The Merchandise Mart. [Alisa Hauser/Sun-Times]

Merchandise Mart breaks wholesalers’ leases, prompts showroom exodus

RIVER NORTH — The Merchandise Mart’s well documented transformation into a technology hub and its rebranding to “theMART” left no room for Chicago’s apparel and accessory wholesalers, who say they were forced out early of their 29 independently-owned showrooms on New Year’s Day.

“We’re all still in shock,” said Shilan Fine, owner and wholesale rep for Shilan Accessories.

All of the apparel and accessory tenants at the Mart were asked in September to end their leases six months early and leave the 9th floor by Jan. 1.

Last week, Fine, who sells handbags, jewelry and accessories, moved from an 850-square- foot showroom on the 9th floor of the Mart to a tiny co-working suite on the 12th floor with barely enough room for two desks, much less display racks.

Read more on the Sun-Times.

Hal Waitz packs up his showroom.

Lauren Pemberton unpacks files for Shilan Fines’ relocated accessories showroom.

Erwin Stefan, a crew worker for theMART dismantles an apparel showroom.

Shilan Fine’s showroom before and after it was removed.

Movers load the last of the stuff from the rbc, inc. showroom.

A sign in the window of a relocated showroom.

rbc, inc. showroom workers move out.

moving day on the 9th floor.

Shilan Fine and Margot Nussbaum relocated to small co-working offices after their showroom leases were broken by theMART.

Hal Waitz packs up his showroom.