It’s hard to believe that the last Chicago-based Casual Market will take place next week. I can’t imagine how 20-30-year industry veterans feel about the change, but I feel bittersweet.
Chicago is amazing, and being in a bustling city really amplifies the whole experience of the market. Plus, it’s relatively clean with exciting energy and a delicious hot dog or pizza place likely just a minute’s walk away from nearly anywhere you are.
There’s no doubt that excitement will continue this year as the industry has a going-away party to celebrate the final market in the Windy City, but what will business be like?
Despite the hard times that Covid brought, the casual industry came out on top. And now, with inventory piling up and many retailers already having bought for 2023 in anticipation of supply chain backups, Casual Market is sure to be different this year.
I’ve spoken to multiple manufacturers who don’t think much business will take place at the upcoming market, and fewer manufacturers than ever are releasing new product this year.
While that may sound negative, it’s realistic. At the same time, I’m excited to be proved wrong.
And regardless, the saving grace here is that outdoor furniture is not as seasonal as it once was, and that’s only becoming more true each day.
It may be sad that the market is leaving Chicago, but the opportunities that holding the market in Atlanta will bring can’t be matched. Hundreds of thousands of people visit AmericasMart multiple times a year, which means more exposure to a bigger audience.
I think it fits perfectly part of the broader trend of everyone and their mother selling outdoor.
And now, the casual industry has a chance to show the indoor industry how it’s done and why it’s different in a way only a few manufacturers have done before.
“Bittersweet” might be a broader industry theme going into the market this year, but there are two parts to the word. If we look through the bitter and focus on the sweet, we’ll all come out on top.
