FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SAMPLE SALE TO OPEN HOME AND OFFICE FURNISHINGS SHOWROOMS TO

THE PUBLIC AT CHICAGO’S MERCHANDISE MART, NOV. 6–7, 2004

Showrooms to sell select floor samples at dramatically reduced prices

CHICAGO [July 29, 2004] — On Nov. 6–7, 2004, the public will have the opportunity to view and purchase select items from the exclusive home and office furnishings showrooms at The Merchandise Mart. These items usually can only be purchased through interior designers, architects and other individuals of the trade. All participating home and office furnishings showrooms will be offering a wide variety of products ranging from plush, unique rugs, traditional tables, stylish chairs and elegant ottomans to fabulous fabrics, beautifully detailed accessories and lavish sofas from top manufacturers.

Examples of the incredible savings to be found at the Sample Sale include: a Harden solid cherry entertainment center from J. Marshall: was $8,600, on sale for $2,495; a chenille country sofa with antique brassnail-head trim from Betty M: was $13,847, on sale for $4,500; original oil paintings by European artists from Thanhardt-Burger: were $525-24,500, on sale for $230-9,800; and finally, 8x10’ handwoven, 100% woolen oriental rugs, woven in India, from Oriental Carpet Gallery: were $4,200, on sale for $950.

Showrooms already committed to participating in the Fall Sample Sale include: Beacon Hill, Henredon, de Aurora, Betty M, TCD/Ello, Thanhardt-Burger, Melvin Wolf, Oriental Carpet Gallery, LaneVenture, Maya Romanoff, J. Marshall and many more.

“Sample Sale attendees will love the great variety of products at such reasonable prices,” said Jeanne Fisher, managing director of marketing, design center division, Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI). “Shoppers at our Sample Sale have a unique opportunity to choose items directly from the finest showrooms containing both home and office furnishings. These floor samples are exquisite and can only be found at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. Those in the Chicagoland area know to set time aside in their schedules to check out these bi-annual sales.”

SHOW INFORMATION

DATES: Open to the public

The Merchandise Mart, Chicago

Floors 8, 16, 17 and 18

ADMISSION: Entry fee is $5 per person/per day. The Sample Sale entrance is located in the 8th-Floor Market Suites.

HOURS: Saturday 10 a.m. –5 p.m.

Sunday Noon–5 p.m.

WEB SITE: www.merchandisemart.com/designcenter

Click on: Trade Events/Sample Sale

PHONE: 800.677.6278 [MART]

PRESS INQUIRIES ONLY:

Elizabeth D. Cooley

Public Relations Manager

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc.

Phone: 312.527.7555

E-Mail: ecooley@mmart.com

Merchandise Mart Properties, Inc. (MMPI) is a trade show and property management firm, specializing in managing buildings devoted to wholesale showrooms and commercial office space. MMPI produces more than 300 trade shows, market events and conferences each year.

MMPI manages The Merchandise Mart, Chicago Apparel Center, and 33 North Dearborn in Chicago; Market Square, the Suites at Market Square, Hamilton Market, Plaza Suites, Furniture Plaza and the National Furniture Mart in High Point, N.C.; the Architects & Designers Building in New York; the L.A. Mart in Los Angeles; and the Washington Design Center and Washington Office Center in Washington, D.C.

Vornado Realty Trust, owner of MMPI, based in New York City, is a fully integrated equity real estate investment trust. Vornado’s common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are traded under the symbol VNO.

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