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Sklar-Pepplar exec pushing ad hoc June 1-3 mini-market

By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, March 24, 2002

TORONTO — TORONTO — A small group of manufacturers with permanent showrooms in and outside the Toronto International Center of Commerce is making an effort to stage a mini-market on June 1-3 in place of the just-canceled summer show here.

The effort is being coordinated by Gerry Modjeski, executive vice president of stationary fabric upholstery producer Sklar-Pepplar, based in the Toronto suburb of Whitby.

"There is no official show," he said. "I'm just trying to get as many companies as I can to open their doors that weekend. That way, those retailers who do come will have as many things to see as possible. I'm not planning anything formal, just a reason for retailers to come in and see new product."

Modjeski was chairman of the August market organized by the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers Assn. until 2000, when the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn. launched the now-defunct June Toronto market.

He strongly believes Ontario upholstery producers need a mid-year market. "I need a venue to talk to independent dealers and plan for the fall," Modjeski said. "We know it's not going to be a huge, terrific show, but it's a good time to work with our dealers."

Although a list of participants wasn't available late last week, Modjeski said the idea seems to be getting broad acceptance from factories with permanent showrooms.

He said both Gerry Cockerill, OFMA's current president, and Hugh Owen, the incoming president, have given their blessing to the effort, and that at least one of the buying group banners plans to carry on with their already scheduled meetings that weekend.

Owen said late last week that OFMA's board would meet March 25 to decide what support, if any, the trade group might give to Modjeski's efforts. Owen is president of bedding producer Kingsdown Canada.

On Friday evening, May 31, OFMA will host a gala dinner honoring the first recipient of its Canadian Furniture Retailer of the Year award.

Manufacturers and retailers interested in learning more about the ad hoc market effort can contact Modjeski at (905) 668-3315 or by e-mail at gmodjeski@sklarpepplar.com.

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