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FB Magazine 2009

January 2009 vol. 12. No 1

If you haven't received a copy and would like one, please email: info@elitepublishing.com.au

The combined first edition of both Furniture and Bedding magazines for 2009
Viewpoint

As I sit down to write this column it is just a few days to Christmas. 2008 has been a roller coaster ride for most of us and, at the moment, it feels like we are heading down one of the longest downhill stretches. The news is still pretty grim, and there is no apparent end in sight, but the forecast for retailing has been pretty positive recently.
New research released in the December ARA Australian Retailers Index revealed a five percentage point jump in confidence among SME retailers, after consistent falls in confidence levels since November 2007.
The Australian Retailers Association executive director Richard Evans said the December ARA Australian Retailers Index showed marked improvement for SME retailers with increases in key economic indicators, but warned the retailers; attitudes were still being affected by 'gloom and doom' rhetoric.
"As the barometer of the economy operating three to six months ahead of the rest of the supply channel, retailers were the only SME group to report a jump in confidence in the past quarter. Right now other sectors are experiencing what retailers felt earlier in the year. In fact, other sectors will be three to six months behind the strong growth retailers expect in September 2009.
"With the number of retailers who reported an increase in sales and profitability rising 9% and 7% respectively, as well as the highest growth in employment of any other sector, there was a lot of good news for retailers over the past quarter," Evans said.
"Despite this good news, the number of retailers expecting to increase sales and profitability in the current quarter has fallen by 20 percentage points and nine percentage points respectively. This indicates the attitude of retailers looking forward has been squashed by negative economic rhetoric, similar to the 65% of consumers who mistakenly believe we are currently in recession.
"Not surprisingly, troubles with cash flow (15%) are a major concern. Cash is king at the moment and, with falling petrol prices and interest rates at their lowest since December 2003, consumers have plenty of it.
"The RBA has done its job by lowering interest rates; the Rudd Government has done its job with the $10.4 billion stimulus package and hopefully consumers will start to do their job and inject funds back into the economy."

Jennifer Curtis
Editor

News

Bunk bed recall
Two national furniture retailers have recalled a number of bunk beds that pose a safety risk to children.
Sleep City has recalled the Jessie and London bunk bed models after it was discovered both were supplied with guard rails that may not stop a child falling from the top bunk.
Fantastic Furniture has recalled the Mikki high sleeper bunk bed because it also had wider gaps in its guard rail than permitted, while there was also a risk small limbs could become trapped in the bed's rail and base.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said none of the beds displayed the correct warning labels.

designEX 2009 countdown begins
Celebrating the passion of the Australian design industry, the central theme of designEX 2009 is designEX - It's a Religion.
designEX is calling all true believers to head to Melbourne on 30 April to 2 May in 2009 for a three-day celebration of design trends, products and people.

Retail Expo Sydney a success
Retail Expo 2008 returned to Sydney in August and attracted key decision makers resulting in serious business being done between exhibitors and retailers.
The show will return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11-13 August 2009.

CHH launches green wood campaign
Carter Holt Harvey Woodproducts Australia, the nation's largest producer of products from plantation forests, has taken the lead in supporting the timber industry's environmental push, announcing details of its green credentials campaign Wood, Naturally.
The announcement supports the theme of Wood Naturally Better - a campaign launched in October 2008 by the Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) industry organisation, of which Carter Holt Harvey is a member.

The future of Australian furniture
Holmesglen Institute of TAFE, Victoria has been working on a pilot project during 2008 to assist and encourage Australian design, manufacture and retail.
The project is in partnership with Michelle Pataki (Pataki Design), Simon Bowler (Silver Lynx) and Gerald Meade (Bev Markz) along with the Furnishing Industry Design and Innovation Centre at Holmesglen. (Read more on page 8).

AIFF 2009 Review

Be inspired
The Australian International Furniture Fair 2009 (AIFF) will showcase more than 300 exhibitors from around Australia as well as China, India, Thailand and Malaysia, when it opens on 4 February 2009 at the Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. (Read more on page 10).

Australian Made

FIAC appoints PR and marketing officer
The Furniture Awareness Campaign (FIAC), a national initiative to promote the benefits of buying Australian made furniture and bedding, recently welcomed Jasmine Fiegehen as its PR and marketing officer.

Minister opens new offices
Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, opened the new Australian Made Campaign Limited offices in Melbourne in October saying that in these uncertain economic times it is important to support local business and buy Australian made. (Read more on page 14).

Health

When furniture makes you sick
Modern furniture contains a surprising number of potentially toxic chemicals that have been linked with allergies, asthma and other health problems.
In October, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission sought assurances from more than 100 importers of flat timber panels (particle board, medium-density fibreboard and plywood) that their products are safe.
According to the ACCC, independent testing by Australian timber industry associations has found formaldehyde levels in some imported timber panels are 'significantly higher' than Australian limits. (Read more on page 15).

