Tough economy throttles activity at Calgary show
By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, July 12, 2004
Calgary, Alberta — Manufacturers said attendance at the just-concluded market here was clearly down from previous years, which they attributed to poor business conditions in western Canada, coupled with concern that things won't improve anytime soon.
"The attendance was really disappointing," said Bryan Frischbutter, president of upholstery maker Birchwood Furniture.
"It was pretty quiet," said Gary Baskerville, vice president of sales and marketing for Bedford Furniture, makers of King Koil bedding in Canada. "There were at least 13 (mattress manufacturers) here, but the dealers weren't here."
Not even the buying groups, historically the power behind Market Showplace here, had strong member turnout, and few buyers from major regional players were seen walking the halls.
Exhibitors noted that those retailers who did come placed orders, especially for show specials and promotions. "We forced their hands with specials and things like that," said Baskerville, adding that one of his reps had 14 confirmed appointments prior to the show but only four showed up.
"Those that came, came with an agenda and a purpose," said Terry Clark, president of metal casual dining specialist Acme Chrome.
"In terms of orders, we wrote about as much as we did last year, perhaps a little more," said Chuck Golfman, president of upholstery house Regal Furniture. "From that point of view, it was very positive. It was just poorly attended and that was really disappointing."
Trade disputes with the United States, focused mainly on exports of beef and softwood lumber, are dragging down the economy in western Canada, and few expect a turnaround until those disputes are resolved.
"If the border remains closed, things will continue to be challenging," Birchwood's Frischbutter said.
"There's a lot of consumer uncertainty out there," Bedford's Baskerville noted.
Clark, also chairman of market organizer Furniture West, pointed out that several things are keeping consumers out of furniture stores, including the current federal election campaign, the war on terror, rising inflation caused mainly by higher fuel prices, and other issues.
Most executives had high praise for Furniture West, saying its efforts in support of the three-day market were excellent.
"It was well organized and promoted," Regal's Golfman said. "There wasn't a dealer anywhere in western Canada who didn't know the show was on."
Jason Harris, national sales manager for Stylus Made-to-Order Sofas, agreed attendance wasn't what it should have been, but said the market proved an excellent test platform for his company's new line of leather upholstery.
A number of executives said the market might have suffered from the exit of major appliance manufacturers, who traditionally have had a strong presence at Furniture West. White goods have been a powerful drawing card for independent dealers from small rural markets who don't often get a chance to review those lines.
