Terry Clark, Guy Hodgins, Jeet Dhindsa and Nadir Materali were the first four furniture manufacturers from Western Canadian
to take part in Furniture West’s initiative at the World Market Centre in Las Vegas.
Furniture West makes big splash in Vegas
Written by Michael J. Knell
LAS VEGAS - For four small manufacturers from Western Canada, coming to the summer market here for the first time was akin to getting a shot of B12. It put a spring in their steps, despite the turndown at retail that's being reported throughout North America.
Acme Chrome, Buhler Furniture, Cirey Furniture and Van Gogh Designs all took part in a new program organized by Furniture West, the regional factory association based in Winnipeg.
The scheme was a simple one: bring together a small group of innovative furniture factories from across Western Canada, have them show their newest product designs in a space manned by company principals and executives. The World Market Center was chosen as the host venue because of its increasing popularity as a destination market for independent furniture retailers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
And as added bonus, they would get to meet U.S. and international retail buyers as well.
"For us, it was excellent," said Guy Hodgins, vice president of sales and marketing for occasional case goods resource Buhler Furniture. "The association did a lot more than achieve its initial goal."
Although most of the business media reported that the summer Las Vegas market was quieter than its predecessors, the four reported not only good traffic but good response to the product being shown.
"The response and written orders were well above our expectations," said Terry Clark, president of metal casual dining specialist Acme Chrome.
"I was also surprised by the level of attendance from the east coast," he added. "If there was a disappointing factor it was Western Canada. We saw a number of retailers from Western Canada, but not at the levels I expected."
This was surprising because retail in Western Canada - driven as it is by oil, gas and other natural resources - is probably the most economically healthy region of North America at the moment. Retail in those provinces remains strong, particularly when compared to eastern Canada and the U.S.
Each will also get the opportunity to show at the winter market next February, which most Las Vegas veterans say is the better attended of the semi-annual trade events. Each of the four believes whatever gains they made during the first outing will be vastly improved after the winter market. "It was a very interesting experience," Clark said. "But I'm reserving final judgement until after February."
Acme Chrome focused on its ‘Retro' series of chrome casual dining. This collection, which has been well received by Canadian retailers in recent years, is an updating of the styles popular in the post-war years throughout North America.
Meanwhile, Buhler launched its new collections of occasional tables, most of which will complement its existing collections of fireplaces, curios and entertainment centres. Buhler is one of the few case goods producers in North America manufacturing coffee, end and sofa tables. This collection is also shipped fully assembled, Hodgins said.
Cirey unveiled the latest editions to its Metro collection of bedroom and dining room. The Abbotsford, British Columbia-based factory specializes in better quality solid pine and oak furniture.
In addition to launchings its imported offerings of occasional tables, Van Gogh launched several new contemporary upholstery pieces.
While this was a positive experience, none of the four is ready to sign a lease for their own showroom in the World Market Center just yet. By reputation, it's one of the most expensive furniture markets to exhibit in anywhere. These are small companies that need to carefully balance the cost to benefit ratio.
Cirey unveiled the latest editions to its Metro collection of bedroom and dining room. The Abbotsford, British Columbia-based factory specializes in better quality solid pine and oak furniture.
In addition to launchings its imported offerings of occasional tables, Van Gogh launched several new contemporary upholstery pieces.
While this was a positive experience, none of the four is ready to sign a lease for their own showroom in the World Market Center just yet. By reputation, it's one of the most expensive furniture markets to exhibit in anywhere. These are small companies that need to carefully balance the cost to benefit ratio.
