Herman Miller Opens Multi-Use Destination at Fulton Market in Chicago

March 29, 2021  by Laurie Northington in Business Strategy, Industry   

After transitioning from a traditional trade-only showroom in the Merchandise Mart, the company brings the power of its growing family of eight brands together under one roof in its new retail, showroom and exhibition space.

“Today, more than ever, our customers are focused on creating useful places that matter,” said Andi Owen, CEO, Herman Miller Group. “Our integrated approach blends home and work environments to respond not just to the needs of our core A&D customers, but also business leaders grappling with how to evolve their offices for tomorrow. Likewise, we’re also meeting the growing demands of consumers who now, perhaps more than ever, have a heightened need, awareness and appreciation of good design at home.”

The 45,000-square-foot location occupies a landmark 1920’s brick building with an adjoining five-story newbuild, complete with a rooftop and outdoor pavilion. Developed by Fulton St. Companies in close collaboration with Herman Miller’s in-house design team, the structure retains the original façade and seamlessly blends into the surrounding historic meatpacking corridor, turned tech hotspot.

“There is a lot of momentum in this neighborhood,” said Tim Straker, chief marketing officer, Herman Miller Group. “As people continue to invest in living, working, and shopping in the West Loop, we saw an opportunity to be one of the first-movers and major anchors in the neighborhood. Whether a retail or trade customer, visiting a vibrant space in a vibrant neighborhood creates the kind of experience our customers crave.”

Herman Miller has designed a customer-first experience to empower every client with a breadth of product unlike any other in the industry – all in one place. The result embraces the collective synergies of the entire family of brands across retail and trade.

The company’s three, distinct retail brands – Design Within Reach, Hay and Herman Miller - are side by side on the ground floor. From furnishings that multitask, accessories to enhance every moment and performance seating that increases productivity; each brand offers shoppers smart, well-designed solutions.

“We’re thrilled to be one of the first retailers in this developing business and residential district within the city of Chicago.” Debbie Propst, president, Herman Miller Group Retail. “We’ve built a destination, and as the neighborhood evolves, we will continue to serve as a resource for the people who live and work nearby and look forward to helping them create a space that they’ll love to call home.”