KI furniture company relocating to Fulton Market area

The Merchandise Mart in Chicago will soon lose one of its oldest tenants, KI Furniture. The furniture company announced it will move to Fulton Market, a trendy area on the West Side. KI plans to set up a new showroom by mid-2026 at 1045 W. Fulton, taking the entire eighth floor. KI has been in the Merchandise Mart for around 50 years. Tony Besasie, the Chief Sales and Marketing Manager, said the decision to relocate is strategic. He noted that other manufacturers are also moving to Fulton Market as the area grows with new office buildings. The new showroom will also serve as an office for KI’s local sales team and designers. It will have features like 360-degree windows and rooftop access, providing a fresh environment. The space will showcase products from KI’s brands, including KI Wall and Pallas Textiles, and also plans for an outdoor furniture line. Besasie mentioned that this new location gives them more community presence. He said they do not plan to hire immediately but are focused on making their last appearance at the Merchandise Mart during NeoCon, an important design trade show. Overall, the movement of companies like KI to Fulton Market reflects changes in the business landscape post-COVID-19. The office vacancy rate in downtown Chicago reached a high of 23.2% at the end of 2024, while the Merchandise Mart has a higher occupancy rate of 80.1%.