Brand New Directory Of Canadian Home Furnishings Industry

Furniture World Magazine

The trio of associations in the Canadian home furnishings industry- the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers' Association, Ontario Furniture Manufacturers' Association and Furniture West, have joined forces to produce The Gallery of Canadian Home Furniture, a top-notch communications tool designed to promote the flair of Canadian manufacturers and their quality products in markets around the world. The Gallery of Home Furniture is a directory that includes Canadian home furnishings manufacturers who have some experience selling their products in foreign markets or would like to develop new market niches. Included are manufacturers of upholstered furniture and wood or metal furniture for the bedroom, dining room, living room and home office. It will be used to promote the Canadian furniture industry, and as a reference guide for international buyers. Canadian manufacturers have earned a worldwide reputation for the quality of their furniture, which meets the highest standards in terms of design, construction and marketing. Canadian shipments of residential furniture came to nearly $3 billion in 1998, with one-third of the total headed for export markets, mainly the United States, Japan and Europe. Since free-trade agreements were signed with several of Canada's prime trading partners, Canadian home furnishings manufacturers have acquired a global view of marketing, becoming increasingly flexible and learning to adjust rapidly to the changing needs of consumers and the diversity of the international marketplace. Twenty thousand copies printed in English, Spanish and Japanese are being distributed to trade missions, embassies and consulates around the world. The directory will also be distributed at international trade fairs and to foreign buyers. The Gallery of Canadian Home Furniture is also available on the internet. The address is http://www.strategis.ic.gc.ca/cp.