CIFF Guangzhou / 60 Long Point

Failure is an option

GUANGZHOU GATHERING

CIFF (China International Furniture Fair) Guangzhou will return this March, and is all set to reassert its importance for both China’s domestic market and global export development …

www.ciff.furniture

CIFF Guangzhou is the world’s largest furniture fair, and brings together the entire supply chain, fusing new products, ideas and solutions in order to meet the market’s constantly evolving needs, through online and offline opportunities and B2B meetings.

Beneath the banner of ‘Design trend, global trade, entire supply chain’, the upcoming CIFF promises to significantly boost efforts to promote the entire furniture industry’s development, respond to new market needs, and offer new, concrete business opportunities for sector players.

The success of last year’s CIFF Guangzhou – which recorded a visitor increase of +20.17% Yo2Y – means there is much enthusiasm and high expectations ahead of the next edition.

The 49th CIFF Guangzhou will take place in two phases, organised by product sector: the first, from 18th-21st March, will be dedicated to home furnishings, home decor and home textiles, and outdoor and leisure furniture; and the second, from 28th-31st March, will feature office furniture, furnishings for hotels, public and commercial spaces, healthcare facilities, and materials and machinery for the furniture industry.

The Canton Fair Complex in Guangzhou, boasting a total area of 750,000m2 of exhibition space, is expected to host more than 4000 companies and over 300,000 trade visitors this spring, and CIFF will pay particular attention to international trade.

The pandemic continues to strongly influence the way relations between Chinese manufacturers and international customers are managed, and CIFF therefore intends to innovate and continue finding new solutions to further develop the network of over 200 world markets developed over 24 years of experience – offering buyers, purchasing groups and international ecommerce operators the necessary information, round-the-clock services, and an efficient one-stop sourcing platform

HIGH-END EDIT

For over 40 years, the Derbyshire town of Long Eaton has played host to a unique furniture-buying event. Now biannual, Long Point continues to attract the industry’s discerning buyers through a combination of quality exhibitors and intimate charm …

www.longeatonguild.co.uk/longpoint

“Originally called Long Eaton Week, it later changed its name to Long Point to reflect its close resemblance to the American High Point furniture exhibition in North Carolina,” says Andrew Mitchell, the chairman of the shows’ organiser, the Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers.

Situated within easy reach of much of the UK, just one mile from J25 of the M1, Long Eaton is known as the UK Centre of Quality Upholstery Manufacture, and its myriad factories, workshops and showrooms reflect a hub of industry that it still very much alive.

“Both events are held in furnituremanufacturing locations, making it easy for buyers to visit many of their suppliers,” Andrew continues.

“There’s always a waiting list of manufacturers and importers wishing to join the show, we just haven’t got the space. Those that are here report that they see a large number of their customers, plus new ones, for a fraction of the cost of doing major events.

“I’ve been in the industry for 65 years, and have participated in Long Eaton exhibitions for as long as I can remember. And I’ve enjoyed every one of them.

“Ask any guild member or guest, and they will confirm that Long Eaton is unique, relaxed and enjoyable. A survey some two years ago reported that over 95% of retailers viewed Long Point as important to their business, and while we don’t necessarily see all those buyers at every edition (especially the international guests), the atmosphere really is electric – the showrooms are buzzing with visitors, full of friendly banter and orders being written. It’s certainly become known as the UK’s most enjoyable furniture exhibition!”

Although the pandemic halted larger-scale events, Long Point’s cross-town format enabled it to spring back into life in September 2020, giving many exhibitors and buyers their first opportunity to meet face to face in many months. “Visitor numbers in May and September 2021 were up too,” says Andrew, “and many exhibitors reported record sales.

“I heard some great feedback from visitors, too, which was a great compliment, as it’s not easy organising these events! They included people saying Long Point was ‘the definitive quality furniture show’, and ‘the best event for seeing different high-end manufacturers’.”

This year’s Long Point shows will take place from 9-11th May (spring) and 19th-21st September (autumn)

THE ATMOSPHERE REALLY IS ELECTRIC

BACK IN BUSINESS

After a two-year wait for the ‘home of interiors’ to return to the NEC, few will begrudge holding off for just three more months to ensure a safer event environment. With the postponement of the January Furniture Show to 24-27th April, Furniture News looks ahead to what promises to be the UK industry’s biggest showcase since the start of 2020 …

www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

WE WILL ALWAYS WORK IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF OUR EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS

Firmly established as the largest and best-attended furniture and interiors event in the UK calendar, April’s big show promises to deliver an “exceptional” buying experience across four halls of the Birmingham NEC, with over 400 UK and international exhibitors offering everything from upholstery and cabinet furniture to beds and accessories.

Previously slated to run from 23-26th this month, January Furniture Show regretfully made way for the rampant growth of the Omicron Covid-19 variant in late December – and the decision was sound, says show director Russell Rule: “We are committed to bringing you January Furniture Show in an environment where everyone feels safe to do business.

“With this in mind, we feel it’s the right decision to postpone to a later date. We will always work in the best interests of our customers – both exhibitors and visitors – and after speaking with the industry we believe a safe and successful event can be best run in April 2022.

“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to the industry for its patience, understanding and support in these challenging times.”

This year’s show will host a plethora of newcomers and exclusive launches alongside returning sector leaders. Split into four halls – Premium Design, Interior Accessories, Living, Dining and Bedroom, and Furniture, Upholstery and Beds – the exhibition will feature the definitive edit of new retail product for 2022, plus supporting services and new business solutions, the return of The Furniture Awards, and the introduction of seminar content and panels to enhance the experience.

Register to visit for free on the show’s website, read on to discover what some of the event’s key players have in store, and keep posted for more in-depth show coverage this April …