Scholarship

Reginald Muir Scholarship
The Reginald Muir Memorial Scholarship will once again be presented in July 2009 at the Furnitex Gala Dinner.
In the previous 15 years, 18 scholarships have been awarded with recipients travelling to all corners of the world in their pursuit of knowledge and a competitive advantage for themselves, their employers and the Australian furnishing industry. (Read more on page 17).

Upholstery

Changing the face of upholstery making
Holmesglen TAFE, teacher Jennifer Critchlow has been awarded an ISS (International Specialised Skills Institute) Fellowship to travel overseas to investigate an area of skill deficiency in the upholstered furniture industry in Australia.
"I am looking at simplifying framing and foundation materials for upholstered furniture to enable recycling, but also to encourage longevity by having easily replaceable well-fitting covers and good quality foundations that last," explained Jennifer. (Read more on page 18).

Spotlight On

Celebrating passion and excellence
If it is passion that is the essential ingredient in the furniture industry, then master craftsman Zeb Walker has it in spades.
Zeb recently swept the board at the Victorian Cabinet Makers Association (CMA) awards with his company winning nine categories. (Read more on page 19).

Foam

Foamco's national expansion plans on track
Foamco remains committed to its investment in the Australian furniture and bedding markets moving forward into 2009.
"Despite the gloomy economic conditions and forecasts, our national expansion plans remain well on track," said Foamco's Nirad Shah. (Read more on page 20).

Awards

Setting the benchmark for quality and innovation
The winners of the annual 2008 Furnishing Industry Association of Australia (FIAA) Awards were announced on 11 October 2008 at an evening of Roman decadence.
The entries came from furniture designers and manufacturers nationwide - in the furnishing industry in areas such as innovation and design, cost effectiveness, excellence in manufacturing, excellence in supply and retail as well as a student award amongst others.
There were 12 national award categories climaxing in the coveted Best of the Best award, this year won by the Ingelwood Products Group for the Foundation Housing Project. (Read more on pages 22 & 23).

Sealy named Manufacturer of the Year
At this year's annual Australian Furniture of the Year Awards, Sealy of Australia was awarded the prestigious Excellence in Manufacturing award. To win the award, Sealy had to demonstrate leadership and excellence in marketing, manufacturing, and productivity initiatives, as well as innovation and export.

Manchester

Luxurious gentle support
New from Dunlopillo comes a revolution in memory foam - the Dunlopillo Therapillo, a premium memory foam Gentle Support medium profile pillow.
Endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association this Gentle Support pillow offers gentle therapeutic support for the head, neck and shoulders. (Read more on page 28).

CumfySafe now with eucalyptus
Snugfit Australia has introduced a 100% natural, eucalyptus Tencel - CumfySafe bed linen.
Similar to silk in feel, the soft breathable, waterproof and comfortable fabric makes for an excellent night's sleep particularly for those with sensitive skin and allergies. (Read more on page 29).

The ultimate in bed linen
Legend Australia has released a new range of jacquard quilt covers and accessories aimed specifically at the master bedroom. Branded Ultima by Logan and Mason, these opulent quilt covers boast luxury fabrics and trims and are designed for the most discerning customers.

All About Beds

ISPA goes green
The International Sleep Products Association's (ISPA) commitment to sustainable business practices has led to it adding a sustainability section to its website at www.sleepproducts.org (Read more on page 32).

Dow helps create eco-friendly sleep systems
Consumers continue to look for new products that can meet their goring demand for 'green' while at the same time providing the performance they are used to getting from traditional products. (Read more on page 32).

How sustainable are mattresses made today
Many of the materials used to make mattresses are made from recycled and renewable materials, and can be recycled at the end of their useful life for use in other products. (Read more on page 32).

Research and development
In the competitive world of mattress manufacturing, a number of companies continually stand out as leaders in the field. These companies are not necessarily the largest manufacturers (although many are), however, they are companies who aren't satisfied with the status quo. These are the companies who continue to search out ways to produce better beds that will provide the very best in support and comfort as well as good looks that appeal to the consumer. To do this, these companies undertake extensive research and development. Gold Furnishing spoke to Gareth Soden, Sealy of Australia's product development manager responsible for their pre-eminent R&D facility, about the importance of the work they undertake, what is involved and how the rest of the industry benefits. (Read more on page 34 & 35).

