Share this on

Why stores shouldn't skip Toronto market

Michael J. Knell, Canadian Correspondent -- Furniture Today, January 6, 2008

Many exhibitors already are dramatically lowering expectations for the upcoming Canadian Home Furnishings Market, which gets under way in Toronto Jan. 12 for a four-day run. While I understand their reasoning, I'm really hoping we're all more than pleasantly surprised by the time it's time to tear down the show for another year.

The role that markets play in the day-to-day lives of independent retailers has changed radically in recent years. For buyers and merchandisers working for the major chains, attending markets is part of their job description. If they didn't turn up, they wouldn't be doing their jobs.

But for the independent, it's a different story.

Independents are confronted by two realities. One, it's expensive to attend any market that's more than a two-hour drive from home, and not just because of hotel rooms and airfare. Two, there are so many choices in markets to attend these days.

The best retailers take every opportunity they can to beg, borrow or steal a trip to a furniture market anywhere in the world — not because they want or need to buy, but because they want the opportunity to see and learn.

Every topnotch Canadian furniture retailer I know is going to be wandering purposefully around the halls of the International Center this weekend, even if they can only get away for a day or two.

But among the exhibitors at Toronto this weekend, there's a growing fear that retailers in western Canada aren't coming to CHFM, choosing instead to go to Las Vegas two weeks later.

While I'm hoping this isn't so, I fear it may be true because of the dual constraints of time and expense. I'm not saying for a moment that a Canadian retailer shouldn't go to Las Vegas. But choosing Las Vegas over Toronto may not be the best move.

There are two important reasons why.

First, the majority of key Canadian furniture suppliers launch products and programs in Toronto. Many don't show in Las Vegas, at least not yet.

Second, the CHFM is the only Canadian market left, and if we are to have a strong industry, we need a viable, important event that we can call our own.

The furniture industry is facing a tough 2008, and everyone along the supply chain will have to make difficult choices.

For Canadian retailers, I believe the best choice is: Go to Las Vegas, yes, but make a stop in Toronto first.

Share this on

Support our industry by attending Toronto show

Jan 18, 2011

Tupelo Market honors Boscov's, two Arkansas reps

Sep 3, 2011

Michaud: Canadian market must appeal to niches

May 28, 2008

CHFM offers wide variety of goods

Jan 6, 2008

Toronto show draws 30 to 50 retailers

Aug 17, 2007

Also by this author

Also by Michael J Knell

Featured Company

FurnitureCore.com

FurnitureCore.com is a dynamic web application aimed at the furniture industry. Retailers and manufacturers alike will find our deep reserve of tools to be exactly what their furniture business needs.www.furniturecore.com... more

Related Resources

Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

Here is a selection of products shown at this month's International Gift & Home Furnishings Market here.

Networking at the 13th annual F/T Leadership Conference

NAPLES, Fla. — Industry executives and guests took the opportunity to network and play golf during down time at Furniture/Today's 13th annual Leadership Conference here this month.