Gift Show Group Signs First Tenant at Cal Mart
The gift-industry group that recently announced a deal to lease up to one million square feet at the California Mart and market the new gift complex as the California Market Center (CMC) unveiled a new logo and Web site and signed its first lease.
The group, formed by DMG World Media, the Dallas Market Center and California Gift Show manager George Little Management, unveiled a new logo featuring sunshine and palm trees, along with a Web site, californiamarketcenter.com, and the name of its first tenant, California Marketing Associates (CMA), a 20-year-old gift and home-accessories marketing and sales rep company that will take 30,000 square feet in the center.
California Mart management recently sent letters to tenants informing them of the news along with warnings that some tenants may have to be relocated as the gift group prepares to renovate one-third of the center for its own tenants, some of which are expected to take up to 40,000 square feet of showroom space.
The name change, said Mike Cooke, chief executive officer, “sums up what we have to offer—the power of one marketplace for gift and home-accessories exhibitors and retailers alike.”
The Web site offers information on leasing, market dates, news and links to the California Gift Show site, as well as local information. The new leasing team will consist of Chris Menefee, Eileen Lunning, Jim Lugannani and Georgia Davis.
The first tenant, CMA, will use its space for 80 companies it represents covering areas including seasonal goods, collectibles, personal care and home accessories.
“The gift and home industry in Southern California needed a facelift and we feel the California Market Center will do just that,” said CMA President Mickey Lang. “It puts L.A. on the map for gift and home.” —Robert McAllister
