Brown Jordan, Winston And Tropitone Renew Chicago Merchandise Mart Leases

Furniture World News Desk on 2/14/2015

The Mart, host of the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market and home to 45 permanent outdoor showrooms,  announced that Brown Jordan International (BJI) companies including Brown Jordan and Tropitone will extend their leases in suites 1510 and 1523 respectively and Winston will relocate to suite 1515.

"We are invested in our Chicago showrooms. We renewed and strategically reconfigured our lease to showcase Brown Jordan, Winston and Tropitone in a manner befitting each brand while achieving operational efficiencies, said Gene J. Moriarty, President and CEO of BJI. "Having a permanent showroom to host our specialty dealer customers at Casual Market has a big impact on our service and sales and allows us to better support the International Casual Furnishings Association (ICFA). Also the year-round designer business at the Mart is a big plus for all of our brands."

Brown Jordan International is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of quality home furnishings and contract furnishings, selling a full range of products. Brown Jordan International offers innovative designs, superior quality, efficient production methods and a strong portfolio of recognized brands including Brown Jordan, Tropitone, Winston, Charter, Lodging by Liberty, Wabash and Texacraft. Brown Jordan International products include indoor and outdoor chairs, tables, sofas, and love seats for home and commercial use. Brown Jordan International serves consumers through a network sales representatives, specialty dealers, company showrooms and mass merchandisers and provides products to institutions in multiple markets including hospitality, government and multi-family housing.

“Brown Jordan and Tropitone’s lease extension and Winston’s relocation were very strategic business agreements that we know will prove successful for us all. Our portfolio of casual brands who anchor our permanent showrooms is unlike any other design center and maintains our day-to-day business while Casual Market is a must-attend event for retailers across the country,” said Byron Morton, Vice President of Leasing. “We’re thrilled to have Brown Jordan International’s support as they are one of most respected and renowned manufacturers in the casual world.”

The Mart is home to the International Casual Furniture & Accessories Market for more than 35 years and The Design Center’s permanent showrooms. It is the world’s largest resource for custom home furnishings and interior design, boasting more than 45 high-end outdoor furnishings showrooms on floors 15 and 16. For more information, please visit www.designcenter.com.

About MMPI:  MMPI is a leading owner and operator of integrated showroom and office buildings, as well as trade show facilities, bringing buyers and sellers together through market events, trade and consumer shows and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart in Chicago; the Architects & Designers Building, 7 W New York and Piers 92/94 in New York City; and Cleveland Medical Mart & Convention Center in Cleveland.
Vornado Realty Trust, owners of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.

About Brown Jordan International, Inc.: Brown Jordan International, Inc. (“Company”) owns and operates a leading portfolio of companies serving the indoor and outdoor furniture industry. The Company offers a wide range of furniture products and accessories under its own brands (including Brown Jordan, Tropitone, Winston, Texacraft, Charter, Wabash Valley and Urbanscape), licensed brands (including La-Z-Boy Outdoor) and customer brands.

Brown Jordan maintains industry-­‐‑leading design and product development capabilities comprised of highly experienced internal designers and independent designers. Products are sold to consumers as well as to hotels, resorts, multifamily housing managers, municipalities and other commercial customers.

The Company is headquartered in St. Augustine, Florida and expects to generate nearly $400 million of pro forma revenue across its six business units in 2014.