Trademart through the years
For 50 years, Trademart has been the ultimate meeting place for retail professionals. What started as an ambitious idea in 1975 has grown into an iconic platform for brands, retailers, and exhibitors—our story is one of connection and innovation. Curious to see how we became what we are today?
Trademart celebrates 50 years of inovation and connection in retail
2025 is set to be a year to remember! Trademart is turning 50, and we’re celebrating with you. Throughout the year, we’ll be hosting inspiring events, exciting surprises, and exclusive promotions to thank our community of retailers and exhibitors. Retailers can look forward to special goodie bags at various events, while our exhibitors can expect a spectacular anniversary party in November. Join us as we mark this milestone together!
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From an ambitious Iiea to the leading hub for retail professionals
Since our founding in 1975, Trademart has evolved into an iconic platform for the retail industry. What began as a permanent wholesale marketplace for fashion and furniture has grown into a dynamic hub where retailers, exhibitors, and brands connect. Let’s take a look at some key moments in our journey.
1975: The birth of Trademart
Our story begins in 1958 when Belgian Minister Edmond Leburton visited Dallas, Texas, and was inspired by a similar trade center. He convinced the American owner—real estate giant Crow Holdings—to invest in Brussels, leading to the establishment of Trademart in 1975 as a permanent wholesale marketplace for fashion and furniture.
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1988: Expansion with the fashion & labels department
With growing ambitions, we expanded by adding two extra floors covering 30,000 m². This new space was dedicated entirely to our fashion & labels department, hosting mid- and high-fashion brands. Trademart was becoming the go-to destination for retail professionals.
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1991: Opening of the Buro & Design Center
Adjacent to Trademart, we built the Buro & Design Center—a 26,000 m² office complex for professional service providers and businesses. This expansion strengthened our position as an innovative platform at the crossroads of retail and design.
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2015: Design Museum Brussels
Trademart welcomed the Design Museum Brussels (formerly the Art and Design Atomium Museum - ADAM). Created after the Atomium acquired a private collection, the museum highlights design through exhibitions, workshops, and events—making design more accessible to all.
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2021: Expansion of the home & living department
We launched our brand-new cash & carry decoration center, renamed Home & Living &go. With this expansion, retailers and other professionals gained access to an even broader and more unique product assortment.
2023-2025: New initiatives and collaborations
In March 2023, we partnered with the online purchasing platform Orderchamp, allowing retailers to order Trademart brands online, making the buying process more seamless and flexible.
In 2024, we sold our home & living &go cash & carry center to TICA, enabling them to further develop the center and offer new opportunities for the retail community.
In 2024, we introduced the MyTrademart app, designed to help retailers and exhibitors navigate our building, follow brands, attend events, and manage their profiles—all in one place.
Together with TICA and Orderchamp, we launched the Pop-Up Store, giving retailers an innovative way to discover exclusive collections.
In early 2025, we will renovate our entrance to level C ; it will have a completely new modern look.
In 2025, we will introduce a completely new and digital access system for an improved visitor experience.
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2025: Celebrate with us!
Trademart’s success over the past 50 years is thanks to the dedication of our fantastic community of retailers, exhibitors, and partners. Together, we’re celebrating 50 years of collaboration while looking ahead to a promising future. Expect unique events, surprises, and a festive atmosphere—we’re making this anniversary year truly special. Here’s to another 50 years of innovation, growth, and, most importantly, connection!
Discover all our eventsA future of innovation
At Trademart, we’re constantly shaping a stronger future, with innovation at the core of everything we do. Our goal? To create even more value for our community and remain relevant in an evolving retail landscape. We’re doing this by:
Developing new services to better support retailers and exhibitors
Continuously improving our digital tools, including the MyTrademart app
Strengthening partnerships with industry leaders like Mode Unie and Unizo
Expanding our expertise to stay ahead of industry trends
One thing is certain: the future looks bright!
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