ICFA And Merchandise Mart Sign Agreement

Furniture World News Desk on 9/21/2014

The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market reported that it will be held at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart for at least the next eight years. The International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA) has renewed its contract with The Merchandise Mart, owned by Vornado Realty Trust, to host the country’s premier trade show for outdoor furnishings, further solidifying its long-standing relationship with Chicago’s Merchandise Mart as the go-to destination for the Casual Industry.

“We appreciate the confidence and commitment the ICFA has shown in us by choosing to continue to make the Merchandise Mart and Chicago the center of the Casual Furniture industry”, said Myron Maurer, chief operating officer for the Merchandise Mart. “This also reaffirms our commitment to the showroom and tradeshow businesses in the Mart.”

Ward Usmar, ICFA Chairman and senior vice president of TUUCI, stated, “We are enthusiastic about the synergy of renewing our partnership with the Merchandise Mart. The entire ICFA membership is in a better place today as a result of this agreement.”

About the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market:  For more than 35 years, The International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market has had the most complete collection of trend-setting furniture and accessories for outdoor living. And, it is the only show dedicated to the casual and outdoor furnishings industry that is exclusively endorsed by the ICFA. This year’s four-day trade show features more than 45 new exhibitors including Klaussner Outdoor, SunVilla, Jaipur Rugs and Rightside Design. In addition, the Design Center’s permanent showrooms, which represent the finest selection of outdoor brands, continue to grow and expand with the recent addition of Elaine Smith, Parker James and Zuo Modern’s exponential expansion.

Attendees will see 250+ leading manufacturers in the outdoor/casual furniture and accessories industries in more than 350,000 square feet of exhibit space including more than 45 permanent showrooms on floors 14, 15 and16 plus temporary exhibitors located in the temporary Market Suites of The Merchandise Mart. It is the first place to view the latest products, in a multitude of categories: Furnishings (including wrought iron/aluminum, cast metal/cast combination, rattan/wicker/woven materials, tubular materials, resin/fiberglass and wood), umbrellas, hammocks, grills, outdoor lighting, outdoor carpeting and rugs, garden accessories, tabletop, statues, fountains, outdoor bars, outdoor hearth and heating products, alternative tabletops, barbeques, and pool and spa accessories.