Most Innovative Product of the Year Awards

Most innovative products
The 2008 winners of the Most Innovative Product Award in both Furniture magazine and Bedding magazine illustrate that Australia is still 'the clever country' with a depth of design and innovation in our manufacturing sector that rivals anything in the world. The products nominated throughout 2008 cover a wide range of markets from domestic to commercial as well as health care and interior design.
Furniture - this year's finalists for the Most Innovative Furniture Product of 2008 are: the Rapco Bag; The Smith Collection by Dusko Lapcevic; the Zula outdoor swing seat. The winner is the Rapco Bag designed by Andrew Hurst, which protects valuable furniture from damage in transit or in storage.
Bedding - Bedding magazine's finalists for the Most Innovative Bedding Product 2008 are a disparate mix. The finalists are: CumfySafe bed linen by Snugfit Australia; Sleepeezee's Enviro Chic bedding ensemble; and the Home Care bed range from Unique Care.
After a difficult decision making process with three extremely worthy finalists, Snugfit's CumfySafe bed linen was chosen as the winner. Similar to silk in feel, the soft, breathable, waterproof and comfortable CumfySafe fabric makes for a perfect night's sleep - particularly for those with sensitive skin and allergies. (Read more on page 40 & 41).

International

Intertextile now in Guangzhou
Intertextile Guangzhou Home Textiles China is one of seven home-related trade events under the umbrella of the 23rd China International Furniture Fair. Organised in the spring to take advantage of a unique buying season, the show will be held from 18 to 21 March 2009 at the China Import and Export Fair, Pazhou Complex in Guangzhou, China.

Housewares and lifestyle
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council's Hong Kong Houseware Fair (20-23 April 2009) is an effective trading and information exchange platform for the houseware and lifestyle industries worldwide.
The 2008 event attracted over 29,000 professional houseware buyers from 145 countries and regions, representing companies with high spending power and influence. Over 2,380 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions participated in the 2008 fair.

Big brands are coming
The 23rd China International Furniture Fair (Guangzhou) Home Furniture is to be held from 18 to 21 March, 2009, concurrently with Homedecor and Housewares China 2009, China (Guangzhou) International Trade Fair for Home Textiles 2009, China International Outdoor and Leisure Fair 2009, and China International Ceramic Exhibition (Guangzhou) 2009.
According to organisers, the exhibitor recruitment for CIFF 2009 March - Home Furniture is going well with increasing overseas exhibitors and domestic top brands known for their design and quality. So far, all the leading brands of domestic office furniture industry have confirmed their participation in the upcoming show.

IFFS/AFS: confidence remains strong
Organisers of the International Furniture Fair Singapore 2009/26th ASEAN Furniture Show (IFFS/AFS 2009), 9-12 March 2009, are forecasting an impressive turnout with an estimated 18,000 visitors from over 100 countries expected to attend despite the less than rosy global economic outlook.

Get set for MIFF 2009
More than 500 companies from the region will gather in Malaysia from 3 to 7 March 2009 for the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF).
Now in its 15th year, the show is bigger than ever, occupying more than 80,000m2 of floor space in two of Malaysia's largest exhibition venues: the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) and the MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC).

interzum
interzum guangzhou 2009, the sixth edition of Asia's most comprehensive woodworking machinery and furniture production trade fair, will be held at the China Import and Export Fair Pazhou complex in Guangzhou from 27 to 30 March 2009. The trade fair in 2009 spans across eight halls and occupies an impressive 80,000m2, a 30% increase from 2008. Over 600 exhibitors will showcase an international mix of the latest technology in furniture production and woodworking.

TIFF goes green
The Thai Department of Export Promotion (DEP), is once again joining forces with the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and the Thai Furniture Industries Association (TFIA) in organising the Thailand International Furniture Fair 2009 (TIFF 2009) in Bangkok.
The event is scheduled to take place from 11 to 15 March 2009.
This year's event will be organised under the concept of Imagine Green Living, and is anticipated to feature over 250 furniture entrepreneurs in over 900 booths, from Thailand and key Asian markets including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia.

Interior Lifestyle China
Interior Lifestyle China attracted over 8,000 visitors on four days and the fair organisers were praised for focusing on emerging Chinese designers.
The second edition of Interior Lifestyle China in Shanghai, 19-22 November, attracted over 8,000 visitors from 35 countries and regions.

Famous 3F
The International Famous Furniture Fair (3F), Dongguan, China (6-20 March 2009) is held concurrently with the International Famous Furniture Woodworking Machinery and Material Fair (IFM) and Dongguan Home Accents Fair (DHAF).
Commonly known as 3F, this semi-annual event features leading furniture manufacturers from mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Dates change for Las Vegas Market
Responding to the evolving dynamics and desires of home furnishings buyers and manufacturers from around the globe, starting in 2009 World Market Centre Las Vegas will host Las Vegas Market in Autumn and Winter instead of Summer and Winter.
Organisers believe the change in dates - based on extensive third-party surveys, conducted by Trade Show Week Research, and feedback from key constituents - will better serve every segment of the home furnishings industry both domestically and internationally.