Casual Market Chicago, the largest show in North America dedicated to the casual and outdoor furnishings industry, will feature an expanded number of top brands, innovative products and exciting events scheduled over four days at the Merchandise Mart (theMART) from Tuesday, Sept. 25 through Friday, Sept. 28, 2018.
“Continuing the momentum from July’s well-attended ICFA Preview Show — where showrooms and exhibitors reported strong results — this year's expanded offerings at Casual Market Chicago further demonstrate the tremendous continued growth of the outdoor furniture market,” said Beth Hicks, Managing Director, Marketing for Design Center and Casual Market Chicago. “We’re looking forward to celebrating with the entire casual industry in September as we showcase the latest outdoor living designs and trends.”
For more than 40 years, Casual Market Chicago has gathered the very best manufacturers all under one roof. This year, the trade show welcomes 29 new exhibitors – including Ashley Furniture, the world’s largest furniture manufacturer – all of which will join more than 250 manufacturers expected at the show.
theMART’s Design Center, which hosts the event, is home to the most complete collection of permanent casual furnishing showrooms in the country, all of which will be on display during Casual Market Chicago. Since last year’s event, Design Center has increased its robust year-round showroom portfolio. Among the new and expanded showrooms in Design Center are:
- Brown Jordan
- Divano Lounge
- Ebel
- Eddie Bauer Home Outdoor – Kannoa
- Gloster
- Lane Venture
- Lloyd Flanders
- MAMAGREEN
- OW Lee
- Pavilion Furniture, Inc.
Casual Market Chicago will boast a dynamic mix of showroom events, open houses and product debuts on all participating floors of theMART. New event highlights for 2018 include:
- Craft Beer Cruise – Wednesday, Sept. 26
This interactive event encourages networking while experiencing some of Chicago’s popular breweries. Hop between several beer tasting stations to mingle and taste selected craft beers unique to the area.
- Designer Day – Thursday, Sept. 27
Designer Day will give temporary exhibitors and permanent showrooms the opportunity to connect and network with interior designers.
- ICFA Awards Gala – Thursday, Sept. 27
This year, there will be a change in scenery for the ICFA Awards Gala, which in past years took place at the Field Museum. The new location at Swissotel Chicago will set the stage to celebrate and recognize the 2018 honorees.
Casual Market Chicago will be held on floors 7, 14, 15 and 16 of theMART, located at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza. Show hours will be 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sept. 25-27 and 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sept. 28. To register, visit www.casualmarket.com/attend-the-show/registration.
