The Merchandise Mart

Category: Building

The Merchandise Mart, constructed in 1930, is the world’s largest commercial building, largest wholesale design center and one of Chicago’s premier international business locations. Encompassing 4.2 million square feet, The Mart spans two entire city blocks and rises 25 stories. The Mart is the largest trade center in the world and welcomes more than three million visitors each year. Sixty percent of the building’s area is devoted to wholesale showrooms. As a design center, The Merchandise Mart hosts 16 major trade shows, co-produces 15 more and also houses more than 300 conferences, seminars and special events a year. In addition to the showrooms, The Mart features a variety of retail shops, services, and restaurants.

Tours At The Mart are available to the general public on Friday of each week at 1:00 p.m. The 90-minute walking tour includes a brief history of The Merchandise Mart and a guided visit to the showroom floors that represent the Commercial, Residential, Kitchen & Bath, Decorative Accessories and Gift industries.