Merchandising to be theme of seminars at Toronto market

Michael Knell -- Furniture Today, September 23, 2011

TORONTO — A former U.S. retailer turned author and speaker and a Canadian television personality will headline the conference portion of the Canadian Home Furnishings Market (TCHFM), which will begin its four-day run at the International Centre here on Jan. 14.

Both speakers will address issues surrounding merchandising and how it generates retail sales.

Prior to establishing his speaking and consulting firm in Virginia Beach, Va., Harold C. Lloyd was CEO of a 14-unit retail organization operating gas stations, convenience stores and supermarkets in the U.S. Since then, he has been a consultant to corporations in a variety of industries and has authored two books - "It's About Time," which focuses on time management, and most recently one that quantitatively assesses one's ability to lead others, "Am I the Leader I Need to Be?"

In a session themed "Creating a Great First and Lasting Impression," Lloyd will discuss strategies retailers can use to get customers to stay in their stores and buy their products by maximizing their strategic points of difference and exciting the customer. He will share proven methods for implementing effective merchandising techniques at the store level and will offer a number of small ideas that can make a big difference. This seminar is designed for store owners, managers and designers.

Lloyd's seminar will take place Sunday, Jan. 15, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Orion C ballroom in the conference annex to the International Centre.

The next day, television personality and blogger Janette Ewen will present "Design Inspiration for Merchandising Success." She'll provide "inspiring design ideas that can take your store and showroom floors and windows from drab to fab," according to TCHFM organizers. Using product that can be seen at market, Ewen will pull together a series of vignettes and displays retailers can easily recreate in their own stores.

In addition to blogging on the Quality Canadian Furniture website, Ewen is co-host of "Inside the Box with Ty Pennington" on HGTV Canada and is a regular other television programs. She has been an editor at shelter magazines, is a regular contributor to the Globe & Mail newspaper and has served as the designer of the National Home Show's Dream Home.

Ewen's presentation is set for 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, in the Hall4A Workshop Area of the International Centre.

TCHFM is owned and organized by the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Assn. More information about the market can be found online at www.tchfm.com.