International Market Centers announced it has agreed to acquire Shoppe Object, a design-focused home and lifestyle tradeshow, and its Shoppe Online B2B e-commerce platform.
The closing of the deal will take place after the February 7 conclusion edition of Shoppe Object in New York City, according to IMC.
Shoppe Object co-founder Jesse James is joining IMC as vice president and show director, reporting to Dorothy Belshaw, IMC’s executive vice president, chief customer and marketing officer. Shoppe Object co-founders will remain involved in a consulting capacity, according to IMC.
“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, 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.”
IMC reported it plans to maintain the autonomy of Shoppe Object with the existing team handling sales, marketing, and management under James’ direction. IMC said it plans to expand the existing semi-annual show in New York City and explore regional extensions in established IMC venues and other major cities.
“This partnership makes strategic sense because IMC recognizes the significant value in Shoppe Object’s core origins,” James said. “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 tradeshow for independent ready-to-wear labels launched in 2007 and sold in 2013. Shoppe Object grew 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 the online marketplace Shoppe Online. The B2B platform enables buyers to preview, browse and buy from Shoppe Object exhibitors year-round and integrates with at-market buyer profiles to facilitate lead management, order writing and post-show follow-up.
In addition to his focus on the strategic growth and expansion of Shoppe Object, James will work closely with recent IMC hire Vanessa Bruce, IMC’s vice president, social impact, to identify and showcase values-based resources at IMC’s physical markets as well as on the newly launched JuniperMarket B2B e-commerce platform by IMC. James will focus on growth through the development and promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion among buyers and sellers, according to IMC.
