Major Changes Lead To A Resurgent 2015 Canadian Furniture Show

Furniture World News Desk on 10/16/2014

The Canadian Furniture Show, previously known as The Canadian Home Furnishings Market or TCHFM, announced that it will introduce a series of new features when the event is held from Thursday, June 4 to Sunday, June 7, 2015. Pierre Richard, the President and CEO of the Show, announced at a launch event held earlier today, that several major changes will be implemented to ensure the event’s sustainability and growth.

In addition to a new name and logo and moving the date from January to June, one of the main changes being planned for the 2015 Show is opening the event to consumers, on Sunday, June 7. “Holding a consumer day became a must in order to ensure the revival of the Show, attract new exhibitors, and enhance the visibility of the event as well as the entire Canadian industry,” stated Mr. Richard. “This is a choice favoured by some of the major European shows. For many potential exhibitors, including some of the big furniture and appliance manufacturers, a consumer day is a highly desired asset. Having such a day provides exhibitors with a unique opportunity to communicate directly with consumers, to see first-hand how they react to their products, and to get some exposure for their brand.”

The renewal efforts began after the January 2014 Show, when surveys, interviews and discussion groups were conducted with some 550 industry respondents. A National Advisory Committee was also created, bringing together 15 professionals from different sectors of the industry and from various regions of the country. The Committee prioritized solutions to address the main issues, which included attracting new exhibitors and visitors, and enhancing the visibility of the event and the Canadian industry.

Among the changes, a major shift toward making the event more inclusive is in the works. This means that in addition to exhibitors set up at The International Centre for the four-day event, this year’s Show will include an increased participation from surrounding permanent and temporary outside showrooms. Following the model of High Point Market, whose exhibition value in the main buildings is enhanced by the participation of outside showrooms spread out over several kilometres in the vicinity, the Canadian Furniture Show will be even bigger, which will attract more visitors who will be offered a wider selection of products. This added value will increase significantly the exhibition floor space.

Other new features of the 2015 Show include extended hours of operation on Saturday evening and a redesigned floor plan, providing visitors with a reinvigorating experience. “We are convinced these major changes, which the industry has called for, will enable us to ensure the relaunch and sustainability of the Show over the coming years,” said Mr. Richard. For all the details, go to canadianfurnitureshow.com.

The Canadian furniture industry has been calling for major changes to TCHFM, and changes are required to ensure the event’s sustainability and growth. Since the industry also expressed its desire to maintain a strong Canadian show, the QFMA, owner and producer of TCHFM, and its new CEO, Pierre Richard, have listened attentively to the industry’s requests and, for the past several months, have worked on the Show’s relaunch.

Since last January, surveys, interviews and discussion groups have been conducted with some 550 industry respondents. A strategic plan was produced and a National Advisory Committee was formed to steer this plan; the Committee brings together 15 professionals from various regions in the country and from different sectors of the industry. The Committee addressed issues pertaining to the Show, and the main issues included attracting new exhibitors and visitors, as well as enhancing the visibility of the event and the Canadian industry. Guided by the overall data that was collected, the Committee recommended solutions aimed at the revival and relaunch of the Show.

Summary of the 2015 Show’s new features, which were announced on October 15.

Why change the Show’s dates?
The first change announced to re-launch the event, was moving TCHFM’s dates. Traditionally held in January, it will now be held from Thursday, June 4, to Sunday, June 7, 2015, at The International Centre in Toronto. The milder weather will attract more exhibitors and visitors. This decision was very favourably received; we have already had encouraging signs from visitors from Western Canada and the United States. Moreover, a June Show is a great opportunity to combine business with pleasure and to create a furniture happening for the Canadian industry.

Why change the name TCHFM?
TCHFM will now be known as the Canadian Furniture Show/Salon canadien du meuble. Everyone knows that TCHFM is an awkward acronym; it’s hard to pronounce and nobody really knows what it means. So, to solve these problems, highlight the Show’s renewal and give it a branding that will facilitate its positioning in the media and the industry, the name and logo have been changed.

The new name, Canadian Furniture Show, is a simple one; it describes the event precisely, makes it easier to promote as the only major furniture show in the country, and clearly positions it in the North American landscape.

As for the graphic symbol, inspired by the Canadian flag, it reinforces the Canadian positioning of the Show in Canada, North America, and internationally. The small house is inclusive of the various products that are exhibited at the Show: furniture, mattresses, appliances, lights, home decorating accessories, rugs and other goods. Meanwhile, the eight coloured squares lend a fresh and design flavor to the visual which is intrinsic to the industry, as well as being a reminder of the new features and trends presented

About The Canadian Furniture Show: The Canadian Furniture Show has been held since 1972 and is produced by the Quebec Furniture Manufacturers Association. The only furniture show in the country and the 7th largest trade show in Canada, it brings together industry professionals, manufacturers, retailers, designers, importers, and suppliers from Canada, the United States and all over the world, to display their latest collections and trends. It is the place where buying decisions are made for the entire Canadian furniture industry. The Show welcomes more than 300 exhibitors, including more than 50 Canadian furniture manufacturers, and some 7,000 trade visitors.