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Toronto awaits eager buyers

Preview of the Summer Furniture Show

Michael Knell -- Furniture Today, August 10, 2006

Lyric, a new collection from Villageois to be shown in Toronto, features such subtle, feminine details as tapered feet. It’s shown here in a light almond finish with walnut molding.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario -- Manufacturers and importers taking part in next week's Toronto Summer Furniture Show are optimistic that independent retailers from Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada will turn out, eager to find new product to drive fall business. “This show will help those retailers who don’t always travel to the big markets in the U.S., such as High Point and Las Vegas, but need to refresh their floors with new looks from Canadian suppliers,” said Laine Reynolds, chairman of the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers Assn., organizers of the market, and vice president of sales for Superstyle Furniture. “Many of these retailers didn’t see the new upholstery and case goods launched at High Point this past April, and those products probably will be the focal point of most presentations here,” he said.

This contemporary five-piece set from Reflections has an extension table with black glass, and a new silver mercury finish on the table base and chairs. The chairs feature a black laser-cutout back upholstered in a new basketweave PVC.

Reynolds noted that this could be the largest Toronto summer market in many years. Some 34 manufacturers and importers with permanent showrooms in and around the International Center here will take part in the Aug. 14-16 market. The TSFS will be the only furniture market in Canada this summer. Both Market Showplace in Calgary, Alberta, usually held in late June, and the Salon de Meuble du Quebec, typically slotted for mid-September in Quebec City, are on hiatus this year. Very few retailers from the West are expected to attend the Toronto show.

The Bobby Bear sleep set from Lady Americana features 1,428 Elite pocket coils and is touted as chiropractor approved.

“This is a small, regional market catering to small retailers (in eastern Canada) who don’t go to Las Vegas or other markets,” said Gerry Modjeski, executive vice president of upholstery maker Sklar Peppler. Guy Sisto, president of upholstery house Brentwood Classics, noted the first half has been difficult for many independent retailers. “There’s a lot of turbulence out there,” he said. “But business is picking up and they still need us.” “Business conditions are not all that conducive to having a great show at the moment,” said Tom Thompson, president of occasional resource Artage International, but holding the show in conjunction with the Canadian Gift & Tableware Assn.’s fall market is a step in the right direction, he added.

Trend-Line’s Model 4406 sofa has co-ordinated toss cushions accenting the refined modern architectural design of the fabric upholstery group, with Tri-Plus seat cushions for optimum comfort and support.

“It wasn’t a great spring and the market is still in chaos, but I’m optimistic about the fall,” Thompson said. The best way to get retailers excited is to offer new product, he said. “Putting new product in front of the customer is the key. If you build it, they will come,” Thompson said, adding that Artage will have seven or eight new collections at market.

This kidney accent table will be one of 200 new items at the Toronto summer show from the Stein World and Stock Programs from Korson. The piece, from the Heritage Collection, features a hand-rubbed weathered black finish and antique metal hardware.

Not all independents can afford to import directly, and buying through a distributor doesn’t necessarily produce the cheaper price points imports typically offer. Brentwood’s Sisto said, “This show is going to be important to those midsized retailers who can’t afford to import direct. They know they can’t get everything from China, and they’re beginning to understand that they need to work with us.” This doesn’t mean, however, that he can take them for granted. “We’re going to introduce some promotions and packages to help dealers’ business come back in the fall,” Sisto said. Sklar Peppler’s Modjeski pointed out that it’s critical for upholstery producers to have a midyear introductory event to show the latest fabrics and colors, which debut on a six-month cycle. “As upholstery manufacturers, we have to keep up with the latest fashion trends,” he said. “This helps keep retail floors fresh and exciting.”

The Autumn Collection is a new transitional group with a clean appearance from Gibbard, in solid cherry with a light butternut finish.

The CGTA Fall Gift Show, which focuses on gifts, accessories, tabletop and similar products, will run Aug. 13-16, with exhibits at both the International Center and the nearby Toronto Congress Center. On Monday evening, Aug. 14, OFMA will host its annual Retailer of the Year gala. This year’s honoree is Dennis Novosel, founder and president of Stoney Creek Furniture. For tickets to the gala or more information on the show, contact Dave Hanna, president of the OFMA, at (905) 677-6561 or e-mail dhanna@ofma.ca.

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Toronto awaits eager buyers

Aug 20, 2006

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