Group aims to link small stores with China
By Thomas Russell -- Furniture Today, October 10, 2005
Foshan, China — Smaller retailers looking to import directly from China can check things out through China Buying Trips, a new venture that takes buyers on seven-day tours to furniture manufacturers in southern China and elsewhere in the country.
The program, launched at the Las Vegas furniture market in late July, is an effort of CBT Group, a 19-year-old furniture export buying group that offers discounts, quality control expertise and logistics support.
The group's China Buying Trips division aims to help retailers with limited funds and little or no experience importing from China. Fees for the trips cover transportation to and from airports, a driver and an interpreter, and hotels and meals.
By importing directly, retailers can save 30% to 50% on the cost of product compared to going through an importer or distributor, said President Thomas Leahy. But it's important to see the factory and understand its capabilities, he said.
"Our goal is to help them find product and suppliers at very attractive prices because everyone needs to be competitive," said Leahy, who has lived in China and traveled between the United States and China for about 20 years.
"China not only produces for this country, but for Europe and the Middle East," he said. "You will see thousands of product lines you have never seen or even thought of. They will help an independent dealer stand apart from the crowd."
Retailers can tap into that variety by consolidating products into one or two containers, he said.
CBT Group has about 18 staff members in China, including quality control people who work directly with factories on behalf of clients.
By introducing small retailers to Chinese manufactures, Leahy also gets to learn about their needs. "The more we know about the business and what the business needs are, the better we are able to address those needs," he said.
Leahy said he received some good feedback at the July Las Vegas market, and plans to appear at more shows. A trip to China this fall means he won't be able to attend the October High Point market, but he plans to be there and at Las Vegas shows in the future.
For more information, visit www.chinabuyingtrips.com or call Leahy at (845) 313-7474.
