One of our city jewels is the famous Merchandise Mart downtown Chicago. It is so huge that after walking several showrooms yesterday I actually woke up with a blister on my foot this morning, and I was wearing sensible shoes! Some stats:

The Merchandise Mart is the world’s largest commercial building, largest wholesale design center and one of Chicago’s premier international business locations. Encompassing 4.2 million gross square feet, The Mart spans two city blocks and rises 25 stories.

pic-mmart

And best of all, I have access to the trade-only floors.

The Merchandise Mart Design Center™ showroom floors can be accessed by interior designers, architects, wholesale buyers and escorted visitors. Floors 3, 10 and 11 are devoted to contract furnishings showrooms. Residential and casual furnishings showrooms are located on 6, 16, 17 and 18. Gifts and home accessories wholesale showrooms are located on floors 12, 13, 14 and 15. Consumers are allowed access to these floors if accompanied by a designer.

So if you want to buy something that is one-of-a-kind, beautiful, and designed with style, come with me to the Mart!