Casual furniture show targets retailers

Pool & Spa News, August 20, 2004 by Bob Dumas

Pool and spa retailers looking to expand further into the backyard market may find an upcoming trade show in Chicago of interest.

The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market is slated for Sept. 18-22 at Chicago's Merchandise Mart. It is the only show in the United States exclusively dedicated to indoor/outdoor casual furnishings.

As the "total backyard" concept continues to dominate recent pool industry trends, more and more retailers are attracted to the Chicago show.

"Pool and spa retailers are the second-largest buying group [at the show]," said Whitney Gillespie, the show's director of sales. "They want to create full-package deals [for their customers]. They want [their stores] to be one-stop shopping experiences."

Now in its 31st year, the show will boast more than 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, including several new showrooms.

"Over the five days of the Market, manufacturers, retailers and buyers will be here to view and purchase some of the best indoor/outdoor products in the casual furnishings industry," said John H. Brennen III, executive vice president of Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., the show's producer. "The casual products component continues to grow ... and this is a must-attend for those in the industry."

The show will feature several awards presentations, including the Design Excellence Awards and the 45th Annual Apollo Awards, given to outstanding casual furniture retailers.

An array of seminars will be offered as well, with topics ranging from management techniques and selling to customer service.

While pre-registration figures have yet to be tallied, Gillespie expects a strong contingent from the pool and spa industry to attend again this year.

"I still expect the same, if not more, retailers to be here at the show," she said.

Those wishing to attend can call (800) 677-6278 for more information, or visit www.merchandisemart.com and follow the Chicago Casual Market link. Potential exhibitors can call Gillespie at (312) 527-7581, or send e-mails to wgillespie@mmart.com.