Quebec market widening net to include big stores
By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, September 22, 2003
Quebec City — Exhibitors at the just-concluded Salon du Meuble de Québec gave the three-day regional market a thumbs up, despite generally soft business conditions and somewhat lower attendance.
"It was the best show we've had for the past four years," said Gustave Lapierre, Montreal-area sales manager for case goods producer Mobi-Art. "We saw a lot of our customers, and with the orders we took in, we're very confident about the rest of the year."
Factory executives reported the market's audience has broadened and now includes not only French-speaking independent retailers from rural Quebec and northern New Brunswick but Quebec's heavy hitters as well. Buyers from such powerhouses as Brault & Martineau, Ameublement Tanguay, Le Pere du Meuble and Lions du Meuble were among those walking the aisles at the Centre de foires de Québec.
"Although overall attendance seemed to be off from last year, most of the Quebec majors attended the show," said Laine Reynolds, vice president of sales for stationary upholstery maker Superstyle. "Even though it has a much slower pace than (the Toronto winter market), we more than met our expectations."
"It's a small show and we weren't expecting Toronto-size crowds, but it was still a satisfying event. Most of the big names in Quebec were there," said Louis Bégin, vice president of sales and marketing for upholstery producer Jaymar. "Even though business has been soft, people seem to be positive about the fall. We won't go from soft to booming, but things seem to be improving."
The show is supported by the Quebec divisions of Cantrex Group and Mega Group, which have merchandising meetings for their Quebec banners during the weekend. In all, the market featured about 120 exhibitors covering all the major home furnishing categories.
Mobi-Art's Lapierre said he gets more one-on-one time with retailers here than in Toronto. "This is a very friendly and intimate atmosphere," he said. "They're here to spend time with you. It's a good weekend all around." Quebec remains very much an order-writing show.
"The retailers have been finding business a little difficult right now, so it was up to us manufacturers to excite them with new products and ideas," said David Berger, president of case goods producer Monarch Specialties. "There were plenty of show specials and people were putting together aggressive promotions, which the retailers seemed to respond to."
Monarch had the largest exhibit space at the show, which it used to introduce a bedroom line that it represents in Canada for Coaster.
"Even though I would like to have seen more people, overall I was very satisfied with the show," Berger said.
Exhibitors praised the show's organizers and the high level of service they provide to both exhibitors and buyers. The market is managed by show veteran Francine Beaudoin and is the only Canadian furniture event operated by a private company.
Every executive interviewed said their company would be at next year's show because it's the only venue for introducing designs specifically for the Quebec market. Quebec consumers are European in their tastes, although there is a small but growing market for traditionally styled goods. The province also buys a higher percentage of motion chairs and stationary loveseats than other parts of Canada.
