Quebec exhibitors optimistic
By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, September 23, 2001
QUEBEC CITY — QUEBEC CITY — Although the U.S. terrorist attacks were uppermost in everyone's minds and could further dampen consumer confidence, exhibitors at the Salon du Meuble de Québec came away optimistic about business prospects for the coming months.
"The show was great for us," said Johanne Dionne, sales manager for contemporary case goods and upholstery producer Huppé of Victoriaville, Quebec. "We introduced a collection of colored mirrors as well as a new juvenile bedroom collection and got a lot of interest."
The market, which ended its three-day run last week, primarily serves French-speaking independent retailers from Quebec and New Brunswick. Many factory executives said they were surprised to see buyers from several larger Quebec retailers at the show.
"This is a market for the smaller retailers in Quebec," said Guy Patenaude, president of leather upholstery resource Jaymar of Terrebonne, Quebec. "So when you see buyers from some of the majors, it means the show is gaining in credibility."
"It was a well-attended show," said Agostino Cipolla, sales manager for contemporary case goods maker Karya of Blainville, Quebec. "We saw all the major retailers from Quebec, and they all liked what we had to show them."
Attendance was boosted by buying groups Cantrex and Mega, whose Quebec divisions held merchandising meetings during market weekend.
"I think the show turned out very well. The buying groups should be congratulated for … bringing their member to the show," said Eric Abecassis, vice president of motion and stationary upholstery house El Ran Furniture of Pointe-Claire, Quebec.
"The turnout from Mega and Cantrex was excellent," Huppé's Dionne said.
While exhibitors were generous in their praise for the event organizers, some questioned the need for a three-day event, saying two probably would be sufficient.
Canada's furniture industry has faced challenges through much of 2001, but most believe things will begin to turn around soon, albeit at a much slower pace than thought just two weeks ago.
"We got a lot of interest in our product, but we didn't write a lot of orders," Dionne noted. "We did see many smaller customers who don't come to High Point. They got a look at our new product and we have a lot of follow-up work to do."
"We're going to establish some nice business in this province based on the commitments we received here," Karya's Cipolla said.
"We don't see any problems in Quebec," Jaymar's Patenaude said. "Our Canadian business has been quietly gaining ground for the past few months."
"We're looking for a decent fall even though events may alter that somewhat, especially in the States," El Ran's Abecassis said.
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