Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) announced today positive feedback about the attendance at the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, which was held at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, Ill., September 20-23. Show management reported strong attendance of qualified buyers, retailers and other industry professionals who were placing orders onsite.

“At this year’s show, we saw an increase in attendance as well as the amount of order writing and highly qualified attendees,” said Jaclyn Kelly, senior director of marketing for the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market / MMPI.

Many showroom representatives echoed this comment. The personnel in permanent showroom Agio experienced a wide range of existing and potential customers, including those who primarily focus on interior furniture buying. “The Casual Market has far exceeded our expectations. In addition, we have seen a good number of full-line interior furniture retailers interested in the outdoor furniture category,” said Doug Peppler with Agio.

Another showroom that received a high level of quality attendance is Whitecraft. “We had a great experience and saw many qualified customers, including quite a few from Canada,” said Whitecraft’s Bill Herren. Charles Emmons, with Cast Classics, noted that the show yielded solid order writing. “The attendees we saw in our showroom were qualified and seriously interested in doing business.”

According to many exhibitors, they experienced the same outcome. “The response to the show was phenomenal, and it has created a lot of dealer opportunities for us,” said Brad Carpenter, owner of SolusDecor, Inc.

First-time Casual Market exhibitor Maggie Wynja, with Haste Garden, saw a high-level reception of the company’s European timber outdoor furniture collections. “As a new exhibitor at the Casual Market, we were delighted with all of the interest and positive feedback for Haste Garden’s furniture,” she said.

The Casual Market at the Merchandise Mart is the largest show and venue dedicated to outdoor furnishings and accessories. Attendees saw more than 350,000 square feet of showroom and temporary exhibitor space. The general positive mood and reported sales activity that took place during the Casual Market point to an excellent year ahead for growth in the Casual Furnishings Industry.

For more information about the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market, visit www.casualmarket.com.