchandise Mart

July 11, 2014  by in Outdoor Furniture, Product   

Both projects will be completed in time for the International Casual Furnishings & Accessories Market's July 15-17 premarket.

Parker James' new showroom is in suite 1586; and Zuo Modern Contemporary will open a new showroom in suite 15-101, a space about double the size of its former location. These companies cross over several product categories including outdoor furniture, fabrics, lighting and accessories and further enhance the casual furnishing offerings available to attendees of the preview show and the Sept. 16-19 International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market.  

"With the opening of the new showroom, Parker James is excited to have our own identity within the Chicago Merchandise Mart,” said Harold Hudson, president of Parker James. “For the last 10 years, Parker James was displayed inside the Summer Classics Showroom and since our business model is different from Summer Classics, we needed to have our own space. The Chicago Merchandise Mart allows us a forum to display our products and they have assembled a great team to help us achieve that objective."

Parker James designs and manufactures casual furnishings for leading U.S. retailers and design professionals throughout North America.

“It has been clear to us that if we wanted to be part of the casual furniture industry, we needed to have a presence at the Merchandise Mart, and that is why four years ago we exhibited for the first time at the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market,” said Luis Ruesga, CEO of Zuo. “Our success at the market prompted us to open a permanent showroom the following year, and now for this upcoming pre-market, we have the opportunity to expand to a premium location on the 15th floor where we will have enough space to show our entire collection. Our goal for this year is to grow by 30 percent, and we know the only way to reach our goal is by expanding our space. We are very excited about this new opportunity.”

Zuo Modern is known for fresh designs and styles. Its lighting line ranges from retro to modern.

“Our ability to attract new, high profile companies to The Mart for long-term commitments and our consistent expansions continue to confirm the value they place on the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market as a trade show and the Merchandise Mart as a showroom venue,” said Byron Morton, vice president of leasing at Merchandise Mart Properties. “At the core of each business decision to establish a showroom, renew or expand is a fundamental belief in this premier show and this venue, coupled with bottom line sales results.”