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400 exhibitors on tap for Jan. Toronto market

By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, December 23, 2007

Toronto — Canada's only major trade event for furniture and bedding retailers will start its four-day run at the International Center here Jan. 12 with some 400 exhibitors hoping to kick-start their 2008 campaign.

Organized by the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn., the Canadian Home Furnishings Market will cover some 700,000 square feet.

The show offers every major furniture category as well as mattresses, accessories, area rugs, appliances, lamps and lighting and juvenile products.

For some Canadian retailers — particularly small and midsized stores — the CHFM is their only opportunity to see new product. For a number of Canadian furniture and bedding resources, the market is their only platform for launching products and programs.

"The Canadian Home Furnishings Market is the most complete residential furniture offering in Canada," said QFMA President and CEO Jean François Michaud. "The show is also the only furniture exhibit in Canada that brings together the highest concentration of local and international exhibitors under one roof."

Launching the market will be the Kick-off Cocktail Party, sponsored by Furniture/Today, from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 11, inside the main entrance of Hall 1

The next evening, the 2008 Trends Display Launch Party will begin at 6 p.m. in Hall 5. Created by the Montreal design team of André Caron and Pierre D'Anjou, 14 Trends displays will feature design concepts using products from many market exhibitors.

The market's social agenda concludes with the Canadian Home Furnishings Awards gala on Sunday evening, Jan. 14. Organized by the Canadian Home Furnishings Alliance — formerly the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers Assn. — the event will include the presentation of the Retailer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Retailers Choice awards. It will be held at the nearby Pearson Convention Centre beginning at 5:30 p.m.

"Made in Canada" is one of the central marketing themes at this year's show.

"Retailers who buy from Canadian manufacturers not only have access to quality and exclusivity, but also to home-grown lumber and products whose primary materials come from well-managed supply chains in line with the principles of sustainable development," Michaud said.

"Furthermore, the furniture is manufactured in accordance with the organization and management methods of just-in-time and can be delivered very quickly in small quantities to avoid cumbersome inventory. Finally, retailers enjoy fast and flexible after-sales service from local manufacturers," he said.

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Canada gears up for January market

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