MIFF show draws more foreign firms
By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, January 19, 2004
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysian International Furniture Fair organizers closed their exhibitor signup season for the 2004 show with an 11% increase in space to be occupied by international exhibitors.
The 10th annual MIFF show, set for March 2-6, will cover 11 halls of the Putra World Trade Center here with a total of approximately 600,000 square feet.
"The show has a good balance that appeals to the different tastes of the markets," said Ted Goldman, a buyer for Houston retailer Gallery Furniture, who attended the 2003 edition. "It is really value for money with the quality goods I can get here."
The increased international participation is a good sign for a show long dominated by Malaysian producers selling to mostly domestic and regional retailers.
More international buyers are expected, as well. Of the preregistrations received as of Nov. 1, 24% are from European buyers and 8% are from North American buyers. About 6,100 international buyers have preregistered, according to organizers.
Exhibitors anchoring the show include Green River and Pohmay Group, a supplier to Pier 1 Imports and other U.S. companies.
Online hotel reservations can be made through the MIFF Web site at www.miff.com.my.
