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Direct from Market: Chicago

Carol L Schroeder -- Gifts and Dec, 8/3/2011 2:07:15 PM

Chicago - The Trolley Tour to locally owned Chicago-land stores was a popular feature of this week's Chicago Living and Giving Market at the Merchandise Mart. A sold-out crowd of buyers visited stores in the Southport neighborhood, comparing retailing notes with each other and with the storeowners and managers. Trolley participants were enthused about the offerings the Chicago show, which included "an extensive selection of products inspired by the unique tastes and influences of the Midwest lifestyle."

Playing Fair

There was an expanded area of Fair Trade merchandise on the 8th floor of the Mart at this show. According to Megy Karydes of World Megy Karydes and Kelly WeinbergerShoppe, more retailers were looking for Fair Trade goods, and the fact that most of the vendors in this special section were labeled as belonging to the Fair Trade Federation helped buyers find them easily. As Kelly Weinberger of World Finds pointed out, consumers now have a greater recognition of the meaning of Fair Trade goods, and come into stores looking for products that bear this distinction.

Unique and New

Joster International's colorful cupcake vases were on display on each table in one of the Mart's lunch areas. These unique pieces were inspired by founder Rose Norness's school days in New Zealand, and can be filled with sand or water to hold either fresh or silk flowers. They were among the many unusual offerings in the temporary aisles of the show, which incorporate the Cupcakes Joster Intl. Beckman's Handmade Show. The Beckman Show is featuring an increasing number of young craftspeople and jewelers.

The expansion of Raz Imports' everyday and spring merchandise into a new permanent showroom earned it the Best Showroom Display distinction for the summer market. "Everybody has been raving about it," according to showroom assistant Sharon Whitaker. "They love its spaciousness, and the beautiful displays."

On Trend

Another stunning display was in Samuelson and Associate's Caspari showroom, where peacock-themed napkins and plates are cross-merchandised with solid-colored and textured products. According to Craig Samuelson, the many recent high-fashion introductions from Caspari have led to a stunning 30 percent increase in sales company-wide this year.

Craig SamuelsonButterflies and peacocks were among the recurring themes seen at the Chicago summer show, along with Parisian motifs - especially the Eiffel Tower. Owls and frogs continue to be popular. There was also a strong emphasis on American-made products, including locally-sourced merchandise targeted at Midwestern audiences.

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