The 2019 CFS market wrap

TORONTO – Normally, I’m the voice of HGO’s wrap-up of that year’s Canadian Furniture Show, but due to circumstances beyond my control (the development of some unexpected health problems), Marie-Eve Boucher and her colleague, Tony Melis, stepped up to fill the void.

Their report can be scene here.

Boucher is the events and communications director for both CFS and the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Association while Melis serves as director of the CFS.

In the report, Melis notes that “attendance has been fantastic, we’re very encouraged by the latest registration numbers that we’ve received in the last couple days. The floor is hopping. If your buying or selling or just want to take in the latest trends, this is the place to be.”

Meanwhile, Boucher enthused about the Trend Showcase, built by the Toronto-based interior designer Linda Mazur and that showcased the best of what CFS exhibitors had to offer. “Linda and her team chose the best products, most beautiful products, and set it up in a great showcase with rooms built around the furniture,” she said. “It was absolutely great and the place to find out what people are going to want in the next few years.”

One of the highlights of 2019 – and one that’s shaping up to be repeated in 2020 – was the international pavilions and exhibitors seen on the floor at the International Centre. “We’re getting people from Spain, Belgium and more Turkish delegations,” Boucher said. “They want to come to Canada to open the North American market and this is a great place for them to do that.”

The 2020 edition of the Canadian Furniture Show will be held at the International Centre here from 16 to 18 January – returning to its historic place as the first furniture trade show of the year.

“2020 is shaping up to be a great year,” Tony Melis enthuses.

Oh, by the way, I’m back in the office now. My life has changed a little. But then, developing congestive heart failure will do that to you. Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere – retirement is still two or three years off, so I’ll be back with next year’s market wrap-up.

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