IMC Launches B2B E-commerce Division for Gift and Home Furnishings Markets

February 20, 2020

International Market Centers, the world’s largest operator of showroom space for the furniture, gift, home décor, rug and apparel industries, has launched a new B2B digital and e-commerce division. Dubbed IMC_di (the “di” stands for digital innovation), the new division comes alongside IMC’s acquisitions of two technology companies specializing in the gift, home and apparel industries: Pharos, an integrated sales, marketing and commissioning software; and RepZio, a patented B2B sales platform and digital marketplace. 

The resulting e-commerce platform - currently in development - will be designed to bridge physical and digital sales to help IMC vendors reach new buyers, capture leads and grow sales, while allowing buyers to carry out transactions either in-person or online through one integrated account.

According to IMC officials, IMC_di will build upon the nearly 20 million square feet of furniture, gift, home décor, rug, and apparel markets that the company owns and operates in Atlanta, Las Vegas and High Point, N.C. 

“This is a game-changing opportunity for IMC and the industries we serve,” said Bob Maricich, CEO of IMC. “IMC_di’s customer-centric digital tools will connect physical and digital markets and will amplify the business-to-business and person-to-person experiences that make our markets so special.” 

He continued, “This new digital platform will enhance and extend IMC’s physical markets — connecting hundreds of thousands of buyers and sellers — and open new business opportunities for customers. We look forward to delivering a seamlessly integrated omni-channel B2B commerce platform to the industry.”

IMC

IMC_di’s digital transactional marketplace will be one of three products available to industry buyers and sellers. The other two, which are currently available, include sales and marketing automation software (sales scanning apps, product management and email tools, CRM systems and ecommerce website) and at-market smart showroom tools (badge scanning, data capture and sales).

In addition to supplier and buyer benefits, IMC_di’s products will also work in harmony with multi-line sales agencies to provide for seamless commissioning execution.  

IMC_di’s leadership will include principals from both Pharos, RepZio and IMC, with Pharos Founder Eric Dean taking the helm as IMC_di’s president. RepZio Founders Max and Alex Fraser, as well as Brandon Ward, who currently leads IMC’s digital services, will serve as senior vice presidents. 

“Our industry is in need of easy-to-access tech solutions that reduce friction, and IMC’s ownership and stewardship will enable us to make that software solution a reality,” Dean said. “IMC’s physical markets and web platforms already deliver a global and highly-engaged audience. After watching this need develop in the industry for more than 20 years, I’m excited to have the talent and resources to realize this vision and fully address the opportunity in the market.” 

The division’s new team of 47 will include engineers, developers and software marketers. Within the next 12 months, an additional 50-75 full-time employees focused on solution-based product development, hands-on customer success and on-boarding, and user experience will be hired, according to IMC officials.

“Since its founding in 2011, IMC’s mission has been clear and consistent: to provide the most effective, efficient and compelling B2B Marketplace for the industries we serve – for both buyers and sellers,” Maricich explained. “IMC_di is the logical next step in our commitment to this mission, making discovery more efficient, relationships more valuable, and our physical markets more effective for our industry.”

Learn more about IMC_di by watching this short video.

  

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact