US-based International Market Centers has announced an agreement to acquire Shoppe Object, a design-focused home and lifestyle trade show and its Shoppe Online B2B e-commerce platform.
Shoppe Object co-founder Jesse James will join IMC as vice-president and show director, reporting to executive vice-president, chief customer and marketing officer Dorothy Belshaw.
Other co-founders Deirdre Maloney and Minya Quirk will remain involved in the show a consulting capacity.
“Jesse, Deirdre and Minya have built an incredibly strong and compelling market quickly and authentically, and this acquisition is an exciting new partnership for us all,” said Bob Maricich (pictured), IMC CEO. “Shoppe Object will have the ability to grow the reach of its impeccably curated and artfully presented physical and digital platform with our investment; and IMC will have a new opportunity for regional expansion in the Northeast as well as a pipeline to bring new design-driven and socially-conscious brands, makers and voices to our physical and digital markets.”
The deal will be finalised after the conclusion of the February 2022 edition of Shoppe Object, according to Maricich.
IMC stressed it plans to maintain the autonomy of Shoppe Object with the existing team handling sales, marketing, and management under James’ direction. Working closely with James, IMC will expand the existing semi-annual show in New York City and explore regional extensions in established IMC venues and other major cities by combining creative vision, exhibitor feedback and business needs.
“This partnership makes strategic sense because IMC recognises the significant value in Shoppe Object’s core origins,” said James. “Shoppe Object embodies a community spirit and was born out of a need for change. IMC appreciates Shoppe Object for that and is committed to maintaining our brand integrity, disciplined curation and forward vision.”
Shoppe Object was launched in 2018 by James, founder of the creative consultancy and sales agency Aesthetic Movement, in collaboration with Maloney and Quirk, co-founders of Capsule, an international trade show for independent ready-to-wear labels launched in 2007 and sold in 2013.
Shoppe Object has grown from the 100 home and lifestyle brands of its inaugural event to its current annual mix of 500+seminal design brands and emerging makers. The physical market is held in New York City each February and August.
In 2020, Shoppe Object extended into the digital realm with the launch of online marketplace Shoppe Online. The B2B platform enables buyers to preview, browse and buy from Shoppe Object exhibitors year-round.
IMC acts as a center of commerce for the wholesale furniture, gift, home decor and apparel industries and has 20 million square feet of wholesale showroom space in High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta.
With the launch of Juniper, an integrated omnichannel B2B commerce solution and multiline B2B e-commerce marketplace, IMC provides an omnichannel sales and marketing platform seamlessly connects physical and digital wholesale commerce. For more information, visit www.imcenters.com.
