Small crowds expected at Toronto show
By Michael J. Knell -- Furniture Today, June 2, 2003
Toronto — A soft first half at retail is expected to discourage great crowds from descending on the Toronto Summer Furniture Show, which opens for a three-day run at the Toronto International Centre here Saturday morning.
Organized by the Ontario Furniture Manufacturers Assn., the weekend will be kicked off with the second annual Retailer of the Year Award gala at 6 p.m. Friday, June 6, in the TIC's Aviation Ballroom. This year's honoree is Bill Tepperman, president of Tepperman's Furniture, a five-unit chain based in Windsor, Ontario.
The show encompasses about 43 permanent showrooms in the TIC and in the surrounding area as well. However, not all of the TIC's permanent showrooms will be open. Among those skipping the event are Canadel, Durham, Villageois and Shermag.
Almost two-thirds of showrooms participating are upholstery and/or bedding specialists. Most factory execs and retailers say the event is driven by the upholstery producers, who need to show their new covers before the key fall selling season, which traditionally starts in Canada just before Labor Day.
"I think this show is really addressed to the needs of the upholstery people," said Tom Thompson, president of occasional furniture specialist Artage International. "The dealers aren't really looking for anything except upholstery."
"This is basically an upholstery and mattress show," said Gerry Themens, director of marketing for motion producer Berkline Canada.
Only a handful of case goods producers are taking part in the show, augmented by a small group of lighting and decorative accessory suppliers.
While no one expects this show to be widely attended, execs applauded the OFMA for at least trying to provide incentives for retailers to attend. Prizes were offered to retailers who preregistered, and dealers who attend can win either C$25,000 worth of free furniture for their store or a vacation for two to Cuba. Each retailer will receive a "passport" when they register, and if they get 10 showrooms to stamp the passport, it will be placed in a drawing to be held on the last day.
"Very few people have confirmed that they'll be coming to visit us," said Jim Nopper, director of corporate marketing for casual dining maker Reflections.
"We realize that the dealers aren't going to be there in force," Themens said. "Why should they come to only half a market? Why would they come when most of their suppliers aren't showing? Most people made up their mind about coming a long time ago."
The OFMA received a preregistration request from about 408 stores, although most execs cynically observe that doesn't mean they'll attend. In fact, they believe business has been so lackluster to date in the first half, retailers need little else in the way of excuses not to attend.
But at least one buying group will be meeting here this weekend. Cantrex will bring together the members of its Furniture Plus banner as well as several of its affiliate groups for midyear merchandising meetings. Another buying organization, Mega Group, will hold its midyear product gathering at the Calgary market later in June.
Thompson said retailers might be better served if the OFMA moved the show back to August and ran it in conjunction with the midyear market operated by the Canadian Gift and Tableware Assn.
In addition to Toronto, two other regional markets are left on the calendar for 2003. Marketplace Showplace, operated by the Winnipeg-based factory group Furniture West, will be held at the Round-Up Centre in Calgary June 21–23. The Salon du Meuble de Québec will be held in Quebec City Sept. 13–15.
