Cantrex reports best sales, billings ever in '06
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, October 14, 2007
Quebec City — Cantrex officials said the buying group had its best year ever in 2006, with central billings and retail sales reaching new highs.
Moreover, the group has expanded both service and product programs for independent furniture, bedding, appliance and electronics retailers, and is aggressively recruiting new members, officials said.
"We have over 1,200 points of sale across the country generating over $2 billion in retail sales annually," President and General Manager Alain Masse told the 120 members attending the fee-for-service buying and marketing group's first-ever national convention and trade show here in September.
Masse said 22 retailers have joined this year, and that year-to-date purchases made through central billing are up 20.2% over last year.
"Same-store purchases of furniture are up 8.5% to date this year, and appliances are up 22.8%, while electronics have gained 6%," he said, adding that only in bedding have retail orders declined.
The 40-year-old Cantrex previously held two general meetings, one for retail members in Quebec and the French-speaking areas of Ontario and New Brunswick, and another for the members of its Ontario, Western and Atlantic Canada division.
Most industry observers believe the group has lost traction in the furniture and bedding arena over the past decade, particularly in English-speaking Canada, a situation that predates Cantrex's acquisition by Sears Canada from General Electric Capital Corp. two years ago.
But Masse said Cantrex has seen strong growth in appliances, electronics, floor covering and photography, and has grown its furniture and bedding base in Quebec.
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Masse Leaving Cantrex
Dec 15, 2010 -
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Dec 6, 2010 -
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