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Casual Market Chicago
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
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Chicago IL 60654
casualmarket.com
STRONG FORECAST LEADS THE WAY TO
CASUAL MARKET CHICAGO
Looking beyond their back doors to entertain and recreate like never before, American consumers
propelled the outdoor market to grow an impressive 4 ½ percent in 2015, now representing nearly $7
billion in sales, according to research shared by Casual Market Chicago. Particularly noteworthy are the
exciting new product categories and channels of distribution that are gaining momentum. With product
innovation and consumer interest at an all-time high, this year’s forecast for the outdoor market is
particularly bright.
Here are just some of the recent statistics that signal clear skies ahead for both manufacturers and
retailers of outdoor products:
• N
ine out of 10 newly constructed homes in 2014 showcased outdoor features, with home builders and
architects reporting an ever-increasing demand for outdoor rooms and spaces. Landscape architects
and interior designers as well are finding their projects expanding to include places and furnishings for
outdoor dining, conversation and entertainment.
•Outdoor furniture is one of the fastest-growing categories within the entire furniture industry, with
chat groups, shade products and “other seating,” such as lounges, benches and hammocks, registering
the fastest growth.
•
Furniture stores grew their sales by 5.3 percent in 2015, outpacing the growth of home
improvement centers, discounters, warehouse membership clubs, specialty stores and “other” venues.
•With consumer confidence edging upward and economic growth moving into the black as well, outdoor
furniture sales continue to grow as the demand for outdoor living – be it decks, patios, balconies,
porches, gardens or poolside – continues to build.
•Eating tops the list of activities outdoors, with dining sets accounting for a substantial market share for
all outdoor furnishings.
Every September, all facets of the outdoor market come together in Chicago to celebrate the myriad of
product available, as well as the surging momentum found in the statistics.
“Casual Market Chicago is the ultimate destination for all things outdoor. It is the premier marketplace for
all new product debuts, trends and offers vital networking opportunities. Our contract with the International
Casual Furnishings Association to produce Casual Market Chicago shows our united commitment to this
ever important, ever growing furnishings category,” says Julia Chappell, Managing Director, Marketing,
Merchandise Mart. “Join us in the Windy City September 20-23, 2016, for an unparalleled buying
experience.”