Press Releases

IMAX SHOWROOM DEBUTS AT JANUARY 2005 CHICAGO GIFT & HOME MARKET

February 2005

Top U.S. import company for At Home products expands its reach to the Midwest

CHICAGO (Feb. 14, 2005)— IMAX Corporation, a leader in design for home and garden, opened its first showroom in the Midwest at the Chicago Merchandise Mart, debuting at the recent Chicago Gift & Home Market, Jan. 19-26, 2005. As one of the leading U.S. import companies serving the Home market, IMAX sought to reach new buyers in this marketplace.

“We are thrilled to be opening this showroom and to be a part of this vital and important demographic of buyers,” said John Haste, vice president of sales & marketing, IMAX. “We believe that we have the right mix of product and service to exceed expectations. The response in Chicago has been great, and we are confident the showroom will be a success.”

IMAX has signed a long-term lease with Merchandise Mart Properties, inc. (MMPI) to take over a space of more than 3,000 square feet on the 15th floor of The Mart in Suite 15-127. “IMAX is a phenomenal resource; our buyers were looking for them at our market,” said Joan Ulrich, vice president of leasing and marketing, Chicago Gift & Home Market. “They’re a real success story, going from temporary exhibit space in Chicago, to a full showroom this January with great results. They are open Monday through Friday now in their permanent showroom, so buyers can visit them between markets.”

IMAX carries more than 2,000 products in a broad range of styles from classic to contemporary and exotic to natural. Their product mix is based on uniqueness, quality, value and variety, with nearly 700 new items available. A self-described destination vendor, IMAX has become a leader in the At Home industry.

The company was pleased with its debut at the January 2005 Chicago Gift & Home Market, and with attendee turnout despite the winter weather. “The Merchandise Mart team is very resourceful and accommodating to the showrooms,” said Haste. “IMAX is very excited to have a showroom in Chicago. We have been getting very positive feedback from buyers and vendors.”

For more information about IMAX Corporation, visit www.imaxcorp.com or contact Carrie Perez for more information at 1-800-882-4629, x 1717. For more details regarding the Chicago Gift & Home Markets at The Merchandise Mart, please visit www.merchandisemart.com or call 1-800-677-6278 (MART).

MEDIA INQUIRIES ONLY:
Joanna Mineau
Director of Public Relations
Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI)
Phone: 312.527.7074
E-mail: jmineau@mmart.com

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart, Chicago Apparel Center, and 33 North Dearborn in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building and 7 W New York in New York; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Washington Office Center in Washington, D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owner 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.