New York Gift Mart to Open in 2005

Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI), Chicago, will open a new gift building in New York City by April 2005. Called the New York Gift Mart, it will occupy 450,000 square feet over nine floors at 7 W. 34th Street (near Fifth Avenue), a ten-story building that was the home of Ohrbach's department store until 1987. Showrooms will range in size from 600 to more than 10,000 square feet, and will be similar in style to the new 12th and 13th gift floors of MMPI's Chicago Merchandise Mart. Su Hilty, formerly with 225 Fifth Ave., was named general manager of the New York Gift Mart. The MMPI staff will work closely with the 225 Tenant Association to promote the new facilities to the association's members. "We discussed the various needs the 225 tenants have in promoting 7 W. 34th Street, and we are very excited about the upcoming campaign launching New York's newest market center," said Joan Ulrich, MMPI v.p. of marketing and leasing for the gift industry. The New York Gift Mart will open in time for the spring tabletop market.