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ISSUE: May/June 2009

Malaysian International Furniture Fair: The Price Is Right

Some buyers wanted new designs while others sourced for innovative
products, in different categories and markets. But they were all at the malaysian international furniture fair on march 3-7, 2009 for the same
reason because the price here is right.

“I sell outdoor furniture in Spain and Portugal. This is the first time in seven years that I’m here sourcing in Malaysia, besides China. I’m looking for even lower prices here than years ago.”

MICK CHABRA (left)

Director
Chabra Imports Lda, Portugal

“Poland, where I come from, is a very strong furniture manufacturing country in Europe. The manufacturers here produce furniture made of particleboards and solid wood, for export too. These products are good for the mid-end markets. I’m here at the exhibition to buy promotional dining sets.”

AGNIESZKA STONAWSKA

Sales Coordinator
Black Red White SA, Poland

“This is my first time in Malaysia. I find that here, the products’ finishing is better. The price is a little higher. In African countries and the Middle East where I sell in, consumers are looking at the minimum price possible.”

B RAJU

First Choice, Dubai

“It is impossible to sell the same old items on the retail floor. These boring pieces don’t sell anymore. I am looking for new and exciting designs that are competitively priced, during this recession – something different, yet affordable.”

PREM LAMBA (left)

Parkline Products Ltd
Canada

“Chinese products are very difficult to sell even though their prices are low. They are often less durable and receive many customer complaints. I used to source from Indonesia, the prices are higher but quality is better. Now I’m here to look for some classical office and home furniture for my showroom in Ethiopia.”

ABUBEKER BUSER

General Manager
Areema General Business PLC, Ethiopia

“My company produces press plates, laminates and chipboards. My customers are still asking for plates of new designs. They range from all of Asia to India, the Far East and New Zealand. India, in particular, is still doing very well. But I think things will slow down later too. Southeast Asia has started to struggle a bit as some chipboard factories have stopped production for a while.”

IVAN STEINBOCK

General Manager
Capricon Press Plates (Pte) Ltd, Singapore

Current issue:
March/April 2010

To Gather Again In March
Every March, the international furniture community gears itself up for a jam-packed calendar. Starting with MIFF in Kuala Lumpur and to finish with the CIFF-Office Show at the end of March, buyers and suppliers gather in Asia for the latest products and designs the region has to offer. This is in the form of more than a dozen exhibitions running back-to-back.

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