CHFM offers wide variety of goods
By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, January 6, 2008
Toronto — Canada's only major trade event for furniture and bedding retailers starts its four-day run at the International Center here Saturday morning, with some 400 exhibitors hoping to kick-start what may prove to be a mixed 2008 sales year at retail.
Organized by the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn., the Canadian Home Furnishings Market will cover some 700,000 square feet of exhibition space in International Center. The event includes more than 70 permanent and outside showrooms ranging from furniture, mattresses and accessories to area rugs, appliances, lamps and lighting. The market will close on Tuesday, Jan. 15.
"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."
For a number of Canadian retailers — particularly small and medium-sized family-owned stores — the CHFM is their only opportunity to see new product offerings, since they rarely travel to venues such as the Las Vegas Market or the High Point Market. Similarly, for a number of Canadian furniture and bedding resources, this is their only platform for launching new products and programs.
However, this doesn't mean the CHFM isn't subject to competitive forces. Since the launch of the Las Vegas Market in 2005, many CHFM stalwarts have worried that the new show may draw retailers in Western Canada away from Toronto. Indeed, many retailers have quietly told suppliers they'll be making the trip south for a few days in the sun rather than traveling east in the midst of blizzard season.
The Toronto market is also a major platform for the buying groups. In addition to recruiting new members, Mega Group and Cantrex host merchandising meetings both before and during the market, giving their members previews of their programs for the coming months.
And Home Furniture will host its Live and in Colour event at its headquarters in St. Jacobs, Ontario, from Jan. 9 to 11 for its 74 members from across the country.
In addition to being a major product showcase, the Toronto market also plays a big role in the industry's social calendar.
The market will kick off with an evening of music and refreshments on Friday, Jan. 11, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the main entrance of Hall 1. The Kick-Off Cocktail Party is sponsored by Furniture/Today.
On Saturday, Jan. 12, activities will include the 2008 Trends Display Launch Party, which begins at 6 p.m. in Hall 5. The Montreal design team of André Caron and Pierre D'Anjou has created 14 new displays featuring product from many of the market's Canadian exhibitors as part of the event.
Now in its ninth edition, the Trends Display gives retail buyers new ideas for in-store displays.
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 includes the presentation of the 2008 Retailer of the Year Award, the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2008 Retailers Choice Awards. It will be held at the nearby Pearson Convention Center beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Made in Canada is one of the central marketing themes at this year's market.
"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."
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400 exhibitors on tap for Jan. Toronto market
Dec 23, 2007 -
Canada gears up for January market
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