Lots of new product on tap
By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, January 7, 2007
Mississauga, Ontario — The 35th annual Canadian Home Furnishings Market, this country's only national industry event, comes at a time when many Canadian furniture manufacturers remain under siege.
That's largely due to unfavorable exchange rates and the increasing popularly of relatively low-priced imports, which have captured a big chunk of business in almost every category except mattresses.
But the premarket buzz that's been circulating in the industry in recent weeks includes almost no gloom and doom. Every exhibitor, whether a domestic producer or an importer/distributor, is promising stellar new product, shoring up the CHFM's position as the platform for introductions to Canadian retailers of every size and in all channels of distribution.
This market is important because a large number of independent retailers don't shop the markets south of the border, whether in High Point, Las Vegas or Tupelo. Conversely, for a significant portion of Canada-based factories and distributors who don't do business with U.S. retailers, this is their time to shine.
Owned and organized by the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn., this January market will feature about 400 exhibitors in categories from upholstery to case goods and mattresses to lighting, decorative accessories, area rugs, retail services and appliances.
"This 35th anniversary edition of the show is shaping up to be more dynamic than ever, following in the footsteps of the Canadian furniture industry by taking a more fluid approach to recent shifts in the marketplace," said Jean François Michaud, president and CEO of the QFMA. "The CHFM is unique among furniture shows — a very smart business proposition that provides an overview of the entire industry."
In addition to those showing in the temporary spaces of Halls 1 to 6 in the International Center, some 70 resources have permanent showrooms, either in the International's Canada's Furniture Mart or a short distance away. Among the participants showing outside the building are upholstery houses Superstyle, Décor-Rest, La-Z-Boy Canada and Sklar Peppler, and importers Hamilton & Spill and Eztia.
All the major buying groups will have a presence at market and conduct member meetings. Mega Group (Hall 5—5108), Cantrex (Hall 6—6212) and Home Furniture will have displays. Several social events are on tap (see accompanying box).
The Montreal-based design team of André Caron and Pierre d'Anjou again have put together a Trends Display. The 14 displays, which use furniture made by show exhibitors, are designed to give retailers merchandising and display ideas for their stores.
"In this era of pervasive technology, direct contact between manufacturers and retailers remains the most effective way to do business," Michaud said. "Visitors will appreciate the human scale of the Toronto show, which provides a host of opportunities to meet and greet colleagues in a highly professional yet relaxed atmosphere."
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